Lighting question

[BIGT FROM F.B.]

I recently changed my 2 aquariums over from the standard fluorescent fixtures to the T-5 HO fixtures. Do they use more power than the flourescents? Seems like my power bill has been going up lately. Could be my A/C is getting old also? LOL!!!

[StudentoReptile]

My understanding is that they put out more efficient light by using the same amount of power (or possibly less?). I'm not sure...been a while since I read the specs, and I do not use them anymore.

If you are seeing a sudden increase in your power bill, I would suspect something else is at play, unless you replaced two lightings with perhaps...a dozen for each tank. They don't use THAT much power to put that much of a dent in your bill.

Add a new appliance lately? Is an old one malfunctioning and warranting more use to get the job done? AC units, fridges, washer, dryers, etc...those are what eat up your power.....not aquarium lights. Now maybe if you suddenly just filled a room with 5-6 saltwater tanks with state-of-the-art equipment, that could make a change, but even then.

Its summer,...if you have an old system, and you have been working it hard to keep the house cool, I bet that is probably it.