marine7198
Member
is t5 better than cf? is a t5 lighting fixture has less wattage than a similar cf fixture which one would you go with and why?
t5 vs cf
- Thread starter marine7198
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marine7198
Member
ok thank you
bang guy
Moderator
It depends. T5 is more efficient for three reasons:
1 - The bulb diameter is smaller which allows the mercury plazma to produce the same amount of light using fewer phosphors.
2 - The 'U' shape of the CF causes a significant amount of restrike. That's where the light leaves the bulb but lands back on the bulb wasting the energy.
3 - The T5 can have a much smaller reflector.
I say it depends, because CF can get more light into a smaller area. It just uses more power to do it. If space is the limiting factor then CF wins. If you have the space then T5 wins hands down.
Personally, if I were space limited I would prefer an HQI MH over CF but that wasn't an option on your list.
I also once fit 4 VHO bulbs over a 10 gallon tank...
1 - The bulb diameter is smaller which allows the mercury plazma to produce the same amount of light using fewer phosphors.
2 - The 'U' shape of the CF causes a significant amount of restrike. That's where the light leaves the bulb but lands back on the bulb wasting the energy.
3 - The T5 can have a much smaller reflector.
I say it depends, because CF can get more light into a smaller area. It just uses more power to do it. If space is the limiting factor then CF wins. If you have the space then T5 wins hands down.
Personally, if I were space limited I would prefer an HQI MH over CF but that wasn't an option on your list.
I also once fit 4 VHO bulbs over a 10 gallon tank...