Does anyone use T8s?

[fretfreak13]

I don't have the money to go out and buy a T5 fixture/ballasts/whatever. They're uber expensive, and I my dad (electrician) can get ahold of a fixture that will fit T8 bulbs. On the Coralife bulbs, it says they can support corals and other things for a reef. What kind of corals? Are T8s any good, cause I don't hear much about them when I'm reading through on this site.

 

[dragonzim]

T8s are ancient technology as far as aquariums go. Better off saving up some money to get T5s if you want to stick with florescent.

 

[fretfreak13]

I don't know anything about lighting at all. I thought all lights were flourescent! What does that even mean? XD Is there a noob thread that can explain lighting for a 15 year old girl?

 

[wangotango]

Not even close to the amount of light you'd get with T5ho with individual reflectors. The selection of T8 is also so small it's not even worth it.
Fretfreak: The "T" means fluorescent and the number following is the diameter of the bulb in 8ths of an inch (ex T5 are 5/8" dia, T8= 1" dia, T12= 1.5" dia).
-Justin

 

[fraggle rock]

JetsKikiing wrote a great thread about lighitng basics check it out
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/364885/aquarium-lighting-101
IMO T5 is the way to go, the best PAR/lumanes per watt of all the T series lamps, more lamp configurations available, beats the Heat ( maybe not the quality of MH) Retro kits are a good way to go if you can DIY, you can save a little cash, plus get individual reflectors. If not teh Nova series ( pro or exterme) by Current USA or TEK5 are great, the nova is the best per cost. lookm on the auction and classified sites for deals on used ( consider new bulbs when buying used)
Another DIY option especially if dad is an electrician might be LED done DIY form you can spend about the same as a new Nova ( depending on your exact config) If youre into this idea PM me ill get you detailed info.