T6 Lighting for Aquariums

[BeanAnimal]

No, the T6 simply is an alternative to the T8 and T12 fixture owners that has many of the same benefits as the T5.

So it is not progress per say, but a way to leverage a technology to those who would otherwise walk away (becuase they do not want to purchase new fixtures).

Remember most lighting advances and technology are based upon manufacturing, warehouse and LARGE facilities needs where every penny counts. Nobody really cares about hobby lighting, residential lighting or lighting for small business. Those markets are along for the ride with the big commercial markets.

Bean

 

[tquick]

I look at it this way the frame of the catfish light is what i was really after lol. but im willing to give it a shot to see what it can do. if all else fails i will change the ballast, change the ends and walla a nice looking t5 fixture with hight end stuff in it not the cheap pre mades. ohhh forgot also some reflectors

 

[The Grim Reefer]

There are parabolic reflector available for the T6's, I have some. Still hard to find though.

By the way, the catfish lights are HO. Wait till you see the VHO's.

 

[tquick]

are the vho version out as of yet?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Yes, I am using them on the 105. They are still hard to come by but ASM is markting them.

 

[pjf]

T6 VHO Efficacy

T6 VHO Efficacy

Any performance information on T6 VHO, specifically lumens per watt?

My observation is that the more power we put into a tube, the less efficient it becomes.

For example, T5 lamps produce ~100 lumens per watt, whereas T5HO lamps produce ~90 lumens per watt (http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/lightingAnswers/lat5/pc1a.asp).

T12 VHO suffers the same inefficiencies by producing ~50 lumens per watt when T12 HO produces ~60 lumens per watt (http://www.elliptipar.com/vertical/Vertpdf/VertGdLg.pdf).

 

[tquick]

ok top use the vho t6 i will need new ballast for sure? and some reflectors? How did you get yours? Are they available still? Thanks Tommy

 

[tquick]

also one more question? lol actually 2 whats growing in your tank? Good growth? And are you using only t6 vho bulbs? How many bulbs? What spectrum? ok i lied 4 questions

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Tommy,

I know someone involved in the development of the lamps. I believe natural lighting.com has ballasts for the HO lamps. For VHO's a standard VHO ballast will work fine.

PJF

I assume just like the rest the efficiency takes a hit as you increase the output. Only time I'v seen that not hold true is overdriving T5's on an Ice Cap ballast. You get about 35% more output for 30% more power usage.

 

[Roland Jacques]

pjf
ive been trying to find some good info on these new VHO T-6.

the manufacture says they rock twice the PAR and the same watts to lumens as HO.

I think Custom aquatics may start selling them. it will probable be March before all sizes are all back in stock. really hard to find info. id like to no about the VHO t-6 durability.

LFS may have them

 

[BeanAnimal]

Yup and T12 NO put at out around ~80 lumens per watt.


The advantage in any HO or VHO setup is the lumens per foot, or lumens per area. You simply can not get enough NO bulbs over a tank.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8981229#post8981229 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Roland Jacques
pjf
ive been trying to find some good info on these new VHO T-6.

the manufacture says they rock twice the PAR and the same watts to lumens as HO.

I think Custom aquatics may start selling them. it will probable be March before all sizes are all back in stock. really hard to find info. id like to no about the VHO t-6 durability.

LFS may have them

My source says after 9 months the T6 VHO still had better than 90% of the original output.

 

[Roland Jacques]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8981348#post8981348 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
My source says after 9 months the T6 VHO still had better than 90% of the original output.

Sounds great. besides availablity i have not heard any downsides yet on the VHO T-6.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Other than the power usage there seems to be more upside. Supposdly heat doesn't effect them as much and they are much easier to ship which should keep the price down