T5 lights

[T Fades]

Hi All,

Tried this thread in the 'Technical' section with no luck, so I will try here. Mods, please feel free to move back if you feel necessary.

Anyway,
I have an 80g fw community tank that is lit by 2 Coralife T5 fixtures. Each fixture has 2 28w bulbs, 1 is a Flora 6700k bulb, and 1 is a full spectrum I believe.

I have 2 questions:

1) Are the T5 bulbs able to permeate deeper water better than say a T10? My tank is 24" deep and not quite sure if these T5's will penetrate any better than larger diameter bulbs.

2) I understand the whole 2 wpg rule of thumb. Now, my fixtures put out a total of 112w, 56w of 6700k and 56w of full spectrum. Does the 2 wpg rule apply to just my 6700k bulbs, or can I consider the entire 112w in trying to reach the 2 wpg. I am about 1.4 wpg with using the 112w, but only at .7 wpg of the 6700k light.

Thanks.
T Fades

[T Fades]

Bueler! Bueler!

[bushwhacker]

count the total watts from both lights

[PostalPenguin]

T5s wont penetrate more per se, but they are more efficient than T8s and other types. T5s actually violate the WPG rule in that they generate more light per watt than T8s or T10s. So overall you have a good amount of light.

[T Fades]

Thanks Bushwhacker and PostalPenguin.

So, considering I have 112w of total light for my 80g (about 1.4 wpg), would you consider my options for plants to be medium light, or should I still stick with low light plants?