T-6?

[jfl14609]

This is probobly a question asked about 1000 times but I went though and couldnt find any info. what is t-6 lighting I have been running t-5s for a while are they the same thing?

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

The "T" rating is the number of the fraction of the diameter of the bulb in 1/8th intervals. Thus T5 light bulbs have a diameter of 5/8". T6 are 3/4" bulbs. What sets T5s apart is that the aquarium grade versions are High Output (HO). The bulbs that you get are T5HO. As far as I know, T6 doesn't have a High Output version, and if they do it probably isn't in the proper Kelving range

 

[jfl14609]

Makes sence thanks for the info

 

[pjf]

T6 High Output "Actinic" Lamps

T6 High Output "Actinic" Lamps

T6HO lamps are available from http://www.naturallighting.com/web/shop.php?crn=704&rn=2414&action=show_detail

I am running 48" T6HO tubes now. They are labelled as "Actinic O3" but simply look blue to me. Unfortunately, I have not upgraded my 40-watt normal output ballasts to 55-watt high-output ballasts but that can be done.

Even with the normal output ballasts, my T6 lamps are brighter than the T12 lamps they replaced. This is partly due to the higher efficiency of the T6 and the smaller T6 diameter that makes better use of the T12 reflectors.

 

[jfl14609]

but still they arent comparable to t-5s are they

 

[pjf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9308927#post9308927 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jfl14609
but still they arent comparable to t-5s are they

I'm not going to know until I replace my NO ballasts with HO ballasts.

T6HO and T5HO lamps use the same ballast, so I can't imagine any electrical differences between the two. You may get on the T6 threads to find out what subtle differences exist between T5 and T6 lamps.

The determining factor may be the size of my T12 reflectors versus the size of T5 reflectors. The bigger, shinier and more parabolic reflector will win.

The obvious difference is that there are more choices in T5 lamps at this time. If you are buying today, buy T5. If you have an existing T8 or T12 fixture, buy T6HO and upgrade your ballasts. If you have VHO, buy T6-VHO.

In the future, as T8 and T12 lamps are replaced with pin-compatible T6 lamps, I can't imagine how T5 lamps are going to survive without a clear technological advantage. If you are an investor, buy T6 stock, not T5 stock.

Edit: I don't want to give anyone any stock advice. Maybe LEDs will sink both MH and fluorescent manufacturers.

 

[thriceanangel]

T6ho put out slightly more light per watt than t5ho or so I have heard... who knows anymore?

 

[JimW]

Do T6 bulbs have same end connector as T12?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[pjf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9310003#post9310003 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JimW
Do T6 bulbs have same end connector as T12?

Thanks,

Jim

My T6 fits into the same fixture as the T12.

 

[JimW]

Thanks pjf,

Have been looking at T6 because I don't want to buy all new end caps in addition to bulbs too. Looks like it could be an easier move from VHO.

Jim

 

[pjf]

T6-VHO

T6-VHO

The Grim Reefer is testing a T6-VHO. You might ask him where to obtain them.

 

[Henry Bowman]

I think the real difference is in the reflectors. The smaller size of the T5's allow the GOOD reflectors to bounce all the light from the back-side of the T5 light into the tank without restrike (light being bounced back into the bulb itself) making them more efficient than any other flourescent lighting system.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

ASM has T6 VHO's on the market now. They are brighter than T5's but use twice the power. My opinion is they are probably going to be better covering a wider area (front to back) because of the larger reflectors. Normal output T5's are so efficient I doubt they will go away. As long as they produce the NO version the HO version will continue too. The company that developed the VHO T6 is working on VHO T5's as well, they seem to think both products are going to be around. Only time will tell.

 

[pjf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9312213#post9312213 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
ASM has T6 VHO's on the market now.

Grim,

Do you have a link to a web retailer of the T6 VHO's?

Thanks!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I haven't seen them on the web as of yet.

Just so you can see I aint nuts here's link showing VHO T6

http://sdshencai.en.alibaba.com/pro...fficient_Economic_Fluorescent_Lamp_Tubes.html

 

[Roland Jacques]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9313620#post9313620 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pjf
Grim,

Do you have a link to a web retailer of the T6 VHO's?

Thanks!

They are out of stock on these. 2-3 weeks is what ive been told before they get the next shipment. As of now no online retailers.

 

[Roland Jacques]

Grim,
Any update on your comparision testing of the t-6 VHO?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I am going to put T5's over the tank soon. I will be able to have real world PAR comparisons then. I want to see how the tank reacts to the lighting change long term.

 

[pjf]

T6HO Ballast

T6HO Ballast

I'm looking for an electronic ballast (or two) to drive my two 48" T6HO 55-watt lamps. Currently, they are being driven by two 40-watt normal output ballasts.

I am considering purchasing two of the following Workhorse 3 Cube 64-watt electronic ballasts with side leads: http://www.naturallighting.com/web/shop.php?crn=628&rn=2931&action=show_detail. The cube shape is important to ensure fitting into a tight fixture.

Are there other choices in compact electronic ballasts? Is there a single compact 110 to 128 watt ballast that can drive both 55-watt lamps?

Thanks!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

If you go to fulhams website you can plug in different combos of lamps and it will point you at a ballast. I would see which ballast they reco for a HO T8 in the wattage range. The lamp is designed to run on a T8 ballast so that should be perfect for them. Could always just throw it on a IC and overdrive it