T5s - Opinions
- Thread starter pedromatic
- Start date
45commando
New member
Like Jeff stated,I have tried T5's & am now back to using VHO for actinic lighting.I think T5's are good for main lighting in certain situations,I just think metal halide is still the way to go,if you never want to wonder if you can keep a certain coral/clam etc.Also I noticed the T5's(i ran them on an icecap 660,so they were overdriven),were putting out way more heat than my VHO's-I couldn't even touch the bulb.Then the same lux meter that Jeff used on his tank,was used to compare the new T5's to my 1 year old(& very well used)VHO bulbs-running on the same ballast.The VHO's were putiing out almost twice that of the T5's.That & the lack of actinic lusture is what made me switch back.
If you really don't want to run metal halides,then I think a really good alternative would be to use T5 for your daylight & VHO for actinic.Depending on what you want to run,this could be done on a single Icecap ballast.HTH
If you really don't want to run metal halides,then I think a really good alternative would be to use T5 for your daylight & VHO for actinic.Depending on what you want to run,this could be done on a single Icecap ballast.HTH
gasman059
The OG mad scientist
ANOTHER THREAD W?O FACTS AND FULL OF BOLONI -BTW THIS IS MY ALTER EGO GASMAN HAHAHAH!
For many commercial and industria l applications, the T-5 fluorescent fixture is an excellent option for significantly reducing the energy consumption,reducing start up time, decreasing heat?, reducing ballast hum, and maintenance.
Some more info and FACTS not here say:
T-5s:
1) 40% more energy efficient?
2) Cooler running?
3) T-5HO overdriven can do ANYTHING a 250W MH can do.?
4) Even light spread
5) Longer bulb life
MH:
1) Nothing T-5 yet will compete with a 400W MH PAR wise (maybe t-5VHO someday)
2) Simmer
3) Easier to wire. (T5 considered a 2 ballast, 6 bulb, 12 endcap etup. With extensions that 48 electrical connections versus 6 connections for my MH setup.)
4) Easier to do maintenance around.
It seems that glitter lines are more 'show' than 'go' (photosynthetically speaking) in most aquaria situations.
More Facts:
Why Metal Halide:
Metal Halide HID (High Intensity Discharge) lighting, that is much more intense than any other lamp available. Number one choice for a number of reasons.
First and foremost is the energy efficiency.
HID Lighting does a much better job at converting electricity into light available for photosynthesis.= happier tanks, faster growth and better coloration.
Metal Halide is chosen above all else for its high output,AND spectrum.
The color rendering index (CRI) refers to the bulb's ability to render individual colors accurately. The higher the CRI the more natural and vibrant the colors will look. A bulb with a CRI of 85 or higher is excellent.
T5's:
Traditional fluorescent T8 & T12 bulbs are simply not powerfull enough to light an area more than 8-10" below the bulb. However, T5 technology,maybe.
I am by no means an expert, but the light output of metal halide lamps varies quite a bit by the design/style of the bulb and the ballast. Efficiencies of up to 115 lumens per watt are possible, which exceeds the best flourescents at about a hundred lumens per watt
IMO they lack the "punch" of metal halides for penetrating deep water,the light produced may not match that of metal halides but can still be sufficient to get decent coral growth, even in the more demanding SPS corals. However, they still get almost hot enough to fry an egg on, so they must have more effect upon water temperature than the producers claim.
Iindividually, they're cheaper to buy, but you may need more of them - maybe six or more if the tank is large. Costs can therefore work out similar to metal halides.
Electrical running costs are similar, and potentially slightly higher than with metal halides.
For many commercial and industria l applications, the T-5 fluorescent fixture is an excellent option for significantly reducing the energy consumption,reducing start up time, decreasing heat?, reducing ballast hum, and maintenance.
Some more info and FACTS not here say:
T-5s:
1) 40% more energy efficient?
2) Cooler running?
3) T-5HO overdriven can do ANYTHING a 250W MH can do.?
4) Even light spread
5) Longer bulb life
MH:
1) Nothing T-5 yet will compete with a 400W MH PAR wise (maybe t-5VHO someday)
2) Simmer
3) Easier to wire. (T5 considered a 2 ballast, 6 bulb, 12 endcap etup. With extensions that 48 electrical connections versus 6 connections for my MH setup.)
