T5 HO vs PL tubes
 

Hi, lost touch with lightings and will like to seek advise on the above mentioned.
Need to know the followings.

1) Amount of Heat Produces.
2) Cost for Tubes ; say base on 36W PL and 39W T5HO
3) Lifespan
4) Your Personal Preference.

Thanks and Happy Fish Keeping...

Regards,
Vinz.;)

1) Amount of Heat Produces. - T5 less
2) Cost for Tubes ; say base on 36W PL and 39W T5HO - T5 cheaper in long run, infact quite cheap in short run too

eg for 2ft tank. one 36W PL tube is short and may not have adequate coverage of tank. one T5 24W HO emits lumens comparable to 36WPL, have better coverage (tube length) and last longer.

3) Lifespan - T5 last longer
4) Your Personal Preference. - T5 better :D

Hmmm...
Thanks for your clear and simple answer...
So looks like T5 is the winner...

Then its time for the Ultimate Question!
Where to get this HO T5 tubes?
Best price (Of Course):D

Regards.

T5 offers better coverage then PL due to the length and fittings.

However, most T5 loses their intensity after 2-3 months and replacement rate can be high depending on the quality of casing and the bulb. So it could be possible that you end up buying more tubes then PL.

To have the best benefits of a High output T5, the best bet is to buy a good light set and light bulb. But this means higher cost. For economical purchases, just buy OSRAM T5 from any hardware store will do, unless you are having a marine tank.

PL lose intensity just as fast as T5.
T5 is better as individual reflectors can be fitted into a relatively slim light casing. individual reflectors increase intensity of a light fixture as compared to one with a single reflector.
for individual reflectors to be used in PL sets, the casing has to be quite wide.