Bulb Count vs. Bulb Size
- Thread starter gussy
- Start date
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
T-5 depends on the reflector for its intensity. You can get by with lower wattage because of that. You can also put more bulbs in the same space because of their smaller size.
I prefer VHO myself, I don't think anything compares to URI super actinics for color.
I prefer VHO myself, I don't think anything compares to URI super actinics for color.
That is simply incorrect. If fact that is a a flat out lie. SPS will grow just fine under VHO and there are hundreds if not thousands of tanks out there to prove it. T5 may or may not be better that VHO, but don't spread false info.
gussy, how big is the canopy and what are the dimenisons? Also what are you planning on keeping, and size is your tank?
Reefdaddy1
In Memoriam
He is correct on the VHO, but please put your stick back in the shed. The most effective rating system on light for a tank is PAR Value. Basicaly it rates light penetration to the bottom of your tank. Saying that, the Studies I have done show T5 have better PAR value then MH 175. Reason is .. The T5 reflector used was the Ice Cap model and it was far superior to the TEK model supplied by sunlight supply. PAR for T5 HO on a 18" distance was 135, PAR for the MH 175 at same distance was 124. Also a Big concern with MH is Heat. So the MH was 12 inches above the waterline to imitate hanging didtance from the water. MH has its advantages with appearance of shimmer and such, But my thought is T5 is the future and alot less wattage used. Lower Amps as well. so cost savings as far electric bill. Also T5's have been known to last alot longer then MH's or PC. MY tests will prove or disprove that theroy. So I hope this helps.
doodoobrown
New member
if we go back to your original choices i would go with the vhos. i have great growth and i agree with desertrat, i dont think you can beat the color of the uri super actinics
The canopy is 36 x 15 with a top that opens 30 x 10. I have no choice but to use a retrofit as I can't find a fixture that will fit inside the hood properly.
What I'll have is probably 1 or 2 150W MH that will be mounted on the canopy door. However, due to the limited high of the canopy, I''ll have shaded areas on the edges. I plan to pack as much VHO/PC/T5 as I can fit in addition to the single MH.
For 24" Bulbs:
T5HO = 24W
PC = 55W
VHO = 75W
Which is brighter and can penetrate deeper?
What I'll have is probably 1 or 2 150W MH that will be mounted on the canopy door. However, due to the limited high of the canopy, I''ll have shaded areas on the edges. I plan to pack as much VHO/PC/T5 as I can fit in addition to the single MH.
For 24" Bulbs:
T5HO = 24W
PC = 55W
VHO = 75W
Which is brighter and can penetrate deeper?
For the orginal poster, PAR is Photosynthetically Available Radiation, and does not measure penetration. This site has the definition:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/s/b/sbj4/aquarium/articles/MetalHalideLamps1.htm
I agree that lots of people keep MH very high up, but I don't see any reason to believe that heat is any more an issue with MH than T5, watt for watt. I'll be lowering my MH fixture over time, so I guess I'll see.
T5 seem to be more efficient, as people have said, but I think it's ugly compared to VHO, and I won't use it until the phosphors are changed.
Ten33
New member
I use T5's, and could not be happier. You can mix and match the bulbs to achieve the color that you like your tank to be. If you are sticking w/flourescents, consider the T5's. Research the threads on RC, you may be surprised on the penetration/par. I'm not trying to spark the T5 vs MH debate once again, just trying to offer another choice that you may have overlooked.
What do you guys mean by saying T5 are not good looking? Do you mean the output as compared to PC? All I have are PCs right now.
After reading about T5s I was first concerned about the low wattage, but these are my option right now.
The lights will sit only 1" off the tank acrylic cover which would give the lights about 2" from the water. Due to my canopy I can't use a 36" fixture. I plan to move my LTAs to that 24" high tank which currently has 2x65PC. If I'm going to have some acros it will be only a few pieces and will be on top of the LR which would be no more than 8" from the lights.
Here are my two last options:
(a) 6 T5 24W 24".
(b) 2 T5 24W 24" plus 1 250W MH DE.
The only reason that I'm hesistating about the MH is the heat and every body says that it looks ugly sitting only 2" from the water and will generate too much heat. I have an enclosed canopy but can install fans to vent air.
So what do you guys think?
After reading about T5s I was first concerned about the low wattage, but these are my option right now.
The lights will sit only 1" off the tank acrylic cover which would give the lights about 2" from the water. Due to my canopy I can't use a 36" fixture. I plan to move my LTAs to that 24" high tank which currently has 2x65PC. If I'm going to have some acros it will be only a few pieces and will be on top of the LR which would be no more than 8" from the lights.
Here are my two last options:
(a) 6 T5 24W 24".
(b) 2 T5 24W 24" plus 1 250W MH DE.
The only reason that I'm hesistating about the MH is the heat and every body says that it looks ugly sitting only 2" from the water and will generate too much heat. I have an enclosed canopy but can install fans to vent air.
So what do you guys think?
Personally, I think the heat issue is bogus, but I haven't done the experiment. You might need to install fans, but that should be all that's required.
I would prefer the look of the 250W MH. I think it'll be brighter as well, if you can use a good reflector. The T5 systems can produce very nice tanks, though.
If it's at all possible, I'd say look at some of the setups in action. That's how I made up my mind.
I would prefer the look of the 250W MH. I think it'll be brighter as well, if you can use a good reflector. The T5 systems can produce very nice tanks, though.
If it's at all possible, I'd say look at some of the setups in action. That's how I made up my mind.
Reefdaddy1
In Memoriam
Heat not important? Are youi Nuts? Touch MH bulb after 15 minutes and see what happens to your finger. Not mentyion the cost in electric over time. I will run VHO or T5 and same amount of time and cool to the touch. They low impact lighting on enviroment not Light. PAR is so Much Better in T5 then MH and you could over clock T5 with IC 660 Ballst and greater results, almost double. Loook does not supplant the fact that GARF groes all thier corals with VHO, Including clams , So MH is just another expense for looks, when all my corals need to look beautiful is a VHO.
Yes...heat is defintely an issue. I've seen it personally, that is why have this issue...otherwise, I'll just dump a few MH in there.
I've tried one MH + 2 PC on a 20" fixture and it looks ugly with a lot of dark shaded areas. My main issue is whether those 24W T5 can penetrate a 24" high tank or not and whether 5 or 6 would be enough. If the T5s are adequate, then I'll can mount them in the canopy for full coverage.
I've tried one MH + 2 PC on a 20" fixture and it looks ugly with a lot of dark shaded areas. My main issue is whether those 24W T5 can penetrate a 24" high tank or not and whether 5 or 6 would be enough. If the T5s are adequate, then I'll can mount them in the canopy for full coverage.
I've run MH fixtures and I don't see any heat problems. I do have an open pendant, though. Lots of other reefers in my area use MH and canopies with fans without unsolveable heat issues. I haven't seen any actual PAR values for T5, but heat per watt is probably reasonably close, if the numbers are like VHO and PC, as well as cost for light, given a good setup for each.
Reefdaddy1
In Memoriam
You said it fans is the issue, With T5 fan requirements are not an issue at all ...ie means less power to run lessw power over cooling issues, less power to maintain and longer life. PC T5 and T12 are low heat bulbs but radiant power on T5 matches all MH. Grim Reefer tested all very well and showed the MH masses that T5's are the way to go. He tested 2 MH 250 against T5 set up and proved they were better for light with less power. But alas the Reefer is gone now stick it out there.
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