T8 Fluorescent Aquarium Lighting - This is the basic model most people starting off in aquariums inevitably buy. Its the cheapest lighting unit available and it also produces the least amount of light. T8 bulbs are 8/5 of an inch in diameter.

Commonly sold as part of a hood system they are mostly used in a fish only marine system or a freshwater tropical unit where high levels of light are not needed.

They come in many shapes and sizes, from the Arcadia Arc Pod to Over the Tank Luminares, and of course the standard lighting controllers.

Because of their inexpense and less wattage they are cheap to run, around £4.00 to £8.00 per bulb.

Most T8 bulbs also only output 7,500K, indeal for plant growth but not light loving coral. If your system has this lighting you are very limited as to the type of reef system you can create (only those with filter feeding organisms).

ICan I upgrade my Hood with T5 Unit?

In short yes, in most cases your aquarium hood lights will unscrew, allowing you to place a T5 lighting controller instead. However somtimes you can get a plastic molded unit where the lighting is integreated into the hood. In these cases you would either have to get a new hood made or do for a Overtank Luminare system.

 

Arcadia Arc-Pod - This is a small Over tank Luminare unit with one double filament T8 Light. As yet (2007) there is no T5 Unit available.

This unit is only suitable for freshwater plant life or fish only system. Also only suitable for very small tanks.

T8 Lighting Controller - can come in 1 or 2 bulb connections which are screwed into the hud. The ballast unit is external and normally placed on the floor.

LED Lights are used purely for aesphetics. They can bring out night scenes vividly or allow you to create a night show to impress your friends.

Aqualight Lunar