another bulb question

[swalke2]

I tried searching for a <u>"simple"</em></u> answer but couldnt find one. Its time to chang the 10k and actinic bulbs in my corallife T5 fixture and wondering if I will be okay to stay with the "<span style="font-size: 12px;">Coralife 30 Inch 31W 10,000K T5HO Fluorescent Bulb" or is there a better option? Also should the Actinic be changed as well?</span>

Everything has seemed to do well under the OEM lights that came with it


Thanks agian in advance.

Steve

 

[texhorns98]

It depends on the coloring you want. When I ran T5, I used Geissman bulbs and loved them. They are a little more expensive, but well worth it. How much are the replacement bulbs you're looking at now?

 

[swalke2]

What I have seen is they are around 15-20$ each. I know in this hobby you get what you pay for and that is partly the reason for my question.

I also see it is hard to find a 30" bulb also.

 

[ichthyoid]

'Better' is a very subjective thing when it comes to lighting. Several brands make good quality lamps, so it really depends on what you prefer color-wise, as long as the lamps used provide sufficient PAR.

I agree mostly on the 'you get what you pay for' rule, but there are also many exceptions. Just not when it comes to T-5 lamps -IMO.