t8s?

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by armison89, Jul 27, 2011.

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  1. armison89

    armison89 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    ok i will start with the fact that i know there are a lot better lights for sale, but why does everyone hate t8 bulbs?

    wouldnt they work for low light corals like:

    brains
    trumpets
    doughnuts
    hammers
    torchs
    zoas
    Mushrooms
     
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  3. elliottrobert66

    elliottrobert66 Astrea Snail

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    i have 2 acntic 420 1 18000k t8 on old 55 gal 4 ten years not same bulbs but everythings zoas hammer candy cane greenstar etc fine
     
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  4. armison89

    armison89 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    i can fit 6 t8 bulb over my tank i was thinking 4 10000k and 2 420 actinics.
     
  5. elliottrobert66

    elliottrobert66 Astrea Snail

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    4 those of us at the bottom of the income ladder t8 looks good if research and know what your doing they work people always scoff until they c rate of growth in the old 55 trickle filter skimmer lights 10gal change a week works!
     
  6. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    I don't think it's a matter of anyone hating T8s, it's more of an issue with them not being the most efficient solution for reef tank lighting- that's why other options were developed. IIRC, Steve Wright posted pics just a few weeks ago of a very impressive reef that was thriving under only 2 T8 bulbs. You just need to understand the limits and select your corals accordingly.
     
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  7. armison89

    armison89 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    thanks for the help. i dont have the money to buy a good t5 or leds.
     
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  9. elliottrobert66

    elliottrobert66 Astrea Snail

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    id go 3an3 upgrade 2 18000k if u can find them keep with top off you`ll do fine
     
  10. armison89

    armison89 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    i think 180000k are to red
     
  11. homegrowncorals

    homegrowncorals Ribbon Eel

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    t 8s work very well for most soft coral, the best growing soft coral tank i ever had was with old t12s, so much so i have gave thought to scraping my t 5s and going back.
     
  12. elliottrobert66

    elliottrobert66 Astrea Snail

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    under 18000k i still get decent shimmer effect ! also my duncans do well in this tank !