Some Cheap T5 light from Lighting shop

[News]

Had gone to some lighting shop and found that they had sell some source of T5 light (which they claimed) which is quite cheap. It look like a small version of FL but the price for a single tube inclusive of housing (no waterproof type), built-in ballast, tube (have various colour), wire is only about $10/-.

But reading from the DIY forum, I found that an average aquarium T5 light is about $80/- for a double tube (for 2 ft) with all accessories.

Just wonder any body know about this type of T5 light and whether they can be used in the aquarium but of course with some protection to the waterproofing.

[Gouldian]

Had gone to some lighting shop and found that they had sell some source of T5 light (which they claimed) which is quite cheap. It look like a small version of FL but the price for a single tube inclusive of housing (no waterproof type), built-in ballast, tube (have various colour), wire is only about $10/-.

But reading from the DIY forum, I found that an average aquarium T5 light is about $80/- for a double tube (for 2 ft) with all accessories.

Just wonder any body know about this type of T5 light and whether they can be used in the aquarium but of course with some protection to the waterproofing.

T5 is just a general indication of the diameter of the tube.

The T5s we are using are with a spectrum suitable for ours needs.

Beside that, the T5s that we used are HO aka High Output where as the wattage are:

2ft - 24w

3ft - 39w

4ft - 54w

5ft - 80w

The T5s available in electrical shops are usually SO or NO aka Standard Output or Normal Output.

Beside not giving you the correct spectrum they do not comes with enough intensity to penetrate your water.

HTH

[ozy]

But these T5 are great as working lights in the sump cabinet .

[News]

If the tube are of the same diameter, can I replace the tube with the aquarium type or do I need to change the ballast that come together?

[ozy]

You will have to check the wattage of the ballast. If the ballast is not of the right wattage, it cannot fire the T5 tubes. You may have to change the ballast if that happens and ultimately, you may ended up better off getting the retrofits meant for aquariums.

[Terryz_]

yup... you would need to change the ballast too..

[woonming]

But these T5 are great as working lights in the sump cabinet .

Some of these could act as moonlight if the tube could be change into a blue tube..

And Ozy is very right about using it in your sump area as they are very compact in size.