Please help to choose Lighting for 50cm tank.

[AnA]

I am looking for a lighting set for my 50cm tank. I had visited many fish shops and finally noticed 2 suitable 4 x 8watts T5 lighting (length 45cm) and a 36watts PL light set.

T5 (4 x 8watts)
I was afraid this may not provide full coverage for the whole 50cm tank. Width wise I am not worry, but the length maybe a problem. May I know the length of th T5 8w tube? It seem pretty short.

PL (1 x 36watts)
I saw a 36watts PL lighting set (length 51cm) which is also suitable for my 50cm tank. The light coverage seem better than the above T5 set. But, PL is maybe hotter. Older technology, more shading...etc.

The shop owner test out both set of lightings, I find 36w PL seem to have higher light intensity than the T5 4x8w set. Maybe T5 of that size does not come with high kelvin like 6500k?

Actually, I like the T5 set more, but afraid that the light coverage not as good as the PL set. Also, not sure if we could get 6500k for such T5 8watts tube. Anyone had tried both of the above lightings please advise which is better. Thanks.

[christopher.wtc]

Hi,
I was using T5 tubes 8 watts before. They are 30cm in length. It's not enough for your tank. You should worry about the height of your tank as well. Light might not penetrate well for high tank. 30 to 40 cm should be alright for T5s. PL lights are the better choice for your tank. Light intensity of PLs are stronger.

An advice, get a lighting system that you could add on more lightings in future, coz you wont know when you will need more. Full spectrum bulbs with temperature between 6500k to 10000k are good.

Good luck bro.

[bossteck]

What's the height of your tank?

[AnA]

Thanks Christopher, for you kind advise.

The height of my tank is 29cm. As for T5 tube of 8watts, it may not come with 6500k or higher K tubes. But PL tubes confirm has more Full spectrum tubes. I think I will look into the PL 36w set then. This 36w PL set also come with electronic ballast. So, heat wise will not be an issue from the ballast. However, heat from single PL tubes is definitely higher compare to single 8w T5 I think. But one 36w PL Vs 4x8w tubes; maybe both set produces the same amount of heat?

Hi,
I was using T5 tubes 8 watts before. They are 30cm in length. It's not enough for your tank. You should worry about the height of your tank as well. Light might not penetrate well for high tank. 30 to 40 cm should be alright for T5s. PL lights are the better choice for your tank. Light intensity of PLs are stronger.

An advice, get a lighting system that you could add on more lightings in future, coz you wont know when you will need more. Full spectrum bulbs with temperature between 6500k to 10000k are good.

Good luck bro.

[bossteck]

29cm, that's not very tall.
Have you considered LEDs? Provided the intensity suits your plants.

[AnA]

Thanks bossteck,

Yes, I have but the price for LED light set should be very expensive right now? For the professional LED set, it should have the right intensity for the plants I think.

29cm, that's not very tall.
Have you considered LEDs? Provided the intensity suits your plants.

[christopher.wtc]

Yup nA,
More or less the heat produced by both the lighting are the same. Bear in mind T5 tubes will generally distribute the heat more evenly where heat from the PL may be concentrated at a particular spot.

A thought, the darker your substrate the more heat it absorbs which is good for water circulation under the gravel. Though this advantage is minor.

If your concern is water heating up by the light, a fan blowing the air between the light surface and water surface will desipate the heat well.

I wish you make the right choice, good luck bro.

[AnA]

Thanks Christopher for the advise.

Actually my main concern is more to the total light coverage and the length of the light set. As long as it meet this; it should be OK. Thanks.

[oceanus]

Thanks bossteck,

Yes, I have but the price for LED light set should be very expensive right now? For the professional LED set, it should have the right intensity for the plants I think.

the LED lighting does cost a little bit more.. but in the long run saving.. the amount spend to maintain the hobby is already paying for the equipment..

thinking about the bulb replacing every 6 mth to a year as well as the electrical consumation, and the additional need for a fan or chiller to cool down the water ect,,,

you can check out here..

http://www.oceanus-light.com/oceanusled.html

[AnA]

Thanks Oceanus,

I have just purchased the normal single PL 36w for my son's 50cm tank. If not, I may try LEDs.

Anyway, I notice the Oceanus LED, could I use it for my another tank...4ftx2ftx2ft planted tank to replace my T5 54w x 2?

the LED lighting does cost a little bit more.. but in the long run saving.. the amount spend to maintain the hobby is already paying for the equipment..

thinking about the bulb replacing every 6 mth to a year as well as the electrical consumation, and the additional need for a fan or chiller to cool down the water ect,,,

you can check out here..

http://www.oceanus-light.com/oceanusled.html

[oceanus]

Thanks Oceanus,

I have just purchased the normal single PL 36w for my son's 50cm tank. If not, I may try LEDs.

Anyway, I notice the Oceanus LED, could I use it for my another tank...4ftx2ftx2ft planted tank to replace my T5 54w x 2?

Hi AnA,

Sure you can.. but it is recommanded to get 2 X 4ft of the oceanus LED for you planted tank.. so it will only be a total of 28.8W comparing to to a T5 - 108 W !!