Is T5 lighting going away?

[Erasmus Crowley]

As I've been reading the forums this year, I've noticed a few comments about T5 lights that seem to suggest that they are going to be unavailable at some point in the near-ish future. The tone of the comment is usually very 'matter of fact', as if it's well known information. I also haven't seen anyone really question the idea when it comes up in a thread. To me, this makes it feel like the community also generally accepts that it's likely to happen.

To be clear, I'm not saying that this prediction is wrong. I would like to understand why it seems so prevalent, and why people seem so sure of it. I personally haven't seen any indication that T5 for aquarium purposes is going away anytime soon. So, what is the available information that I'm missing? Have there been any statements from manufacturers, vendors, or politicians or anyone in any position of power that can provide support for (or evidence against) this idea?

 

[scottkoji]

i too would love to hear an answer to this as i plan to use T5s in future builds

 

[pennied]

t5 been going away since the 2000’s!

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

I doubt you will see t5 go away. In many peoples opinions, t5 still provides the best total coverage of all the options. To others, its just supplemental. But if they went away then you'd be stuck supplementing with more LEDs.

I personally had the best success when I had an ATI light. My only problem is having to hang them. My ceilings have enough holes from moving and replacing tanks lol

 

[MoshJosh]

I think the issue (at least initially) will be the bulb manufacturing (I think the fixtures will stick around for the pot industry if nothing else haha), but will the reef specific bulbs sell well enough for companies to keep making them. I hope so, but time will tell.

 

[Rmckoy]

They have been saying t5 bulbs will eventually not be available but as mentioned above they provide the best light for reefs , as well as growing .
I personally have never used anything other than t5’s for my tanks but having a little issue now with a 27” deep tank
I have read t5’s are only good up to 24”

 

[mtraylor]

It all boils down to supply and demand. AKA "Money". If demand is high enough, they will keep making them. Heck. MH bulbs are still being made. Not as many places to buy or choices, but they are still making them

 

[Erasmus Crowley]

It all boils down to supply and demand. AKA "Money". If demand is high enough, they will keep making them. Heck. MH bulbs are still being made. Not as many places to buy or choices, but they are still making them

I definitely still see a lot of love for T5s here on the forums. Especially as fill lights in hybrid setups. I can't imagine that demand for them just going away unless the government banned them or something.

It is starting to seem like this attitude of impending doom for fluorescent bulbs might be pure speculation with no substance.

 

[The Opinionated Reefer]

The guy on the german ATI youtube channel stated that they have a contract that they will be manufactured until at least 2025 and more than likely be renewed beyond that. Or something along those lines as I was using the auto-translate.