T-5 questions

[ryanb91]

Ok Iam lighting a 115 gal. sps tank and here is what I have now. Iam running 6 39w t-5s with IC660's. Which comes out to 234 watts total light...all on individual reflectors. So my question is should I switch to running 4-80watt T-5's which would be around 320watts?? Pros...Cons???
Thanks

 

[James77]

Icecpas overdrive all T5 bulbs, it is more like 300+ watts of light-not sure of the exact wattage they are overdriven to.

80 watt T5's are OD to ~100 watts on Icecap.

What are your tank dimensions? Are you actively cooling the bulbs?

 

[ryanb91]

same footprint as a 125 only 2 inches shorter...6'x18''x19'' I think and yes iam cooling the ballast but not the bulbs.

 

[James77]

T5 bulbs need to be cooled for optimal output and life, especially when overdriven. That alone would greatly increase your light output.

 

[ryanb91]

so which route would you go? 6 39watt or 4 80watt? Either cooled of course

 

[ryanb91]

anyone?

 

[bunzaroo]

Is this inside a canopy? If so I would probably run 6 60" T5's w/ 660 ballast. You will get about 600 watts worth. Remember to cool the ends of the T'5 when they are overdriven.

 

[ryanb91]

Yes it is in the canopy and am nit sure if 6 will fit.