T8 dim?

[nstd]

I just picked up a used set up with a t8 fixture.

Ive been running t5s and CFL and the t8 is noticeably dimmer. Is this normal?

 

[nightanole]

If you look directly at it, a T5 will look brighter than a T8 because its a more concentrated light source. In terms of lumens per watt, A t5 is more efficient that an t8, which is more efficient than a t12.

So assuming both bulbs were the same wattage, the T5 would put out more light. Now if the T5 was a HO, then it would automatically be putting out 2x more light than the T8, and after factoring efficiency it would be putting out 3x more light.

 

[nstd]

He said the bulb is new. Does a t8 bulb gets dimmer over use?

 

[JGspecial]

so........what nightanole said, did it interest you or clear up anything or are you just assuming your bulb is bad? only other suggestion i have is to get another t8 and compare it to the one you currently have.

 

[nstd]

so........what nightanole said, did it interest you or clear up anything or are you just assuming your bulb is bad? only other suggestion i have is to get another t8 and compare it to the one you currently have.

From nightanole i learned that t5s are brighter. But im curious as the dimmer light (t8), can they get less bright over time?

 

[WAMBO]

CFL UVB bulbs look dim. I thought that I had a bad one, called ZooMed and got a replacement, and it looked the same. 3 out of three looked the same. Since I upgraded to an Xtra large cage, a got a linear T5. It's brighter. Since a T8 fixture was on sale at Lowes, I bought one as a spare. Indeed, the T5 is brighter than the T8.

 

[RcManChild]

Any fluorescenct will get more dim over time. However since we should be changing the bulbs every 6 months or so this should not impact you greatly or to where it is noticeable.