T5 Lights

[Raphael]

I have found 2 websites that sell the t5 lights I am looking for but they both say that they are freshwater. In my LFS they do not mention anything about the T5s being freshwater. I am talking about the four lamp 120cm model (48"). BTW, the reason why I don't want to buy it from my LFS is because on these sites they are cheaper. Also would these be suitable for BTAs?
Sites:http://www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk/...minaires_Freshwater_T5_Lamps.html#a1976#a1976
http://www.aquatics-online.co.uk/Z473143.asp

 

[boomsticks]

Go with metal halides 14000K-2000K. I have had great luck with my BTA under 150W.

 

[superfirefly]

The first link did not work for me but the second did. I think the reason it is labled as a freshwater setup is probably the included bulbs. FW would planted tanks would have 6500K bulbs instead of actinics and 10K bulbs. I email them and ask if that is the difference.

I myself would also ask the company if this T5 setup has individual reflectors for the bulbs. I made the mistake of purchasing a T5 setup without individual reflectors and to be honest with you it looks no better than NO t12 bulbs. After asking around I found out that if i upgraded to individual reflectors I would notice a night and day difference.

 

[Raphael]

Thanks for the help. Boomsticks, I can't really afford the metal halide lights. If you or anyone on this forum knows where I can get 150w MHs in the uk suitable for a 120cm tank then I would be glad to know.

 

[Raphael]

Found it: http://www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_Arcadia_Overtank_Luminaire_T5_Lighting.html

 

[reelfreak]

I second what superfirefly has said....make sure they are individual reflectors, and you can use 1 6500k, but need 10-11k to balance it out with actinics.....

I keep a RBTA under my 4x54w T5 HO w/ individual reflectors and it is thriving....

 

[Raphael]

I am not sure that they come with individual reflectores, if it doesn't vould I install individual reflectors myself.

 

[Raphael]

I meant could I install them if they didn't.

 

[Gillybaby]

You might want to try these guys, mainly marine suppliers who I would highly recommend (use them a lot):

http://www.thecoralgarden.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=391

These Arcadia units seem to be quite good and I know a few folk who use them. However, I use one of these twin D&D units for my sump, the 54w one:

http://www.thecoralgarden.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=392

Which is ok and saves a bit of money if you have a hood or are willing to make one.

Depending on the depth of your tank 4 T5s would be fine for a BTA, especially a GBTA which appear prefer lower light conditions.

HTH

 

[Raphael]

Thanks for the links but I don't think it will save in this case usnless it comes with the bulbs since I found them for Ã"šÃ‚£202. The tank is 55.5cm deep.

 

[reelfreak]

Don't bother with T5 HO that don't have individual reflectors. I would contact the supplier prior to buying them concerning this. Every post I've read of people who bought "less expensive" fixtures w/o the individual reflectors were VERY disappointed.

There has to be the individual reflector fixtures available on that side of the lake You will be able to keep anything you want if you get the right ones first!! Good Luck....and I guess shipping from the states is outrageous?? Lot's of the good fixtures available from the RC sponsors. Good Luck and HTH

 

[TOURKID]

a fish store tried to get me to buy a 250 watt mh today for my 45 gal tank ... would 150 watts be enough? right now I have 130 watts pc ( i thought it was 260 but apparently its not) this would explain my aneone moving still after a month

 

[Raphael]

Im not 100% sure about what you mean when you say individual reflectors but the T5s do have reflectors. If they didn't have individual reflectors, could I fix some on?
BTW, Tourkid I think 150w would be enough.

 

[reelfreak]

Individual reflectors have a reflector on each bulb, so a 4 bulb fixure has 4 reflectors.......Night and day difference, literally.

I would think that if they had individual refelectors they would be advertising it.....I can find some links to fixtures that are sold in the states. My fixture is the TEK T5 HO w/ individual reflectors. If you need a retro kit, then I hear Icecap is the way to go.

Look at Reefgeek (sponsor on RC) and go to their T5 lighting section. These are what you need. HTH LMK

 

[Raphael]

I think they have 2 reflectors but couldn't I fit 4 myself?

 

[Muha_mor]

Parabolic Reflectors

Parabolic Reflectors

From what i have seen the t5 tek light is one of those brands that includes a "parabolic reflector" which reflects about 300-400% of the light that is spilling out from the top of the bulb..... But could be mistaken. From what i heard is that t5 lights produce a nessesary spectrum of light which not only make your tank look great but will benifit the life span of your live stock (lps, sps)
:smokin:

 

[Thurge]

TEK lights use an (M) shaped reflector over each individual bulb so that light gong up into the reflector is reflected around the bulb and into the tank.
I doubt you will be able to install new reflectors in that unit. What you can do though, is use it for the guts and order just the reflectors from Reefgeek.com

 

[Raphael]

The problem is that I live in the UK. Is it really that much of a bad thing to get the Arcadia?