Aqua Medic Aqualine T5 Plant Grow
Water type
Freshwater
Aqua Medic Aqualine T5 Plant Grow
A growth-spectrum T5 tube for planted freshwater tanks, not a reef white. The Aqua Medic Aqualine T5 Plant Grow is a T5 HO fluorescent tube tuned to the red and blue peaks plants use for photosynthesis, rather than the broad white or blue spectra built for coral colour. It is a drop-in replacement for any T5 HO fixture running the same wattage tube.
Key features
- Growth-tuned spectrum — weighted toward the red and blue wavelengths chlorophyll uses, rather than a display-white spectrum.
- Two wattages — 24 W for nano and small planted tanks, 80 W for larger or multi-tube setups.
- Drop-in replacement — fits any T5 HO fixture rated for the matching wattage.
Specifications
| Wattage | SKU | Barcode |
|---|---|---|
| 24 W | AB88730 | 4025901116663 |
| 80 W | AB88733 | 4025901116694 |
Which wattage do I need?
Match the tube to what your fixture is rated for — T5 HO tubes are sized to a specific wattage and will not run correctly on a ballast built for a different one. A 24 W tube suits a single-tube nano or small planted tank; 80 W suits larger tanks or fixtures running multiple tubes, where you want one tube dedicated to growth spectrum alongside display tubes.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for freshwater planted aquariums where the priority is plant growth rather than a display spectrum. Not intended as your only tube on a heavily planted or high-tech CO2 tank — most keepers run one Plant Grow alongside a broader-spectrum display tube rather than relying on it alone.
Care and maintenance
T5 tube output drops well before the tube stops lighting up — plan on replacing it on a yearly cycle in a planted tank you are pushing hard, rather than waiting for it to visibly dim.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by the manufacturer's standard warranty, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships standard parcel from North Lakes, QLD.
Common questions
Can I run this as my only tube?
You can, but most planted tanks look better with a display-spectrum tube alongside it — the growth spectrum alone tends to read yellow-green rather than natural.
Will it fit my existing T5 fixture?
Any T5 HO fixture rated for the same wattage will run it — check the wattage marked on your existing tube or fixture before ordering.
Does it help with algae?
No more or less than any other light source — algae responds to nutrient levels and photoperiod, not tube spectrum. Keep the photoperiod consistent and have a nutrient-uptake plan in place.
How long does it last?
We do not have a manufacturer-stated lifespan figure for this exact tube. As a general T5 HO guide, plan on replacing annually in a heavily planted tank, even though it will keep lighting for longer than that.
