T-6 Lighting

The differences in the lengths of linear T5 and T6/T8/T10/T12 bulbs are contrasted in Table 2 at the bottom of this webpage:
http://www.mge.com/business/saving/madison/LI_05.html. You will find that in general, T5 bulbs are about 2 inches shorter than their larger diameter cousins.

The "T6" bulbs sold by AquaTraders is closer to a T5 length than a standard T8/T10/T12 length. Here's an AquaTraders "T6" that is listed at only 45.75" long: http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=340. This short of the standard 47.725-inch length.

While standard length linear T6, T8, T10 & T12 bulbs may be plug-compatible, T5 bulbs have a different electrical connector, known as a G5 miniature bi-pin. T6 through T12 bulbs usually have a G13 medium bi-pin connector.

The Jalli "T6" is sold by Custom Aquatic (http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/subsubcategorypage.asp?subcatindexid=lt-t6-fx) and Live Rock 'n Reef (http://www.liverocknreef.com/shop/index.php?action=category&id=18&subid=596). The listed 47-1/2" fixture length (http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/itemdetail.asp?itemid=LT-JLCFS40W48F) is shorter than that of a standard 47.725" bulb.

The T6 bulbs that were interchangeable with my T12 bulbs were purchased from http://www.naturallighting.com/web/shop.php?crn=704.
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10824541#post10824541 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kodyboy
has anyone actually measured the diameter of their t6s or tried a t5 in their place for an aquatraders / jalli/ catfish fixture? Being 54 watts it sounds like they might be interchangable, but I am probably wrong.
Click to expand...
The diameter is not usually an interchangeability issue if you are going from a larger diameter to a smaller one. A smaller diameter T6 can fit into a T12 fixture. They must have the same length and G13 pin connectors.

The wattage rating is also not always an issue if you are driving a higher wattage rated bulb with a lower wattage electronic ballast. A T6-HO can be driven by a T12-NO electronic ballast if normal output is desired from the T6-HO. Natural Lighting rates its T6-HO as 17-24w, 24-40w and 32-55w (http://www.naturallighting.com/web/shop.php?crn=704).

I've driven a 32-55w T6-HO with a 40-watt T12-NO electronic ballast. I was warned by Natural Lighting not to try this with magnetic ballasts. I perceived more light from the T6 than the T12 with the same ballast but that could be due to the larger T12 reflector being used with the smaller diameter T6 bulb. The T12 blocked a lot of light reflected from its own reflector.

Per the www.fulham.com configurator, you can also drive a 54w T5HO with a higher rated 64-watt electronic ballast.
 
Has anyone tried to put a IC reflector on these t6's yet?...or tek Should work if you bend the clips a bit?
 
I don't know why companies still think PC is such a great idea... Sure, you can get double the output from one bulb. But you're sacrificing the ability to use good individual reflectors, which can almost triple the output in some cases.

Has anyone tried a T6 on an Icecap ballast? I wonder if the T6 VHO bulbs will perform better than T5HO bulbs... I'm thinking of buying a PAR meter so I can try various lighting solutions. Is there any good source for T6 VHO bulbs?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10840439#post10840439 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aninjaatemyshoe
I don't know why companies still think PC is such a great idea... Sure, you can get double the output from one bulb. But you're sacrificing the ability to use good individual reflectors, which can almost triple the output in some cases.

Has anyone tried a T6 on an Icecap ballast? I wonder if the T6 VHO bulbs will perform better than T5HO bulbs... I'm thinking of buying a PAR meter so I can try various lighting solutions. Is there any good source for T6 VHO bulbs?
Click to expand...
The power compact T6 VHO bulbs are sold at:
http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/brandsubcategory.asp?brandID=VA&subcatID=lt-vhpcrb
http://www.liverocknreef.com/shop/index.php?action=category&id=18&subid=596
http://www.dtpetsupplies.com/catalog/ViaAqua/

I've only dealt with Custom Aquatics.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10827449#post10827449 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kodyboy
I have an odyssea dual 54 watt t5 unit, bought if from a dude on here. works fine.
Click to expand...
Is that your main source of light for your 100 gallon tank? What corals do you have?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10857620#post10857620 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EvilE
Is that your main source of light for your 100 gallon tank? What corals do you have?
Click to expand...
:confused: Kody--WAKE UP!!!
 
Sorry, have not looked at this thread in a while
no it is not the only light on have on my 92 corner, I also have a 5x5 aquactinics unit on there as well. I also meant to say dual 39 watt not dual 54 watt (my lamps are all three feet long)
 
Like I said, I use T6 lighting exclusively. I run three 54 watt 12k daylight, and two 54 watt actinic blue--270 watts of T6 in my canopy over my 55 gallon tank.......
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

guserto4
Planning a New Build - Acrylic Thickness 80x30x24T euro-brace?
Replies
1
Views
394
griss
griss
ReefGoatfish
Acclimating SPS to a new light (radion gen3 to 6 pro)
Replies
1
Views
733
Reefing102
Reefing102
Niven
I'm back....and ready to jump back in, feet first in the deep end, speedo, everything!
2
Replies
24
Views
679
griss
griss
E
What's Old is New Again
Replies
2
Views
482
Uncle99
Uncle99
Brian60077
Be patient, wait, and do not rush to add things ???
Replies
11
Views
2K
Brian60077
Brian60077
Back
Top