T5 vs. T6... Difference?

[reefereric]

Hey all... I know everyone uses T5, but there's a local guy here selling a 4x24 T6 fixture for a good deal (I think) with extra bulbs. Comes with a bunch of 12k and actinic bulbs. What is the difference from T5s? Will it work on my 29 gallon reef?

 

[geoj]

Standard T6s are Compact Fluorescent and are not as efficient as High Output T5s. You can fit more T5s over the tank then Compact Fluorescent and T5s produce more light per watt. You could use Compact Fluorescent lights to keep some types of LPS and soft corals. But I would save my money and buy HO T5s