4) Easier to do maintenance around.
It seems that glitter lines are more 'show' than 'go' (photosynthetically speaking) in most aquaria situations.
More Facts:
Why Metal Halide:
Metal Halide HID (High Intensity Discharge) lighting, that is much more intense than any other lamp available. Number one choice for a number of reasons.
First and foremost is the energy efficiency.
HID Lighting does a much better job at converting electricity into light available for photosynthesis.= happier tanks, faster growth and better coloration.
Metal Halide is chosen above all else for its high output,AND spectrum.
The color rendering index (CRI) refers to the bulb's ability to render individual colors accurately. The higher the CRI the more natural and vibrant the colors will look. A bulb with a CRI of 85 or higher is excellent.
T5's:
Traditional fluorescent T8 & T12 bulbs are simply not powerfull enough to light an area more than 8-10" below the bulb. However, T5 technology,maybe.
I am by no means an expert, but the light output of metal halide lamps varies quite a bit by the design/style of the bulb and the ballast. Efficiencies of up to 115 lumens per watt are possible, which exceeds the best flourescents at about a hundred lumens per watt
IMO they lack the "punch" of metal halides for penetrating deep water,the light produced may not match that of metal halides but can still be sufficient to get decent coral growth, even in the more demanding SPS corals. However, they still get almost hot enough to fry an egg on, so they must have more effect upon water temperature than the producers claim.
Iindividually, they're cheaper to buy, but you may need more of them - maybe six or more if the tank is large. Costs can therefore work out similar to metal halides.
Electrical running costs are similar, and potentially slightly higher than with metal halides.
scubasteve247
New member
i agree with you guys that MH are the best, im going with MH for my new tank im building.
but i think they both can be used very well,
for example, the sps tank at eco reef, need i say more?
those corals grow like crazy in that tank, its the sunlight supply 8 blub tek system. and i have to say ive been very impressed with the way the t5s bring out the color and the speed at which they grow.
would you see the same with the MH? most likely,
i think they both have very applicable uses when done properly.
but i think they both can be used very well,
for example, the sps tank at eco reef, need i say more?
those corals grow like crazy in that tank, its the sunlight supply 8 blub tek system. and i have to say ive been very impressed with the way the t5s bring out the color and the speed at which they grow.
would you see the same with the MH? most likely,
i think they both have very applicable uses when done properly.
Rogger Castells
New member
My 210 set up uses a combination of MH and T5's and I like it a lot I think it bring the best of both worlds with no compromises.
Flamehawk
In Memoriam
I dont think anyone has mentioned dimensions. Height as well as witdth and length play a HUGE role when i'm deciding between MH vs T5's for a particular tank. On 4ft tanks, less than 24" wide, t5s are more efficient because you can use 4ft bulbs. IceCap Ballast 660 with (4) T5's is the most commonly available, highest quality ballast. The literature is out there, it HAS NOT been proven to shorten the life of T5's beaceus of the way it regulates and supplies the current to the bulbs. Max the 660 out with (4) bulbs and that's a LOT of light over a 33gal standard tank with dimensions 48x12x12".
33 gal tank with such dimesions has 4 linear sq ft of growing space. IC 660 over such tank consumes about 380watts according to my Kill-a-watts Meter. So that's 95watts per square foot. The proof is in the pudding, you can grow acros out of the water with an IC 660 over a 33gal tank.
Take a 30 gal tank with dimesions 24x24x12". So ligthing it with a single 175watt METAL HALIDE bulb comes out to about 44wattsper sq foot, considerably LESS electricty consumption than T5's. Even if you were to use a 250watter, youre still just consuming 62.5watts per sq ft.
But i dont live in a controlled enviroment and i need to be able to keep my whole fishroom running (including the lights) during those extended power outages we get with our lovely hurricanes.
I wish i could run all MH;s but they do draw a ton of amps when starting up. When you only run 2, 3 or even 4, that;s fine but when you need over 12 of them, then you need to start worrying about amp draw.
That amount of MH's would never run on an inverter so i could not run my whole fishroom uninterrupted if i were to use MHs only since i use a combination of power inverter and generator. i dont want the genny running 24/7 because it;s noisey and you do end up running out of gas, remeber standing in line?
