Aqua Medic Aqualine T5 Plant Grow 24w

Description

Aqua Medic Aqualine T5 Plant Grow 24W — Red and blue weighted T5 HO tube for planted aquariums of about 60 cm

Aquatic plants use mostly the red and blue ends of the spectrum, while a plain white tube spends much of its output on the green and yellow that leaves reflect. Aqua Medic Aqualine T5 Plant Grow 24W (SKU: AB88730) is the 24 W, 55 cm tube in Aqua Medic’s aqualine T5 range, a high-output (HO) fluorescent lamp whose spectrum accentuates the red and blue regions and, according to Aqua Medic, comes close to the absorption spectrum of aquatic plants. Those wavelengths stimulate photosynthesis. Reef Builders, reviewing the range, described Plant Grow as a slightly pink tube geared to the planted aquarium. At 55 cm it suits fixtures over tanks of about 60 cm, the usual size for a first planted aquascape.

The red weighting has a second effect that Aqua Medic points out: fish with red pigmentation, the cardinal tetra being the maker’s example, show stronger colour under it. On its own the light looks warm and slightly pink, so Aqua Medic recommends combining it with aqualine T5 Reef White 10K, which together give the aquarium a brilliant, natural appearance; in a two-tube 60 cm fixture that means one of each. This is a standard T5 HO lamp with G5 bi-pin ends and it needs a fixture or ballast rated for 24 W HO. A 14 W standard-output T5 tube is the same length and uses the same pins, so check the ballast rating rather than the length. Fluorescent output fades gradually long before a tube fails, and planted-tank keepers commonly renew T5 tubes about once a year, staggering the change in a two-tube fixture.

Usage & Application

When to Use

• 60 cm planted tanks: Fixtures that take a 55 cm, 24 W T5 HO tube.
• Slow or pale plant growth: Adding the red and blue light that plants absorb.
• Red-coloured fish: Cardinal tetras and similar species show stronger colour.
• Twin-tube fixtures: Paired with Reef White 10K for a natural overall look.

Installation & Setup Guide

• Match the fixture: A 24 W T5 HO ballast with G5 sockets and a 55 cm lamp position.
• Switch off first: Disconnect the power and let the old tube cool before removing it.
• Seat both ends: Push the G5 pins fully home and refit any waterproof end caps.
• Renew on time: Replace about once a year, one tube at a time in a twin fixture.

Product Specifications & Highlights

Key Features

• Plant-weighted spectrum: Red and blue emphasis close to plant absorption.
• Colour for red fish: Aqua Medic cites the cardinal tetra.
• 24 W high output: T5 HO intensity from a 55 cm tube.
• Pairs with Reef White 10K: Aqua Medic’s recommended partner tube.
• Standard G5 fitting: Suits any 24 W T5 HO fixture.

Product Details

• Brand: Aqua Medic (Germany)
• SKU: AB88730
• Barcode (GTIN/EAN): 4025901116663
• Product Type: Lighting > T5 HO Fluorescent Tube (Planted)
• Lamp Type: T5 high output (HO) fluorescent, 16 mm diameter, G5 bi-pin
• Power: 24 W
• Length: About 55 cm (549 mm standard T5 HO length)
• Spectrum: Red and blue weighted for plant growth
• Recommended Partner: Aqua Medic aqualine T5 Reef White 10K
• Suits: Fixtures over aquariums of about 60 cm
• Other Sizes: Aqua Medic Aqualine T5 Plant Grow 80w (AB88733)
• Target Environment: Freshwater planted aquariums