T5 Fluorescent Light Specifications

T5 lamps have become increasingly popular among marine hobbyists. These fluorescent tubes are available in a spectrum and color temperature that are well suited to the needs of both photosynthetic marine animals, such as corals and freshwater plants. T5 fluorescent tubes are neither as heavy as metal halides, nor do they give off as much heat as what the halide bulbs do. T5 can therefore easily be placed close to the water surface, which increases light levels.

  1. Standard and High-output (HO) Fluorescent Tubes

    • T5 linear fluorescent lamps are available in both high-output (HO) and standard lamps. T5 HO lamps were introduced into the U.S. in 1998 and became immediately popular, as they offered twice the lumen output as a T8 fluorescent tube. Although the TS standard and T5 high-output tubes are the same length and diameter, the high-output delivers 5,000 lumens, compared to the 2,900 lumens that are given off by the standard tube. The standard T5 tube effectively offers the same light output as what a T8 fluorescent light does. The T5 fluorescent tube is therefore effectively 50 percent more energy efficient than a T8 fluorescent tube of the same length.

    Color Temperature

    • Both T5 standard and high-output tubes are available in a number of color temperatures, these being 3,000°K, 3,500°K and 4,100°K. The higher the color temperature of the fluorescent tube, the deeper the light can penetrate. This is of great importance to marine hobbyists, who have deep aquariums and need light to reach photosynthetic animals, such as corals that are placed on or near the bottom of the tank.

    Low Mercury Content

    • T5 fluorescent tubes have the advantage of low mercury content. T5 tubes lights are coated on the inside of the glass tube, which prevents both the glass and phosphors from absorbing mercury. This coating significantly reduces the tube's mercury requirements from some 15 mg to 3 mg per fluorescent tube. As mercury absorption negatively affects fluorescent tubes by causing their output to fall with use, the T5's internal coating, keeps the light levels close to their original output. During the first 40 percent of its working life, the T5 tube experiences a light depreciation of only 5 percent.

    Sleek Design

    • With its small 0.625-inch tube diameter, the T5 can easily be placed within almost any height aquarium canopy. The sleek design of the T5 fluorescent tube, also allows more tubes to be placed in a canopy than would be the case with the thicker diameter T8 fluorescent tube.