T5 lamp PAR readings

[mmoore0803]

So then......do the 24" lights with the IC reflectors put out as much PAR as the 48" lights?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Normally driven probably not.

 

[mmoore0803]

can you overdrive the 24" lights? what ballast config would do this?

 

[Klownfish]

Thanks, Artful and Grimm.

Even though T-5's aren't 'new' there isn't a lot of Good, Useful information, in my area.

Thanks again for your help!

With your PAR postings, it makes it so much easier to decide on bulbs to buy. Depending on which type of corals/animals I wish to keep, I can make better choices when making a purchase!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8059984#post8059984 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mmoore0803
can you overdrive the 24" lights? what ballast config would do this?

Ice Cap, the 660 will run 4 lamps the 430 will do 2

 

[R.yumaDaddy?]

Thank you very much Grim. I can see you put many hours into aiding newb and pro T5er's. What type / model of meter did you use and what type of light meter would you use to tell if the lamps spectrum has shifted considerably, hence know when to replace bulbs?

 

[mmoore0803]

won't the 660 be too much for the 24w bulbs?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8060408#post8060408 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by R.yumaDaddy?
Thank you very much Grim. I can see you put many hours into aiding newb and pro T5er's. What type / model of meter did you use and what type of light meter would you use to tell if the lamps spectrum has shifted considerably, hence know when to replace bulbs?

I use an Apogee QMSS meter. You would need a spectrometer to test for color shift, not a cheap gadget.

 

[raynist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8061900#post8061900 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I use an Apogee QMSS meter. You would need a spectrometer to test for color shift, not a cheap gadget.

Do you have the one with the cable?

How about the switch?

That is much more reasonable than I thought it would be.

--Ray

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Yes the one with the cable. I have the sunlight calibrated one. I fugure I can check at noon outside and see how close the calibration is.

 

[raynist]

I imagine that would be a good tool to get a baseline par value with and then you can check to see when the lights need to be replaced.

I can think of a lot of uses for that in placing my corals and seeing the effects of glass/acrylic shields and the effects that eggcrate over the top of the tank has.

I think I just talked myself into buying one

--Ray

PS - do the sensors ever wear out or is there any costly maintenance on these?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

They need to be calibrated every couple years or so.

 

[raynist]

Can you calibrate yourself?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Seriously doubt it. You would need to have a exact correct amount of source lighting in the right spectrum.

 

[Quis]

Grime I have a 40 gal breeder and was wondering if I should get the Tek T5 4x39 fixture or the 6x39 fixture since I want to add sps and clams to my tank. The tank is 36L x 18D x 16H. I don't want to spend more than I have to.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Go with 4. 6 would be nice just to be able to add more lamps for a better mix but that would be just an option. $ will give you what you need.

 

[Quis]

Thanks Grime. What bulbs should I get? I want a combo that's going to make the corals colors stand out, and give me growth at the same time.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Try 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 UVL Aquasun and a Super Actinic. The Sun and Blue Pluses put out quite a bit of PAR so you will get geed growth and the blue pluses and Actinic will pop the colors.

 

[NewSchool04]

Hey Grim! What do you think of the UVL Super Actinic? I know there was a ton of hype when the bulb came out and then a lot of it's not that hot. Do you find it much better than the old ATI actinic now Geissman?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

They are just a little bluer than the other T5 actinics. I am currently running an ATI actinic, a UVL SA and ATI blue plus along with a actinic white and a aquasun. Can't decide if I like the look or not but it definatly pops corals.

I don't think the lamp comes close to living up to the pre release hype but mixed with a blue plus they are nice.