| Fluorescent Light |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Applicability |
Aquarium Depth |
Bulb life |
| Normal Output |
Commonly available and cheaper |
Light output lower compared to others. Size limits how many can be used over the aquarium. |
Medium-light corals in the upper regions and lower-light corals. |
15 to 20 inches |
6 to 9 months |
| High Output (HO) and Very High Output (VHO) |
Higher light output for same size of tube. Fewer number needed or more can be packed in same space. |
Higher cost. More heat. |
High-light corals in the upper regions of tank, with medium to lower light toward the bottom. |
20 to 24 inches |
9 to 12 months |
| Power Compact |
More light in a compact package |
Higher cost. Shape limits efficient reflector design. |
Higher-light corals in the upper regions of tank, with medium to lower light towards the bottom. |
18 to 24 inches |
9 to 12 months |
| T-5 High Output |
Thinnest profile allows for a high density of bulbs in a limited space. More efficient |
Highest cost. |
High-light corals in the top half of tank, with medium to lower light towards the bottom. |
18 to 24 inches |
12 to 15 months |
