difference between t4 and t5?

hi, can i ask what is the difference between t4 and t5 lights? is it if i were to use t4 lights instead of t5 for corals just as long as the watts are the same? btw what are the suitable watts for a 12 gal tank?

 

The T4 is a Terminator Model, while T5 is what people use for corals.

In all seriousness, I didn't know there was a T4 light for aquariums.

 

means there's no difference in the light intensity besides the diameter? btw how many watts are suitable for a 12 gallon?

 

There is in the respect that the number of lumens/amount of PAR per watt on the bulb is related to the diameter.

The problem I see with T4 is that there's no real aquarium bulbs around for it, so it'll likely look bad and may not give lighting that's good for coral growth.

 

The amount needed will depend on the corals to be kept. Softies would be fine under a single 24 watt T5 bulb, most LPS also. SPS and clams you would want 2 to 4 bulbs depending on the light needs of the animal.

 

y go with t4 when you can go with t2's
we just use t5 because they have the most options for aquaria though

 

The "T" in bulbs refers to the number of 1/8ths of an inch of diameter. A T5 is 5/8", and a T4 is 1/2" in diameter. I did a quick google search for T4's and aquaria. While T4 lighting does exist, I didn't bother checking the efficiency, or lumens created per watt of input. This would determine if the T4 has any advantages over the T5.

But the most important considerations IMO are firstly the availability of T4's in "colors" that we reefkeepers use, (10K, 14 an 15K, 20K, actinic, etc.), and lastly; are they sold by the people who cater to aquarists?

Personally I wouldn't bother with them unless you have no issues finding them in abundance, and in the colors you need.

 

So no one posted the obvious ? the difference between T4 and T5 is clearly…..1 T !! wait, this is algebra, right ?

 

haha ok good one crimson ghost. i'll go read up more about it then.