T5's: A cautionary note

[Codeman00]

Grim / Obi
Question for you guys....If you had 4 T5s that you had to keep..and you were going to add 2 more lamps....Would you pick 2-T5s Helios SuperBlues Or 2- VHO super actinics?

 

[Obi-dad]

I prefer the look of the Superblues to the VHOs, but that is very subjective, many people really like the VHO look.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

What Obi said.

 

[RedEyeReef]

Anyone have a PAR reading or idea of how bright a 36" TEK Light 4 bulb T5 hood (Thinking of 2-6500, 1-Blue Plus, 1-Actinic) at 18-22" below the bulbs? I'm planning Clams at this depth. Should I go with the 6 bulb hood instead for the clams?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'd do the 6 lamp unit if you are doing clams. 2 6500, 2 aquablue and 2 blueplus. The Blueplus is a very nice blue lamp, the aquablue is mostly white with a slight blue tint. All three of those lamps produce good PAR. If you want a more blue look run 1 6500 3 aquablues and 2 blueplus. The actinics are pathetic so stick with the blueplus.

 

[Codeman00]

Grim...do you think I can get away using 2 VHO Supers and 4 T5s (Sun,Day,Blue+,Blue+) for a clam? Surely that would be enough light. Can you tell I'm on the fence with this T5 or VHO addition?

I wish URI would come out with a T5 super actinic..that would make my decision much easier.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I think you would have plenty of light.

You know, URI has NO experience with T5 lighting. I wouldn't get overly exited about their pending entry until we see the finished product. It is obviously quite the little trick to get good actinic light out of the small lamp. I have some pretty good looking purple T5 actinics but I don't care for purple. Foster and Smiths sells a submersible blue light that does a pretty good job for dusk/dawn and adding blue, better than any of the T5's I have seen up till the SB. Try one of those and see what you think. It would do good until URI comes out with their lamp.

 

[RedEyeReef]

I'd do the 6 lamp unit if you are doing clams. 2 6500, 2 aquablue and 2 blueplus. The Blueplus is a very nice blue lamp, the aquablue is mostly white with a slight blue tint. All three of those lamps produce good PAR. If you want a more blue look run 1 6500 3 aquablues and 2 blueplus. The actinics are pathetic so stick with the blueplus.

Thanks Grim,

Any idea on the PAR from the 4 or 6 bulb units at 18"?

 

[Codeman00]

I think you would have plenty of light.

You know, URI has NO experience with T5 lighting. I wouldn't get overly exited about their pending entry until we see the finished product. It is obviously quite the little trick to get good actinic light out of the small lamp. I have some pretty good looking purple T5 actinics but I don't care for purple. Foster and Smiths sells a submersible blue light that does a pretty good job for dusk/dawn and adding blue, better than any of the T5's I have seen up till the SB. Try one of those and see what you think. It would do good until URI comes out with their lamp.

Thanks again Grim...I think I'm going to get another VHO to get some more flouresce and I will be set until theres a revolution in T5 actinics. Now I must figure out how to place some moonlights in my canopy (because that slot will now be filled. Its always something.

 

[The Big Tuna]

Hey Yall,
Where is the best place to get some aquablue t5 tek retros? Per Grim's advice I am planning on adding two of these babys to my VHO bulb setup. My current set up is
actinic white-110 watts 4ft URI
super actinic
actinic white
super actinic
Where in this configuration should the t5s be placed?

Thanking you in advance,
Joshua

 

[horkn]

cheapest good retros are from aqualuxlighting.com just order everything separate and get the computer designed reflectors, if you have the space.
if space is limited get the slr reflectors from icecap, but they willl be more money.


reefgeek.com has good deals as well, but not for as little as the DIY retros that aqualux sells

 

[The Big Tuna]

Thanx Horkn,
I am getting ready to check them out now. How much of a pita is to wire these things? Do they come wt ballasts?

Thanx,
Joshua

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Thanks Grim,

Any idea on the PAR from the 4 or 6 bulb units at 18"?

Enough.

I really don't know but from the reports people give who run the Teks it will do the job. The stuff I have is overdriven so a lot more powerfull than a standard Tek.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Yall,
Where is the best place to get some aquablue t5 tek retros? Per Grim's advice I am planning on adding two of these babys to my VHO bulb setup. My current set up is
actinic white-110 watts 4ft URI
super actinic
actinic white
super actinic
Where in this configuration should the t5s be placed?

Thanking you in advance,
Joshua

I think space is gonna be a premium so you may need to stick with the Tek or IC reflector, you will need 2 1/2" per lamp. Make sure you get the waterproof endcaps and not the tombstone (appropriate name) ones.

I would stick the T5's in the middle, then the atinic whites and super actinics on the front and back slots. Might as well get the PAR lamps in the middle where they can do the most good.

 

[The Big Tuna]

Hey Grim or Horkn,
Should I get the 10k or 20k aquablue bulbs? And Horkn, what ballast from aqualux are you using?

Thanx,
Joshua

 

[The Grim Reefer]

If you want more PAR get the Aquablue 11K. The GE 6500K daylight has more but it might make your light look a little yellow.

 

[dwdenny]

Does anyone know how long lamps are lasting on IC 660 ballast for the 39w T5's and how much they are overdriven? I was thinking of going with the 4X39w IC retro rather then the sunlight supply this is going on my 45g breeder and what couldn't I keep.

 

[Codeman00]

I think we need a T5 FAQ thread/post....answers to all the same questions that we all have asked at one time or another.

 

[dwdenny]

That would be nice Codeman00. I thought I had read it here on this thread but now I cannot find it. So I thought I would just ask again. I know that it would be better to use IC but was just wondering about lamp life and overdriven amount if known.

 

[dwdenny]

sorry for the double post but 60 min had past and could not edit above post. I found the information. The search function started working again. Just for reference the 39w on IC will run at about 65w and according to IC they will last about 18 months for higher K bulbs and about 24 for the lower K bulbs.

Is this what others are finding out or are you having to replace earlier on IC ballasts?