...continued
> How many do I need?
The number and combination of bulbs you add largely depends on what you are keeping. You'll probably be looking at four to six for the average tank, but you might get away with less if you're keeping inverts that are tolerant of lower light levels, such as zoanthids, Pachyclavularia, Leather corals and corallimorphs (mushroom anemones). If you're considering swapping your halides for T5s, D and D Aquarium Solutions reckon you ought to use three 54w T5s to replace each 150w metal halide.
> Do they actually work out cheaper than metal halides?
Individually, they're cheaper to buy, but you may need more of them - maybe six or more if the tank is large. Costs can therefore work out similar to metal halides. You could save a few quid on replacement bulbs, though. Some T5 bulbs can be yours for as little as tenner, but you'll be lucky to pick up a metal halide bulb for less than 50 quid.
> How do the running costs compare?
By our calculations, based on the recommendations of T5 distributors for the number of bulbs to use, electrical running costs are similar, and potentially slightly higher than with metal halides.
The biggest savings will come to those who currently have a large number of standard fluorescents. T5s kick out more watt-for-watt so you could save a few quid on electricity if you're thinning out the number of bulbs by installing fewer T5s.
> What sorts are available?
There are several different designs: stylish luminaire fittings, which include a built-in ballast, reflector and several bulbs, need to be suspended from the ceiling; slimline units, like those from STM and D and D with a ballast and one or two bulbs, are designed to sit under the hood, while canopies like the models from Arcadia and Aquatic Solutions sit on the top of the tank, replacing the hood.
> All of those on the market look rather similar. Are there any significant differences?
There are differences in the types of ballast used, which may have some bearing on performance, as well as minor differences in the build quality of the actual light unit itself. However, the most critical differences are in the quality and design of the bulb and reflector used.
There are several different brands of bulb on the market, with each manufacturer making different claims about performance. D and D claim that their bulbs use a superior "A1 phosphor mix" and are the spectra designed specifically for use on aquaria. It's a good idea to use a mixture of bulbs to get the spectrum and light quality you're after. Ask your retailer.
Experts reckon that the gull-wing style of w-shaped reflector is best, because it directs around the tube back to the tank, rather than pointing it back at the bulb
And from another famous site.
VHO, T5, PC Lumen Comparison
Rob,
Do you know where I can find a lumen output comparison of VHO, T5 & Power Compact? Can't seem to find one anywhere. I was told the new T5 lamps actually have more lumen output than even Power Compact bulbs. Would love to see some stats on this. Thanks, Rob
<I am not sure that such a comparison exists, and if it does only a few brands/models are probably compared. The bottom line is that the differences in efficiency between types of florescent lamps in terms of lumens/watt is probably trivial. PC's and especially T-5's are brighter because they pack the watts into a smaller package which also allows more lamps to be placed in the same amount of space and permits more efficient reflector designs. Smaller lamps also cast a smaller shadow (this is not a trivial consideration), and double ended lamps (as opposed to the "horse shoe" design of PC's) allows light exiting the sides of the lamp to be reflected downward as opposed to shining onto the adjacent tube. I hope this helps. Adam>