T5 vs CFL = how much diff in electricity?

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by Stammer, Oct 17, 2011.

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  1. Stammer

    Stammer Bristle Worm

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    So Help me understand.... Does my compact Florescent fixture with 215watts total, use the same or more electricity as a t5 fixture with 215 watt total?
     
    Stammer, Oct 17, 2011
    Stammer, Oct 17, 2011
    #1

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  2. WhiskyTango

    WhiskyTango Eyelash Blennie

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    It's the manner in which those watts are converted into light and directed at your corals that makes T5 superior.

    No need to shine light on a lit bulb.
     
    WhiskyTango, Oct 17, 2011
    WhiskyTango, Oct 17, 2011
    #2
  3. chumslickjon

    chumslickjon Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Watt are you talking about? :p
     
    chumslickjon, Oct 17, 2011
    chumslickjon, Oct 17, 2011
    #3
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    The wattage rating is how much power they use, so they would be equal. However, you will get more PAR/PUR from T5s. There's also a larger selection of high-quality bulbs for T5, and they last twice as long.
     
    Mr. Bill, Oct 17, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Oct 17, 2011
    #4
  5. Stammer

    Stammer Bristle Worm

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    Do the T5 bulbs run cooler?
     
    Stammer, Oct 18, 2011
    Stammer, Oct 18, 2011
    #5
  6. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    The wattage is the same, the light output (as measured by PAR) should easily be 2-4x higher from the T5s and they will punch down deeper. They should run a bit cooler IME.
     
    m2434, Oct 18, 2011
    m2434, Oct 18, 2011
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  7. Stammer

    Stammer Bristle Worm

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    So, light output for the same wattage would be 2-4 times as much? WOW! :cheesy:
     
    Stammer, Oct 18, 2011
    Stammer, Oct 18, 2011
    #7
  8. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    Depends on the articular bulbs, depth, reflectors etc... but certainly that is reasonable for a typical reef tank.
     
    m2434, Oct 18, 2011
    m2434, Oct 18, 2011
    #8
  9. Stammer

    Stammer Bristle Worm

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    But all things being equal, like wattage, kelvin rating on the bulbs, same depth of tank, etc..... 2-4 times higher output?:-/
     
    Stammer, Oct 18, 2011
    Stammer, Oct 18, 2011
    #9
  10. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Yes and greater depth penetration due to far superior reflectors if individual reflectors are used on the T5HO.
     
    2in10, Oct 18, 2011
    2in10, Oct 18, 2011
    #10
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