Let's See Some T5 Only Lite Tanks (remember Just T5 Lite Tanks) :-)

[InsaneClownFish]

I changed out my T5s the other night, so here's a little comparison:

Back to Front:
Blue+
Blue+
Sun
Aquablue
Sun
Blue+

Back to Front:
Blue +
Blue+
Sun
Blue+
Aquablue
Blue+

Front and Back Blue+ on only

 

[gabe3d]

I think i prefer the original one a little bit better. The new one seems super blue. Good looking tank though.

Gabe

 

[wharfrat48]

Reflector questions

Reflector questions

Question about reflectors-- my SLS's are about a year old and have become quite corroded. Not real bad, but doesn't have the real shine they once used to. Not really any water splashing on them so I was wondering if this was a manufacuring flaw or a design flaw. Do all the T5 reflectors have this problem, anyone else have this problem with their SLS's?
Grim-- you hinted that the SLR's are the best. Good enough to spend 150+$ on a new set?

Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

At 18" under the water the SLR had like a 20% advantage in PAR over the SLS and IME the SLR's mirrored finish is much easier to keep clean. If you are willing to spend the $$$ on new reflectors I would suggest getting a polishing wheel and attempt polishing the SLS reflector first just to see what happens.

 

[wharfrat48]

I'm guessing a dremel wheel? Any suggestions?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Not sure what would work the best. Something with a very fine abrasive.

 

[brentp]

A dremel would take forever. If you have a grinder you can get a polishing wheel for it.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

You could get a wheel for an electric drill too.

 

[adrinal]

I would try the electric drill/buff wheel myself

 

[rdmpe]

I'm still looking for a good looking tek style T5 fixture, individual reflectors, etc. that is 72" long. Any suggestions? Has to hang, no hood...

 

[Ti]

I'm still looking for a good looking tek style T5 fixture, individual reflectors, etc. that is 72" long. Any suggestions? Has to hang, no hood...

Hang Two 36" TEKS

 

[wharfrat48]

Replacing T5's... Most of mine are just over a year old so I'm starting to replace them. I saw a big difference when I changed out one of my 50/50, the new one much bluer and brighter. Last night I changed out an aquablue+ and cannot notice any difference between the new and old one. Does this mean the old one is still good? Dont want to toss a bulb if it's still usable (I'm a cheap b*). I'm sure the old one isn't perfect, but maybe usable for another 6 months?

Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

If you can't see a difference the lamp is worth holding on to as a spare. Obviously that particular lamp will last longer so next time try changing at 18 months. Was the 50/50 lamp youchanged a different brand or something? Try changing a blue and see how different they look, the blue lamps will die sooner than the white ones. Are you running any fans to keep the lamps cooler?

 

[wharfrat48]

The 50/50 was the same brand although a different name (blue+ vs actinic+). Most suppliers suggest 18-24 months, but I thought that was just BS. How long are most people using their lamps? I guess maybe the daylight and aquablue can go 18-24 months and the actinic and blue+ (50/50) last about a year? What do you think? And yes,I am running fans.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Blue plus and actinic plus should be the same lamp. ATI called them Blue Plus and D&D called them actinic plus. Narva may also market one but I haven't seen them. Do both lamps say "made in EC" on them? Is it possiblethat one of the lamps was in a position where it got hotter than the other?

 

[jnb]

I am working on my 14th month

 

[dieselab]

5 39W T5's. 4 on 660 and 1 on triad.
front actinic-blueplus-actinic-blueplus-aquablue-back.

[/IMG]

 

[dwdenny]

anyone have pics of 2 GE suns and 2 bule+ bulbs. I was thinking of using this one my 45br but not sure how the bulb combo will look. I don't really like the really blue look more of a 13kk look crisp white with a hint of blue.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'd guess that combo would be a good starting point. You might try a sun and a aquablue rather than 2 suns. The aquablue is almost a crystal white with a hint of blue so it is really neutral in the mix.

 

[dwdenny]

Might have to try that. I was looking at the TEk fixture rather then the retro but I might go retro and build a canopy not sure yet. I was wanting to go open top to help keep things cooler for the lights and the tank. Then again I could go with the 6X39w but I think that would be a little to much light for LPS and zoos not sure yet. Thanks for the input.