T8's

[RPALT1]

I've built a new light setup, 4- T8's overdriven by a Icecap 660 ballast. What's the best light combo? Iwas leaning towards 2- 6500k, 1-10,000k and 1- 420 acintic I'm keeping soft corals only. I can't afford halide for sps yet, and I would like to get the best kelvin ratings for the inhabitants

 

[nemo g]

just curious?

if you have the icecap balast and the wiring, why not slap on T5 encaps and bulbs?

from what ive seen, T8 bulbs arent that different in cost, but far inferior when it comes to efficiency.

you could have 4 85 watt T5's with that icecap

 

[20reefer]

If you do what nemo g said you will not need metal halide, also they run cooler and last more than t8.

 

[RPALT1]

HMMMM! Didn't know t5's were that much better

 

[20reefer]

How many gallons is the tank?

 

[RPALT1]

75 gallons--where can you buy t5 endcaps?

 

[20reefer]

You can find the end caps in liveaquaria, reefgeek, hellolights, etc.

If you want to keep all types of corals including low light sps you can go with a 4 bulbs or if you want some more demanding light sps go for 6 bulbs, no more than that. Remember, you need individual reflectors.

 

[fly2cast]

Without spending too much more money, you could also settle for T6's from Big Als. The endcaps you have should work with the T6's. Also, you could get some Aqualux T5 reflectors that would work with the T6's. Should be pretty comparable to T5's.

 

[RPALT1]

Thanks for the input. Why individual reflectors?

 

[nemo g]

individual reflectors, why?

1. simple answer, with any bulb, is to direct the light where you want it. not bouncing out the sides, into other bulbs, or gettting absorbed by the canopy etc.

2. T5's are so thin that a good reflector is easier to design and can be far more efficient.

1+2= more than double the light, yep double with an reflector compared to bare bulb!

remember, quality vho lamps have reflectors for this reason, except that they are internal and less efficient.

im glad i mentioned the T5. i wanted to make sure you "knew" about T5's and just had another reason why you didnt want them (ie fo tank).

good luck :beer:

 

[RPALT1]

Lol - I was going to use a piece of polished aluminum as a reflector above all the bulbs, I thought thier might be a better reason for individual reflectors that's why I asked. Anyhow I placed an order today for t5 endcaps, fortunately redoing the canopy isn't that big of a process. I used 1x1 aluminum angle stock and will mount the end caps right to the frame th a couple of eye hooks and patience it should be fine. Thanks for the help