Changing t8 to t5

[Brad123]

Hi all I got a fluval 126 tank that I won on eBay. It come with 2, t8 tubes. I can change them from t8 to t5 28watt and put reflector on as well. Will be running co2 and dosing EI.
Will the lighting be enough? Would like to try and do a Dutch tank.
PS the wife wont let me hang lights from the roof it dose not look nice🙁.
If it wont be good enough any ideas.

Thanks Brad

 

[ian_m]

You will need to buy matching T5 ballast/starter/controller.

Something like the Arcadia ACE2U5 will support 2 off 28W T5 tubes.
http://www.arcadia-aquatic.com/ultra-seal-t5-controller/

Be careful when changing, my mate reduced his old single T8 lit tank to an algae soup when he changed to a longer T5 tube (+controller) as it was so much brighter than his old T8 setup.

 

[G H Nelson]

Hi Brad
I would go easy on changing the lighting straight away!
Use the t8s for 3 or 4 months and grow some healthy easy plants first!
Lighting causes a lot of the algae issues on this forum.
Brighter lighting drives Co2 uptake, so if you don't get the Co2 flow/circulation spot on you can have major plant issues!
Cheers
hoggie

 

[Brad123]

Sorry should of said it a new take just got it yesterday. Will be running 2 external pumps and a wave maker so circulation should be ok. Just was not sure about the lights.

 

[Brad123]

Thanks ian and hogan decided to stay with the t8 and see how it gose.

 

[rebel]

Thanks ian and hogan decided to stay with the t8 and see how it gose.

Good move. 🙂 Less light is almost always better.