Re: T5 wattage

[Bill Wichers <billw at waveform_net>]

> Question about T5's:
> LFS was selling some 18" T5 bulbs w/ disposable ballasts for $20 per 13W
> bulb and ballast. The problem was that even though each bulb was marked 13W,
> proprietor maintained that wattage was equivalent to that of a 55W compact
> fluorescent and that two 13W T5's would suffice for a 29 gallon tank. Does
> anyone have any insight as to what he may have been talking about?
>
> Victor

Whoever told you a 13w T5 lamp is equivalent to a 55w  PCF  (Power Compact 
Florescent) lamp is very mistaken. A 13w T5 might be approximately 
equivalent to a 13w PCF, but certainly nothing beyond that. Two 13w T5 
florescents will work fine for a 29 gallon *fish* tank, but don't expect to 
grow much in the way of plants with that little light.

I have used 8w T5 flourescents over 2.5 gallon tanks for years since 
they're just about the perfect size lamp for that size tank. I think a T5 
does put a out a bit more light than a T8 of equivalent wattage, but at 
best they might be comparably to PCF lights of *the same wattage*.

I think the proprietor you talked to probably doesn't understand what he is 
selling.

        -Bill


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Waveform Technology
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