finch6013 Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 What one will have more usable and better light for actinic supplement? Because of length issues I need to keep in under 20'' and those are looking to be my only option, other than current makes a 20w 18'' T5 but being the same length as the competitors I think its really just a renamed 18w. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Pretty sure the PC will have more light. An 18" 18w T5 is just a regular aquarium light like you would see over most any 10 or 20 gallon freshwater tank. I would check the wavelength on the actinic as well. I like the way the flourescents pop out with the 420nm Actinic better than the 460nm. (460 is more blue while 420 is closer to uv) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted October 23, 2009 Author Share Posted October 23, 2009 I was thinking of using a current USA brand 40w dual actinic that is 460nm on one tube and 420 on the other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 I was thinking of using a current USA brand 40w dual actinic that is 460nm on one tube and 420 on the other. Sounds like a plan to me. The best of both and the mix will keep it from looking too purple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Snorkelwasp Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 more watt=more par...just pick a good bulb.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
undrtkr_00 Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Pretty sure the PC will have more light. An 18" 18w T5 is just a regular aquarium light like you would see over most any 10 or 20 gallon freshwater tank. I would check the wavelength on the actinic as well. I like the way the flourescents pop out with the 420nm Actinic better than the 460nm. (460 is more blue while 420 is closer to uv) I think the more typical aquarium (like on a freshwater or FO setup) lights are actually T8, not T5. T5 are much more efficient in terms of light/watt than a T8. I don't know how the CF and T5 compare on a watt for watt basis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted October 23, 2009 Author Share Posted October 23, 2009 I wasn't talking about T8 stuff just shorty t5 compared to CF. I think I will probably go with the CF since I think it will be better than the t5 for some reason. I cant see a T5 being twice the output of a CF watt for watt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 I think the more typical aquarium (like on a freshwater or FO setup) lights are actually T8' date=' not T5. T5 are much more efficient in terms of light/watt than a T8. I don't know how the CF and T5 compare on a watt for watt basis.[/quote'] Yes, I just went and looked at the one I have and it is indeed a T8. T5 and T8 though are just light diameters. T8 is 8 x 1/8" which is 1" in diameter. T5 is 5 x 1/8" which is 5/8" in diameter. The only advantage in efficiency that I am aware of is that the smaller diameter will block less reflected light. I.E. If there is a reflector more of the light shining at the reflector will bounce back down into the tank. I could be wrong but I think the CF and T5 can be compared pretty much on a watt for watt basis as they are essentially the same type of bulb with the shape being the main difference. (A 40w normal flourescent ballast will work for a 40w CF bulb and vice versa) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 What is a CF bulb? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted October 23, 2009 Author Share Posted October 23, 2009 I meant PC. compact fluorecent or power compact. Same thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Compact Fluorescent/Power Compact, same difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 DOH! Gotcha, I thought it would be something as simple as that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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