The T5 Q&a Thread

[Icefire]

Is it normal 24" give out way more lights?

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=23934

I had a little time on my hands today, so I pulled out the light meter just to see how much punch these T5HO's really have over Power Compacts.

Here are the results:

T5HO
1x 24 watt 10,000K & 1x 24 watt actinic= 1930 Lux
3x 24 watt 10,000K & 3x 24 watt actinic=4,550 Lux
(under 6" of water)

T5HO
1x 39 watt 10,000K & 3x 39 watt actinic=1,200 Lux
3x 39 watt 10,000K & 3x 39 watt actinic=5,000 Lux
(under 6" of water)

Power Compact

2x 65 watt 10,000K & 2x 65 watt actinic=5,450 Lux
(under 6" of water)

T5HO
1x 39 watt 10,000K & 1x 39 watt actinic=1200 Lux
(16" to light fixture)

Power Compact
2x 65 watt 10,000K & 2 x 65 watt actinic=2,430 Lux
(16" to light fixture approximately 2" difference in water penetration from T5HO)

Lux per watt (based on one daylight and one actinic, and approx. the same distance-16" from the light fixture)


T5HO 24 watts=40.21 lux/watt
T5HO 39 watts=15.38 lux/watt
PC 65 watt=9.35 lux/watt


These are all factory units with no modifications, the study is based on a practical application and not a controlled lab study. Brand names and manufacturer's are not disclosed, because we simply wanted to see the difference between T5HO and PC lighting.

Light meter was a new Milwaukee SM700 with a submersible photo probe, accuracy 6%+/-, +/- 1 digit

Summary T5HO's pack alot of punch!

 

[Icefire]

dp

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8985100#post8985100 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by axia55

-ReefGeek recommends 1 daylight-1Aquablue-2 Actinic Plus. I really prefer a "bluer" look. Right now I have 1 GE 6500K, 1 Giesemann 11000K aquablue, and 2 Giesemann Actinic Plus. Will this be a good combo for me?
-I can't hang the fixture in my apartment and I don't want to spend $55 for legs. If I get the Acrylic shield, can I just set the fixture on top of my tank?

Grab a couple 2x2 square dowels from the home despot and sit your fixture on those. You can stain them or paint them to get the best look. With acrylic that will be fine. If you dont want to use acrylic do whatever to get th fixture 4" above the water.

 

[Icefire]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8986749#post8986749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I'd do like 1 GE daylight 2 Aquablues and a UVL Super Actinic. That should have a bluish tint but pretty bright white.

I might have some problem finding all these in Canada....
I can get these online in Canada:

24" Powerchrome T5 Fluorescent Bulb - Midday $17.95 Instock
24" Powerchrome T5 Fluorescent Bulb - Aquaflora $17.95 Instock
24" Powerchrome T5 Fluorescent Bulb - AquaBlue + $20.95 Instock
24" Powerchrome T5 Fluorescent Bulb - Actinic + $21.95 Instock
36" Powerchrome T5 Fluorescent Bulb - Midday $19.95 Instock
36" Powerchrome T5 Fluorescent Bulb - Aquaflora $20.95 Instock
36" T5 10000K Fluorescent Bulb $22.95 Instock
36" T5 Actinic Fluorescent Bulb $21.95 Instock

Bulb are 30$+ locally

 

[axia55]

I'm about to place my order for the 4x24w 24" unit. I am going to order the following bulbs based on what I have been reading-
1 GE 6500K
1 UVL Super Actinic
2 ATI 12000K Aquablue Special

This combo should give me a nice whitish-blue light correct?

 

[Nano_reeflover]

Does Home Depot carry the GE 6500k 24w?

 

[monkey61672]

My lfs has told me that aquactinics sells 48" canopies with 4,6,and 8 bulb options. I have not seen them online are they talking about teks?

 

[coraladdict]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8778967#post8778967 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Intresting problem. You could try swapping out an Aquablue for a GE 3000K and see what happens.

Hi Grim

Do you know if a Sylvania 3000 k would be also be good instead of a GE 3000K?
Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8986864#post8986864 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Icefire
I might have some problem finding all these in Canada....
I can get these online in Canada:



Bulb are 30$+ locally

Substitute the midday for the GE and if you cant get a super actinic use the actinic plus.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8986959#post8986959 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by axia55
I'm about to place my order for the 4x24w 24" unit. I am going to order the following bulbs based on what I have been reading-
1 GE 6500K
1 UVL Super Actinic
2 ATI 12000K Aquablue Special

This combo should give me a nice whitish-blue light correct?

Yep

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8987287#post8987287 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nano_reeflover
Does Home Depot carry the GE 6500k 24w?

You might find them locally.

 

[BLockamon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8988623#post8988623 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by monkey61672
My lfs has told me that aquactinics sells 48" canopies with 4,6,and 8 bulb options. I have not seen them online are they talking about teks?

Yep, those are Tek. Aquactinics has a 5-bulb fixture with Workhorse ballasts and the Solar Flare 6-bulb fixture with IceCap ballasts, IceCap fans, and IceCap moonlights. Lots of $$$ for the Solar Flare though.

 

[monkey61672]

Wow thanks Blockmon!! I almost let them order me the wrong lights...

 

[Icefire]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8989035#post8989035 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Substitute the midday for the GE and if you cant get a super actinic use the actinic plus.

Midday, aquablue+ and Actinic+ or pureactinic03 from Geiseman?

Will go for 3x39w on workhorse5 or 4x39w on workhorse7 not sure.

How are Arcadia lamp?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Stick with the Geisemann. Midday, 2 Aquablues and Pure Actinic03

 

[Icefire]

Thanks

 

[cgarsmokr]

Grim, I got my 6 bulb Solar Flare recently and want to know what the order of my bulbs should be.
2 ATI blue+, UV super actinic, GE 3000K, ATI aquablue special, GE 6500K.
Thanks.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Try this

Front
Super Actinic
Aquablue Special
GE 6500K
Blue Plus
GE 3500K
Blue Plus

 

[smjtkj]

What is you guys thoughts on the workhorse 7 ballast? Is it reliable for T5 setups?
Mike

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Not my first (nor second)choice but they do work.