Aqua Medic Aqualine T5 Plant Grow 80w

Description

Aqua Medic Aqualine T5 Plant Grow 80W — Full-length 145 cm plant growth tube for large planted display aquariums

Lighting a five-foot planted display evenly from end to end takes tubes that run its full length. Aqua Medic Aqualine T5 Plant Grow 80W (SKU: AB88733) is the longest and most powerful Plant Grow tube in Aqua Medic’s aqualine T5 range, an 80 W, 145 cm high-output (HO) fluorescent lamp for fixtures over aquariums of about 150 cm. Its spectrum accentuates the red and blue regions, which Aqua Medic says comes close to the absorption spectrum of aquatic plants; those wavelengths stimulate photosynthesis and so create the conditions for luxuriant growth. The tube itself looks slightly pink when lit, a cast Reef Builders noted when it reviewed the range.

On a large tank the colour of the fish matters as much as the plants, and Aqua Medic notes that red-pigmented fish, such as a shoal of cardinal tetras, appear more vibrant under Plant Grow. Because the light is warm on its own, Aqua Medic recommends combining it with aqualine T5 Reef White 10K for a brilliant, natural appearance; in a four-tube 150 cm fixture, alternating two Plant Grow with two Reef White 10K spreads both spectra along the whole aquarium. At 80 W per tube, a bank of four puts out a great deal of light, so heavily planted, CO2-injected tanks are where it earns its place; a low-tech tank may want fewer tubes running or a shorter photoperiod to keep algae in check. The lamp has G5 bi-pin ends and needs an 80 W T5 HO ballast. Output declines gradually with age, so renew tubes about once a year, one or two at a time.

Usage & Application

When to Use

• 150 cm planted displays: Fixtures built for 145 cm, 80 W T5 HO tubes.
• High-light aquascapes: CO2-injected tanks with demanding stem plants.
• Large shoals of red fish: Cardinals, rummy-noses and red-finned species.
• Multi-tube fixtures: Alternated with Reef White 10K along the tank.

Installation & Setup Guide

• Check the ballast: The fixture must drive 80 W T5 HO tubes at 145 cm.
• Handle with care: Support the long tube in the middle when removing and fitting it.
• Seal the ends: Seat the G5 pins fully and refit waterproof end caps where used.
• Stagger renewal: Swap one or two tubes at a time so the light shifts gradually.

Product Specifications & Highlights

Key Features

• 145 cm length: Covers the full span of a 150 cm aquarium.
• 80 W high output: The most powerful tube in the Plant Grow line.
• Photosynthesis spectrum: Red and blue emphasis, per Aqua Medic.
• Brighter red fish: Red pigmentation shows more strongly under it.
• Alternates with Reef White 10K: Aqua Medic’s suggested combination.

Product Details

• Brand: Aqua Medic (Germany)
• SKU: AB88733
• Barcode (GTIN/EAN): 4025901116694
• Product Type: Lighting > T5 HO Fluorescent Tube (Planted)
• Lamp Type: T5 high output (HO) fluorescent, 16 mm diameter, G5 bi-pin
• Power: 80 W
• Length: About 145 cm (1449 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 150 cm
• Other Sizes: Aqua Medic Aqualine T5 Plant Grow 24w (AB88730)
• Target Environment: Freshwater planted aquariums