T5 Par & Bulb Selection

Der_Iron_Chef · #1 08-09-2007, 01:50 PM

As you can tell from my last couple threads, I'm contemplating a new lighting system! I've decided that a nice T5 set-up may be my best bet, all things considered.

I have the opportunity to buy a 36" 8x39W Tek fixture. That's a lot of light. I've read a lot about the different PAR values for MH bulbs, but haven't found much on their T5 counterparts. Does anyone have any information on that?

As well, if you were running 8 bulbs, which T5s would you choose and why?

Der_Iron_Chef · #2 08-09-2007, 02:01 PM

Well, I found something on RC. But anyone have any other personal experience? Recommendations for bulb selection?

Reefer Rob · #3 08-09-2007, 02:51 PM

I think you found the best information on T5 par that's out there. When I ran all T5s I liked the look of 50/50 blue+ and Aquablue, but T5s are all about taste, it may not be what you like. When you order your bulbs get 1 extra Aquablue and a GE daylight so you can play with your color temperature a bit.

T5s also shift toward the red spectrum as they age a bit, so what looks good when they're new may not look good 3 months from now, so you may want to switch your bulbs a bit then.

DanG · #4 08-09-2007, 03:45 PM

I'm currently running 2 of the ATI blue plus bulbs, and the difference between those and the generic ones my light came with it amazing.

maron6977 · #5 08-09-2007, 04:42 PM

I had T5 lighting & thought I was happy until I just started using a MH unit . I perfer the MH system alot better, but I was only running (4) 39w. The corals seem perkyer & I like the light shimmer . Also (1) 250w HQI bulb is alot cheaper than (8) 39w T5 bulbs. Good Luck .
Mark.

andresont · #6 08-09-2007, 08:34 PM

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1149579

scroll down for pics
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