I guess it all boils down to what you need/desire and can afford. Since my interest is GRWOING coral efficiently, while still being able to go uninterrupted during days withtou light, a combnation of t5s and halides do the job but do an even better job if you keep the dimesnos youre working with in mind.
JOHNNY
33 gal tank with such dimesions has 4 linear sq ft of growing space. IC 660 over such tank consumes about 380watts according to my Kill-a-watts Meter. So that's 95watts per square foot. The proof is in the pudding, you can grow acros out of the water with an IC 660 over a 33gal tank.
Take a 30 gal tank with dimesions 24x24x12". So ligthing it with a single 175watt METAL HALIDE bulb comes out to about 44wattsper sq foot, considerably LESS electricty consumption than T5's. Even if you were to use a 250watter, youre still just consuming 62.5watts per sq ft.
But i dont live in a controlled enviroment and i need to be able to keep my whole fishroom running (including the lights) during those extended power outages we get with our lovely hurricanes.
I wish i could run all MH;s but they do draw a ton of amps when starting up. When you only run 2, 3 or even 4, that;s fine but when you need over 12 of them, then you need to start worrying about amp draw.
That amount of MH's would never run on an inverter so i could not run my whole fishroom uninterrupted if i were to use MHs only since i use a combination of power inverter and generator. i dont want the genny running 24/7 because it;s noisey and you do end up running out of gas, remeber standing in line?
I guess it all boils down to what you need/desire and can afford. Since my interest is GRWOING coral efficiently, while still being able to go uninterrupted during days withtou light, a combnation of t5s and halides do the job but do an even better job if you keep the dimesnos youre working with in mind.
JOHNNY
Thanks for all the helpful info. Has anyone checked out the Current Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights. The 8x54w unit is only 399 at Drs. Foster & Smith with bulbs. That's the cheapest rig I've seen. Performance is an issue of course, but I have to also consider cost, power consumption and heat.
Hurricanes are always a consideration. During Katrina and Wilma I ran my tanks off my generator while charging my boat batteries. Then when the generator was off, I ran the tanks [pumps only] off the batteries using an inverter. That was OK for a few hours, then repeat the cycle. What a pain, but I didn't lose a single critter.
Hurricanes are always a consideration. During Katrina and Wilma I ran my tanks off my generator while charging my boat batteries. Then when the generator was off, I ran the tanks [pumps only] off the batteries using an inverter. That was OK for a few hours, then repeat the cycle. What a pain, but I didn't lose a single critter.
gregbot9000
New member
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12772&N=2004+113175
if your talking about this light, you have to remember there is only one reflector for all 8 bulbs. there is no point in buying T5's unless you have a single light reflector for each bulb. and they dont have waterproof endcaps. so it might not be worth the money.
i like my t5's. =)
if your talking about this light, you have to remember there is only one reflector for all 8 bulbs. there is no point in buying T5's unless you have a single light reflector for each bulb. and they dont have waterproof endcaps. so it might not be worth the money.
i like my t5's. =)
Bullredchaser
New member
Correct it's the individual reflector that gives 300% more light output vs bulb with flat reflector.
OK so several people have suggested the Sunlight Supply TEK-Light.
Ocean Encounter has the lowest price I've seen so far, though I've never done business with them. The site looks sooo 10 years ago.
BTW, this is for a 90g. I have Xenia, LR, fish (click the red house). I'd like to be able to keep BTAs. Can I do with the 6x54w or should I go for the 8x54w?
Ocean Encounter has the lowest price I've seen so far, though I've never done business with them. The site looks sooo 10 years ago.
BTW, this is for a 90g. I have Xenia, LR, fish (click the red house). I'd like to be able to keep BTAs. Can I do with the 6x54w or should I go for the 8x54w?
scubasteve247
New member
pedro, if you really want one, look at the sunlight supply fixtures, and ask you know who to order them for you, lol.
they do run a lil high, but absolutley amazing fixtures by far.
i recommend this one.
http://sunlightsupply.com/product.c...CC758E0815D553425543368DD7B1E&c=34&kys=&pgi=2
that fixture will blow you away, its the same one that is on the systems at ecoreef.
they grow all there stony corals with that sytem, the light output amasing.
