It won’t take you very long to understand why T5 lights for aquariums have become so popular. In setting up fish aquariums, the lighting is a critical component for healthy fish and a vibrant fish tank. The lighting is the very essence of life in fish aquariums; that light and heat must be at acceptable levels for the fish and plants to thrive.
What Is T5 Aquarium Lighting?
T5 lighting is simply the name given to a fluorescent lamp that can be used in many places such as aquariums, terrariums as well as home light fixtures. The name comes from two things about the lamp; the T stands for the tubular shape while the 5 stands for the five eighths of an inch diameter. T5 fluorescent lighting has been proven to be more energy efficient and cost saving in the long run.
So Why Use T5 Lights For Your Aquarium
T5 aquarium light fixtures are a good choice for lighting fish aquariums for several reasons. The first and rather obvious benefit is that the T5 is compact in size, taking up very little room in the aquarium. Secondly, this lamp gives off a light that is less intense yet plenty bright for the average size fish tank. A light that is too bright can easily be harmful to aquatic life.
T5 aquarium lamps are also temperature controlled, getting warm enough for thriving yet not hot enough to make a negative impact on the environment inside the tank. The minute details of aquatic life in a tank need to be extremely exacting to achieve the right balance for life to thrive. The cool running performance-driven electronic ballasts of these modern wonders makes them precise and reliable and their light amplifying para-dynamic reflectors help achieve maximum output with minimum energy and heat.
Where Do You Find T5 Lights For Your Aquarium?
Since 1995, fluorescent lighting and particular T5 lighting fixtures have steadily become more popular and therefore more readily available to the average consumer. The initial expense of such lighting was a put-off to many people at first, even though the T5 was more efficient with added cost savings for the future. Once consumers saw research that proved this cost effectiveness, T5 lighting started to become a good option for home lighting. Now that this lighting is popular and in demand, it is relatively easy to find.
Many pet stores or specialty fish and aquarium stores — anywhere that might sell aquarium supplies, really — should also sell them. Buying online can be a good option as well because there is more choice and competition, which can help you find better pricing. Just be sure to check out some reviews before you commit to your purchase online.
CoraLife and Current USA produce reputable models, like the Nova Extreme Pro, a high-output fluorescent lighting fixture.
T5 aquarium lighting encompasses all the good qualities a fish tank owner seeks in aquarium lighting. Compact in size with good light that is not too strong yet strong enough, steady temperature that is not too cool or too hot and last but far from least, economical value in that T5 lamps are energy saving in the long term.