T5 Lights...

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

Do the T4 bulbs have built in reflectors like some VHO's?

 

[Gipsy]

I think you're mean T5. (actualy T4 does existe)
And no they don't have a built in reflector.

 

[prugs]

Hey Anthony,
Are you going with T5s, instead of the MH's?
I'm looking into some retro-fit T5's for actinic use only (dawn & dusk lighting).

 

[prugs]

http://www.hellolights.com/teklit5reki.html
http://www.thereefstop.com/catalog/...1_112&osCsid=c6f92edc21ccec2986e6a6477dcd2e75
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=IcecapT5 (includes lamps)
http://www.reefgeek.com/products/category_indexes/1-15_lighting_sls_-_t5_retrofits.html (includes lamps)

 

[johns]

Tom/Anthony-

These ones from ReefGeek are completely wired and ready to go with ballast and bulbs as well. I'm pretty sure you'll probably wind up with the exact same reflectors, ballasts, etc as in the retro-fit kits. And it's only $18 more. I'd pay that much just to have it all pre-set. I cant think of any other reason to go with the retros. Is there something I'm missing?

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104932.html

 

[johns]

actually they are even cheaper here. this is the version without lamps, but a bit cheaper than Reef Geek:

http://www.thereefstop.com/catalog/...d=286&osCsid=c6f92edc21ccec2986e6a6477dcd2e75

 

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

Thanks for the good info!

 

[horkn]

now anthony, what size tank (dimensions)are you wanting to put the t5ho on?


based on that i can suggest t5 lighting.

also, there are many ways to light a t5ho, not only icecap 430 or 660, which automatically overdrive t5ho bulbs.

also, the tek is the lowest perforning of the real t5ho reflectors we can get here in the states.

the once available aqualux and the still available IC are the best, 20% better than the tek reflectors, and they do not get stained by salt like the teks. however they dont specifically make 5 foot reflectors, thats the only real issue, although they are willing to sell 2 3 foot refletors for theprice of waht 60" SLRs should run if you ask them personally.

 

[prugs]

I can't speak for Anthony, but I'm going with (2) 80watt T5's in a blue lamp just for dusk/dawn & some supplementation on my 210gal.
I'm going to use the 220watt ARO ballast Anthony had for sale to overdrive the (2) 80watt lamps.
Good point about the 2 x 3' IC reflectors instead of a 60" reflector.

 

[prugs]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8173455#post8173455 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by johns
Tom/Anthony-

These ones from ReefGeek are completely wired and ready to go with ballast and bulbs as well. I'm pretty sure you'll probably wind up with the exact same reflectors, ballasts, etc as in the retro-fit kits. And it's only $18 more. I'd pay that much just to have it all pre-set. I cant think of any other reason to go with the retros. Is there something I'm missing?

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104932.html

For me I'm going with just (1) 80watt T5 on each side of the tank. The extra metal box just adds more weight to the hood & presents a mounting problem of its own.

 

[johns]

The way I look at it, overdriving and getting every final % out of the T5s might be a goal if you plan on lighting the whole tank with T5s. For dusk/dawn only it's hard to pass up a T5-ready kit all wired and set to plug in.

 

[prugs]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8174213#post8174213 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by johns
The way I look at it, overdriving and getting every final % out of the T5s might be a goal if you plan on lighting the whole tank with T5s. For dusk/dawn only it's hard to pass up a T5-ready kit all wired and set to plug in.

DIY = $140 for (2) 80watt T5 setups reflectors/ballast/endcaps/standoffs/clips with lamps.
DIY = More $ for other DIY projects :rollface:

 

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

My T5's will be as a dusk/dawn suppliment also. It will compliment the four 250w DE 14k Halides. The lights are going on a 240g. (2x2x8)

I PM'd ya Tom.

 

[horkn]

well, yeah, for a supplement, then 2 is all you need.


when i eventually get my 90 going, i will be using the t5s for more than supplementation. the 250w mh will be only on for like 4-6 hours. the 3 or 4 t5s (hopefully i can fit 4) will be more main light than just supplemental and on most of the time.