I started with a t8 light fixture and have a 55 gallon tank. Are you getting enough light for the plants that you have? I cut the reflector down to allow me to squeeze two shop lights over the narrow 13 inch width. I have to say that my plant growth was amazing.
I went to a t5 light fixture and that is when my algae problem started, so be careful.
Slow growth and algae can be caused by a multitude of variables, water parameters, light period, plant type, etc.
Actually, I read that t5 bulbs aren't more efficient than t8 bulbs. It is the smaller diameter of the t5 bulb that allows more light to be reflected that makes a t5 light fixture better than a t8 or t12. Now, if your talking about a t5HO light fixture, that is a different matter.
I went to a t5 light fixture and that is when my algae problem started, so be careful.
Slow growth and algae can be caused by a multitude of variables, water parameters, light period, plant type, etc.
Actually, I read that t5 bulbs aren't more efficient than t8 bulbs. It is the smaller diameter of the t5 bulb that allows more light to be reflected that makes a t5 light fixture better than a t8 or t12. Now, if your talking about a t5HO light fixture, that is a different matter.