The T5 Q&a Thread - split

[Pacific Sun RD]

With all due respect, are you seriously suggesting that I should have run the Pacific Sun tubes another 7 months even though I established that PAR values of Pacific Sun Tubes at two months were more or less equal to those of ATI tubes at nearly six months. Well, if I had done that, my light unit would probably need to rest on the brace bars of my tank and my acroporids would probably become off colour (brown may be?). Life is too short. I have moved on.

In the worst situation your corals should looks like in Lunar tank, so you shoudn't worry at all ;-)
As I said before - it's good that his corals cant read that - in other way they should die or be completly brown..
There another T5 tubes SPS dominated tank working with Pacific Sun tubes(only two are different).
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=23050369&postcount=349

 

[MisterP]

Thanks. I beg to differ. Comparative data were provided in my original post. Here is an extract:

"Here is comparative data: Before using Pacific Sun tubes, I used ATI tubes (3 X ATI Blue + and 3 X Coral +). The orientation of the ATI tubes was exactly the same as the PS tubes (i.e. front ATI blue +/PS Crystal Blue, ATI Coral +/PS Spectra +, ATI blue +/PS Crystal Blue, ATI Coral +/PS Spectra +, ATI blue +/PS Crystal Blue, ATI Coral +/PS Spectra + back)

I installed the ATI tubes on 20/10/2013 (using the same incremental process). I repositioned my light unit ~9cm above the same brace bar on 13/04/2013 to get ~ 250 µmol m-2 s-1 reading (nearly six months after the first PAR reading). Notice that I used the "~" symbol, because ATI and Pacific Sun tubes are not identical though they are quite comparable. I have further data about the interim results, but I have not included them here as they would not demonstrate anything beyond that already demonstrated."

With all due respect, are you seriously suggesting that I should have run the Pacific Sun tubes another 7 months even though I established that PAR values of Pacific Sun Tubes at two months were more or less equal to those of ATI tubes at nearly six months. Well, if I had done that, my light unit would probably need to rest on the brace bars of my tank and my acroporids would probably become off colour (brown may be?). Life is too short. I have moved on.

From a scientific standpoint your test is very flawed. You can't believe testing one set for 2 months and testing others for 6 gives good data set.

You can't extrapolate 2 months data and try and make it fit against 6, thats poor test setup.

I'm not suggesting anything you do with your tank. My point is you can't compare these 2 data sets because they are incomplete and you are grasping at straws assuming the falloff in par is linear.


Very few things in the real world are linear.

 

[MisterP]

I've posted in Krystov's (lunar reef) thread as to longevity of tubes. Hopefully he replies with a definitive response. I mean his corals are phenomenal so the tubes can't be that bad.

I really want a credible review since these tubes are 15% less than ATIs.

 

[DiscusHeckel]

I've posted in Krystov's (lunar reef) thread as to longevity of tubes. Hopefully he replies with a definitive response. I mean his corals are phenomenal so the tubes can't be that bad.

I really want a credible review since these tubes are 15% less than ATIs.

The tubes are great in terms of their spectrum. I already stated that. I would buy them again if they did not lose their intensity so quickly.

 

[MisterP]

It wouldn't appear anything is wrong with the tubes looking at his aquarium.

Unless he changes them every 2 months....I guess he will answer.

 

[DiscusHeckel]

It wouldn't appear anything is wrong with the tubes looking at his aquarium.

Unless he changes them every 2 months....I guess he will answer.

Anything less than 10 months is no good for me as the PS tubes would cost more in the long term compared to ATI tubes.

 

[MisterP]

100% Agree!

Hopefully he can answer how long his tubes last. I'm not being difficult with you as I know sometimes it is hard to inflect my tone through typing. I assure you I'm just trying to do some research and not be harsh with anyone.

Best regards to you.

 

[rtparty]

Many advanced SPS aquarists replace t5 tubes every 6 -7 months - because PAR drop in this time is very big - and it also apply to most known brands(KZ/ATI/Giesmann etc). Its depend from tube construction and phoshporous layer thickness - which burn due this time. T5 tubes arent complicated space ships with advanced technology...

I never said they were advanced. I understand perfectly how they work.

What I said is that the bulbs aren't going to magically steady out after the 2 month period. Maybe DiscusHeckel got a bad batch (according to you that isn't the case) but maybe he didn't. Maybe it is a freak thing and not common. I truly don't know and really don't care. It doesn't affect me in any way.

I simply responded that I, rtparty/Ryan, have never tested tubes that have needed 2 months to break in and then magically were good for the next 10 or so. I know that many reefers replace their bulbs around 6-7 months. That is fine for them and what they choose to do. Personally, I know that tubes can last 12 months with about 12-15% drop off in PAR. Spectrum is what changes the most at that point.

I have always recommended that heavy SPS tanks should start replacing blue bulbs around the 9-10 month mark and then go from there.

But in the end this is a pointless debate for me. I don't have a tank right now and won't for a little bit. I may never get to see Pacific Sun tubes in person but c'est la vie.

 

[moondoggy4]

Going to orders some bulbs I have a dual 250 MH with 14k phoniex bulbs and I will need 4 48'' T-5 bulbs, the T-5;s will NOT supplement the 250's, the T-5's will be on the majority of the time, this is a softie tank.

Which bulbs should I get? Thanks in advance.

 

[rtparty]

Going to orders some bulbs I have a dual 250 MH with 14k phoniex bulbs and I will need 4 48'' T-5 bulbs, the T-5;s will NOT supplement the 250's, the T-5's will be on the majority of the time, this is a softie tank.

Which bulbs should I get? Thanks in advance.

