There are many different types of bulbs such as the t8 fluorescent bulbs and the CFL bulbs that come in different wattage such as 125 W CFL or even as high as 300W CFL. However there is a new range known as the t5 bulb which is simply any type of fluorescent light bulbs with a very thin diameter and very narrow shape. They are more energy efficient since they use very little energy as compared to other fluorescent bulbs. This energy saving capacity of theirs has made them a market favorite and therefore the best choice if you want to save on electricity bills. Even though they save energy they come with their own special ballasts that operate the same way as those used for other normal fluorescent bulbs. However these ballasts are slightly differently shaped so as to match the t5 bulb and the circuit being used by the specially shaped bulb.There are different types of the t5 bulb and all of them with different places where they can be used best. The first example is the t5 lamp which is normally preferred for use in aquariums. This is because they add more light into the aquarium and yet use fewer bulbs. The other reason why a t5 bulb is a better choice for your aquarium is because it introduces light that is useful in the aquarium. These lamps also produce flatter light and not the spotlight kind that is produced when you use MH bulbs. You can also use these t5 lamps as grow lights in green houses since they produce uniform lights and are brighter than other fluorescent lighting but they still have less wattage as compared to those previous ones.The other type of the t5 bulb is the t5 linear tubes, this are preferred since they are not prone to overheating such as the other fluorescent lights or other general incandescent lights. This means the rays from the t5 bulb is at a medium range and will not harm the fish in the aquarium or the plants that are under its rays. This is therefore an added advantage to it’s suitability as a grow light or for aquarium lighting. Another thing that is very convenient about the lack of overheating is that when they are used as grow lights there is very little risk of starting accidental fires. Therefore you can put them as close as possible to the plants.Finally, the t5 bulb is very long lasting and hence has a very high durability. If coupled with the correct halogen transformer you can use it for up to fifteen thousand hours with very little decrease in output over the time period. If you are using it in a green house then that means you have about three years which is a very considerable amount of time and can help you save a lot on lighting costs in the long run. It also makes it a long term solution for lighting your aquarium or green houses so that you do not have to go back and forth with replacing your lighting.

Mark Hudson is the author of this article on Photocell. Find more information, about Halogens here.

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