T5s and tank depth
- Thread starter jacksonpt
- Start date
uncleof6
Active member
The answer varies according to whom you ask. Some of the info is anecdotal. T5 is the weapon of choice for shallow wide tanks, without a doubt. For taller, narrower tanks, even though I am a T5 exclusively type, MH would probably be a better choice. Let's look at a 5' 240 gal tank (60" x 36" x 26".) You can efficiently put 12, normally driven, 54watt T5 lamps (ATI Aquablue and Blue +) with 2.5" IceCap SLR reflectors over this tank, and the softies will hate you, but clams and sps on the sand will do fine. (water depth is only 21" actually)
Make the tank narrower-- say 18", and you cut the light in half (6 T5s,) so relatively speaking, the high light critters would have to move up higher in the water column.
This is largely anecdotal, (non scientific) in that it is based on my usage of T5 lightly over several tanks that I am responsible for.
Grim Reefer is the resident "expert" and is over in this very large thread (don't try to find the beginning):
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1706461
A couple of difference twixt him and me are that I will not over drive T5 lighting, and I won't switch to MH unless there is a recognizable problem, that only MH would solve.
Regards,
Jim
Make the tank narrower-- say 18", and you cut the light in half (6 T5s,) so relatively speaking, the high light critters would have to move up higher in the water column.
This is largely anecdotal, (non scientific) in that it is based on my usage of T5 lightly over several tanks that I am responsible for.
Grim Reefer is the resident "expert" and is over in this very large thread (don't try to find the beginning):
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1706461
A couple of difference twixt him and me are that I will not over drive T5 lighting, and I won't switch to MH unless there is a recognizable problem, that only MH would solve.
Regards,
Jim
Hokie-Dave
New member
Hey Jim, just a quick question on the above. Why don't you like overdriving T5 lighting? I'm actually deciding on what to put over my 30 long, and have been debating between a standard 4x39 fixture like the Current Nova Extreme, or piecing together reflectors & endcaps and using the very old Icecap 660 that I've got laying around.
To the OP, what type of T5 system are you currently using?
Thanks,
dave
jacksonpt
New member
IIRC, it's an off-the-shelf retrofit kit from Hamilton. Scroll down to the 3' 4x39w kit...
lordofthereef
One reef to rule them all
I would say that T5s would be just fine for those dimensions.
uncleof6
Active member
T5 has a unique set of operating specifications. Putting it another way, is it is application specific, the same as Metal Halide is. Ballasts that overdrive T5 lamps, were designed (in the case of the 660) for T12 VHO lamps. A ballast is a current limiting device, and provides a startup sequence for the lamp (currrent limits/time) Not providing the correct operating conditions damages the lamps. EOL (end of life) circuitry is in many modern electronic ballasts. And mix matching the variuos components will short circuit the sensing of EOL. (Which shuts the ballast off.) Failure to shut down past the end of life can (maybe/ maybe not) have a catasrophic result. T5 lamps should be replaced before that time arrives, so perhaps the point is moot.
In most cases, overdriving is not necessary anyway, and if it is, MH (grrrrr) should be considered. Opinions vary on this.
Regards,
Jim
uncleof6
Active member
Just info, Hamilton T5 retro is not using proper T5 ballasts. Uses workhorse ballasts which are instant start, and T5 specification is for Programmed start. Hard on the lamps.
Regards,
Jim
Plan>B
New member
Didn't now about T5's needing program start. What make and model # (if know) would be good for a 4 lamp ballist DIY?
uncleof6
Active member
Advance ICN-2SXX. XX = lamp wattage you wish to use, 39 watt, 54 watt etc. (1 -2 Lamps) ~ $33 each.
Also there is an Advance ICN4S5490C2LSG35M (1 - 4) 54 watt lamps ~ $125 each. Ehhhh , look at it like this the 2 lampers are less money, and the photo period combos with a 12 lamp fixture............ 6 serparate on times, and off times. With a four lamp, you can at least have a dusk/dawn.
Obviously, I use Advance (Phillips) ballasts. Sylvania, GE, Howard Lighting also make them, but IME Advance are more reliable. Fulham being the least reliable, and the workhorse ballasts are instant start. There are others out there also, some good some bad.
And just for grins these are running on Advance ballasts:
Jim
Plan>B
New member
Thanks for the reply Uncleof6... I will have to look into the Advance models you posted. I asked our warehouse we use and they quoted me $54 for a 4 lamp... though I didn't ask the make, but most likely Advance. Though I do like the idea of the 2 lamp different on/off times.
Do you think it would be any benefit of getting any HO T5's?
On a side topic... what would be the max distance you can go on the load side of a T5 ballast? Would like to do a remote ballast location.
Do you think it would be any benefit of getting any HO T5's?
On a side topic... what would be the max distance you can go on the load side of a T5 ballast? Would like to do a remote ballast location.
uncleof6
Active member
All reference I make concerning T5 are for FXXT5/HO lamps (xx being the wattage rating. So yes HO T5's. NO T5 such as available at home depot, are not really suitable for the high light needs of a reef tank.
On remote ballasts, I know that there are remote ballasts made (long distance) but don't really have info on them, nor on maximum ballast to lamp for HO ballasts. Not something I have really had a concern over as of yet. I fixture mount them, and the units I work with are also fixture mounted.
Regards,
Jim
robstopper
New member
I figure I'll chime in here.
I'm running a nova-extreme 6x39w on my 65 gallon (36x18x24) and have not been happy with the depth that the light gets to. I'm actually purchasing (on saturday) a 2x150 outer orbit hqi setup with 4x 54w T5's.
Its great for softies, but I'm just picky and want stonies down lower
I'm running a nova-extreme 6x39w on my 65 gallon (36x18x24) and have not been happy with the depth that the light gets to. I'm actually purchasing (on saturday) a 2x150 outer orbit hqi setup with 4x 54w T5's.
Its great for softies, but I'm just picky and want stonies down lower
coralnut99
New member
FWIW, I had a few 45G's that I tried to use for reefkeeping some years back. I think you'll find the 12 inch depth somewhat limiting and tough to work with in a 24" tall tank. I think you'll find the footprint of the 65G will give you many more possibilities. As usual, Jim's input is spot on.
cutnup
Member
I figure I'll chime in here.
I'm running a nova-extreme 6x39w on my 65 gallon (36x18x24) and have not been happy with the depth that the light gets to. I'm actually purchasing (on saturday) a 2x150 outer orbit hqi setup with 4x 54w T5's.
Its great for softies, but I'm just picky and want stonies down lower
I will have to disagree with you I have a 120 (48x24x24) with an 8 bulb tek fixture, that I run barbottom and have sps growing on the floor....
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