I'd get 2 Blue Plus, 2 Coral Plus and 1 Purple Plus. Then you can mess around with the combo a little and see what you like.

 

[ZON]

in my experienge t5 dramatically fall after 3/4 months all brand that i used (ati kz FM giesemann osram) but..are ok for sps until 6/7 months in a good fixture.

i personally when want top performance of my light change all tube every 3/4 months.. when i have a new setup or the tank is good populated and colored i change every 7/8 months..

if the fixture is active cooled 8 months are ok in terms of PAR and spectrum..if you use no cooling 4 months and are ready for garbage.

 

[ZON]

In the worst situation your corals should looks like in Lunar tank, so you shoudn't worry at all ;-)
As I said before - it's good that his corals cant read that - in other way they should die or be completly brown..
There another T5 tubes SPS dominated tank working with Pacific Sun tubes(only two are different).
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=23050369&postcount=349

i'm curious to try pacsun but cannot find here in italy...and shipping = broken glass ..have you find a reseller here ???

(also write me in pm if you prefer)

 

[Pacific Sun RD]

@Zon
We have few Resellers in Italy.Please pm me, I dont want post offtop here.
Thanks!

 

[sahin]

Anything less than 10 months is no good for me as the PS tubes would cost more in the long term compared to ATI tubes.

Bulent,

Thanks for posting your findings. I have always used tubes from ATI, Geisemann and KZ...though my main set of tubes consist of ATI tubes.

Like you, I dont want to be swapping out tubes after only 6 months...why pay for and use tubes that only last 6-7 months compared to tubes from the likes of ATI and others that will easily last at least 10 months...

I was going to order the new PacSun tubes that would be comming out in December time in the UK...but I think I will stay with the brands that offer high performance and longer life.

I never said they were advanced. I understand perfectly how they work.

What I said is that the bulbs aren't going to magically steady out after the 2 month period. Maybe DiscusHeckel got a bad batch (according to you that isn't the case) but maybe he didn't. Maybe it is a freak thing and not common. I truly don't know and really don't care. It doesn't affect me in any way.

I simply responded that I, rtparty/Ryan, have never tested tubes that have needed 2 months to break in and then magically were good for the next 10 or so. I know that many reefers replace their bulbs around 6-7 months. That is fine for them and what they choose to do. Personally, I know that tubes can last 12 months with about 12-15% drop off in PAR. Spectrum is what changes the most at that point.

I have always recommended that heavy SPS tanks should start replacing blue bulbs around the 9-10 month mark and then go from there.

But in the end this is a pointless debate for me. I don't have a tank right now and won't for a little bit. I may never get to see Pacific Sun tubes in person but c'est la vie.

+1

I was one of the first in the UK to start using T5's when they came out...Retrofit etc... Back then they werent used in the states like they are now...and have been measuring PAR etc over the years and have built up a certain experience and understanding about the lifespan etc of the typical tubes.

Since I've always own ATI T5 fixtures which have active cooling I have always tended to replace tubes nearing the 10 months period...sometimes even slightly longer.

I am happy that PacificSun are producing a new generation of T5 tubes...I was particularly impressed with the spectral width of the newer tubes coming out in December. I even PM'd them asking when they will be released and asking about a retailer in London etc...but the post from Bulent has made me change my mind...

I might try a tube or two if I can locate some locally in the future as shipping would otherwise make getting hold of these tubes cost prohibitive.

 

[sweeper7]

so i need to replace my bulbs as they are nearly 16 months old and just realized i don't remember where i ordered them from.

Where do people order their t5 bulbs from??!

Also, I used 3blue+ and 1 purple in my tek 4x39 setup but not sure if i should do the same or other new ideas/mixes are out and about now a days.

also what brand or makes no difference?

 

[rtparty]

so i need to replace my bulbs as they are nearly 16 months old and just realized i don't remember where i ordered them from.

Where do people order their t5 bulbs from??!

Also, I used 3blue+ and 1 purple in my tek 4x39 setup but not sure if i should do the same or other new ideas/mixes are out and about now a days.

also what brand or makes no difference?

With Reefgeek gone I would be partial to MarineDepot, Bulk Reef Supply or Premium Aquatics if they're still around.

2 blue plus and 2 coral plus is a good combo. Grab a purple plus as well to play around with.

I prefer to stick with ATI, Giesemann or KZ

 

[FranktheTankTx]

Ryan -

Thinking about the LED Powermodule for Black Friday -

Have a 30"x24"x18" rimless -

Really want to spring for the 24" 8 bulb version just because. Plan on using 2 x ATI Actinic to lighten the PAR. LED on low % - if I hang just high enough can I avoid scorching my SPS/LPS?

P.S. Anyone hear from Grim?

 

[moondoggy4]

Marine Depot has, order 6- 54 watt bulbs and shipping is free. When I checked Premium Aquatics they're was a 20 sur charge, if I am wrong I would like a correction.

Thanks Ryan, I will order 6 of those bulbs, and sell two.

 

[mhucasey]

Unless I cannot get it from them, I order everything from Marine Depot. Their prices and service are hard to beat.

 

[rtparty]

Ryan -

Thinking about the LED Powermodule for Black Friday -

Have a 30"x24"x18" rimless -

Really want to spring for the 24" 8 bulb version just because. Plan on using 2 x ATI Actinic to lighten the PAR. LED on low % - if I hang just high enough can I avoid scorching my SPS/LPS?

P.S. Anyone hear from Grim?

24" front to back or 18"?

Either way I think the 4 bulb is truly plenty but if you have the funds then the 8 bulb would be an awesome addition.

They put out a ton of light and the LEDs truly spread the 24" they claim