T5 vs T8?

[primasilva]

So I was looking at the Arcadia site yesterday and was wondering - is the T5 or T8 fluorescent bulb better? I have a T8 fixture right now, but I'm planning on replacing it and could go either way.

 

[Jaskotch]

Personally, I would not buy a new t8 fixture. I think of it as an obsolete technology.
There is simply no comparison between a T8 fluorescent and a high output T5.
That being said, you have to take into account the size and type of enclosure. The T5 will have minimum distance requirements that must be considered. And you wouldn't want a T5 to run the full length of your enclosure, either. 3/4 length is the general rule that I've seen here (and at Arcadia) when considering the high output option.
But, speaking theoretically, T5 is the future, now.

 

[primasilva]

Thanks for the info! I also emailed the guy from Light Your Reptiles, and he said the same thing

I have a 55 gallon aquarium. Ended up getting the 36" HO T5 fixture with a 34" 12% & 6.5k daylight bulb added.