*Edit: for what you want pedro, you could use the 4 bulb and be fine, but the more light the better
they do run a lil high, but absolutley amazing fixtures by far.
i recommend this one.
http://sunlightsupply.com/product.c...CC758E0815D553425543368DD7B1E&c=34&kys=&pgi=2
that fixture will blow you away, its the same one that is on the systems at ecoreef.
they grow all there stony corals with that sytem, the light output amasing.
*Edit: for what you want pedro, you could use the 4 bulb and be fine, but the more light the better
Thanks, scubasteve.
If you know who can give me a somewhat competitive price, I'd be happy to discuss it. Y'all are still my fave LFS.
If you know who can give me a somewhat competitive price, I'd be happy to discuss it. Y'all are still my fave LFS.
ashrem
Premium Member
Love my new Sunlight Tek lights. Yes I do miss the shimmer but the tank looks good. I checked ebay for couple months to get the 8x54 used with bulbs at $390 with insured shipping. Remeber that the Sunlight does not come with bulbs.
From my research indivdual reflectors were important and so passed on other 8x54 that used a single reflector that were cheaper.
From my research indivdual reflectors were important and so passed on other 8x54 that used a single reflector that were cheaper.
dobly_1999
Member
Re: t5 vs MH's
Re: t5 vs MH's
The following link is to a tank of the month using only T5s.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/totm/index.php
Re: t5 vs MH's
The following link is to a tank of the month using only T5s.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/totm/index.php
Rogger Castells
New member
Silvester, Have you read the whole article on this TOM, I remember this tank very well and with out a doubt it was one of the tanks that made me raise my eyebrow about t5's for my main display.
Read it carefuly and you will find all the inconsistencies and contradictions.
For example
look at the canopy, to be able to keep 8 t5's with parabolic reflectors at 3" from the water how do you work in your tank?
Again, another tank using aminoacids.
Read it carefuly and you will find all the inconsistencies and contradictions.
For example
look at the canopy, to be able to keep 8 t5's with parabolic reflectors at 3" from the water how do you work in your tank?
Again, another tank using aminoacids.
gasman059
The OG mad scientist
Re: Re: t5 vs MH's
Re: Re: t5 vs MH's
MH:
1) Nothing T-5 yet will compete with a 400W MH PAR wise (maybe t-5VHO someday)
2) Simmer
3) Easier to wire. (T5 considered a 2 ballast, 6 bulb, 12 endcap etup. With extensions that 48 electrical connections versus 6 connections for my MH setup.)
4) Easier to do maintenance around.
It seems that glitter lines are more 'show' than 'go' (photosynthetically speaking) in most aquaria situations.
Re: Re: t5 vs MH's
And I tought this thread was dead . HAHAHAH my alter ego appears again.
MH:
1) Nothing T-5 yet will compete with a 400W MH PAR wise (maybe t-5VHO someday)
2) Simmer
3) Easier to wire. (T5 considered a 2 ballast, 6 bulb, 12 endcap etup. With extensions that 48 electrical connections versus 6 connections for my MH setup.)
4) Easier to do maintenance around.
It seems that glitter lines are more 'show' than 'go' (photosynthetically speaking) in most aquaria situations.
I will bet - that in the long run when all of u T5 lovers setup another tank/and another tank eventually will end up with MH's. And all this time wondering why-If u had the setup from the get go with MH's.
Bret61081
Active member
I have this fixture and love it! The fixture itself doesnt run too hot but it does give off a lot of heat. I have a fan moving the air under it to keep the tank cooler. even though it only has one reflector it still works great! puts off a ton of light..everything is my tank is going great! Ive had it since Sept and am very happy!
dobly_1999
Member
T5 and any other lightening that is not MH or VHO will be an on going subject. After reading several articles on lightening, they all seem to work to some degree or other.
Personally, the shimmer that MH produce is what I enjoy.
Maybe we can have a meeting that address this issue. Make sure we have a sergeant-at-arms at the meeting to keep order (smile). This will be a hot subject. It would be nice that on one of our bus trips we have T5 sps tanks on the schedule.
Personally, the shimmer that MH produce is what I enjoy.
Maybe we can have a meeting that address this issue. Make sure we have a sergeant-at-arms at the meeting to keep order (smile). This will be a hot subject. It would be nice that on one of our bus trips we have T5 sps tanks on the schedule.
