T6 Lighting for Aquariums

weimluv1

Premium Member
I thought it might be time to start a thread about this new lighting.


Some are claiming it's going to replace the T5 HO lighting. I haven't seen jack....yet. :D


???

any information from a manufacturer or merchandising standpoint?

Currently, the only bulbs for aquarium (marine) use are the 48" 55w actinic .03, and 10k/actinic bulbs.


I think it warrants someone getting some and trying them out and getting some usable, scientific, non-biased readings.

I wonder if they'll fit under the T5 para reflectors? Maybe the Miro 4 reflectors?

I'm sure they'll come up with a T6 reflector, and charge insane prices on a piece of bent specular aluminum (high demand, right?)

Well if anyone has any info, much would be appreciated.

thanks

weimluv1
 
What instrument do you have handy or ready when you get your hand on some T-6 Lamps.
T-6 has a 20mm diameter tube. and will fit in most all standerd T-8, T-10 and T-12 fixtures.
Available in srandard, HO and VHO wattages.

Since reflextor changes the performance of the lamps. You should begin compare the lamps to any T-5 with out a flector as a base guideline.

I am sure some one or some company will quickly develope different reflectors for these lamps sooner than you can blinck your eyes.

Please post some of the pictures of your aquarium with T-5s, I will send you some T-6 to try. Let see how you like them. Please note I do not and can not sell these lamps. But I can get you some to try.

Thank you.
 
t6

t6

send some over to canada ill try them.i need 6 lamps.im curently using tek lighting fixture,will they fit on a t5 holder.
 
The primary problem I've seen to date with T6 lights is that the only companies I've heard of that are working on this are all from China. If the T5 Chinese bulb is of any relevance as a reference point....quality control is a major issue. Beyond that though the T6 bulb is very interesting. I have seen them and the raw numbers are good. They are only 1/8" bigger than a T5 so effecient individual reflectors that are of a reasonable size should be possible. As a stop gap you could probably use T5 reflectors (IF the clips will make it that extra 1/8"). What's nice is that they fit in "standard fixtures" so people with old VHO setups would be able to "pop" one in and provided they have the spacing for the reflectors....

Again, I hold the manufacturer quality control issue up front though.

The technology holds promise. The quality control needs to be there. Consistent bulbs, good lifespans, good manufacturing quality control.
 
No they will not, x-link.

T5 bulbs are bipin G5

T6 bulbs are standard bipin, G13.

They will fit into T8 or T12 endcaps, though.

YU L Li, i dont have a T5 setup, I'm thinking i should hold out until T6s become more popular, with more options for bulb length.

Since there quite a few options for ballasts for use on T6s, I'm just wondering which ones are best suited for them. Would T5HO ballasts overdrive them (perhaps a good thing, provided bulb life isn't shortened too much)? What about the Icecap 660?

Since this topic is so new, i doubt anyone has tried them yet.
 
I gave some info about the T-6 VHO I have tested over 8 months.
Please see the link R33f3r posted

Chuck, you may come by the see these 8 months lamps still working with 85% of their original output. We can use the spectrum meter to see how well they held up. I don't know how to post pictures on this forums?? I can can show some report from the professional certify spectrum meter of these lamps.

Just for some to know, There are many name brands of T-5 in Europe are made in China.

The manufacture of these T-6 lamp do make some T-5 for GE yes, I said General Electric for Europe and the USA.

I can give some away to test. Just e-mail me. I can not do it for every body sorry.

Those who will end with the T-6 lamps will be the able to comment.

Thank you guys.

By the way, most of the ballast you guys are using will work WELL.
I use Icp Cap 660.
 
I think the computer designed reflectors Aqualux sells would work well with the T6 until the specific reflectors come out. These things are pretty big and don't have the faceted panels like Ice Cap and SLS so I don't think the larger lamp diameter will throw off the geometry. In 18" of water they equal Ice Cap's PAR running T5's. You would either need to spread out the clips or find bigger ones.
 
weimluv1,

Yes, the Ice cap 660 may and could over drive the lamps. There is a way to test how much watts are being driven in to your lamps.

A over driven lamps may take in the Amps/watts, but will not perform the right amount of light output, So your PF will be way off. Much of energy are lost. But it is fun if over drive is your thing.

By the way, does any one have a actual report on a spectrums and par lost over time 6 month, 12 month 18 months on T-5 that are use in the reef aquariums. If do, please post. If possible the power factor lost also.

Thank you.
 
Just for your informations.

In Japan, all of the big department stores use T-6 lamps especialy in all of thier casmetic sections.
For many years they use T-5 but not any more.

Why?
 
Yu L LI said:
Just for your informations.

In Japan, all of the big department stores use T-6 lamps especialy in all of thier casmetic sections.
For many years they use T-5 but not any more.

Why?

Cost most likely. Whichever is cheapest.
 
Cheapest for the electricity and more lumens at the same time.
You are right.

You know, it cost more to build T-6 over T-5s.

Cost more in glass, more in exotic gas, more in filaments and electro coating more in rare earth phosphors just cost more over all to build.
 
yu l li , can you tell us your link to these bulbs? like why you can get them and give them out for free ? or when you will start selling them ?
 
Sorry, I do not have link for the site. I did ask the factory to site up a site for the T-6 with full information about the lamps.

I did help develop some of the T-6 and the new VHO PL compact lamps. I do not sell T-6.

I am involve in continue development of other lamps that is why I can get lamps.

I belive it is good to give some people to try these T-6 under different conditions so they can comment on these lamps. I am sure some will like them and some may not. What ever turn them on.

I will post some performance info on these lamps once I learn how to post the attachments.

I am sending some lamps out next weeks and some will be in med March that is when I get more lamps.

I am sure those who gets the lamps will post their comments. I am sure you will fine their opinion are none bias.

Until than.
 
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