T5 lighting

[DanG]

I went from 2x96W PC's on my 36" tank to 4x39W T5's and it is a lot brighter and I do have a lot better growth. Plus it's 4 bulbs, not 2, so I have a bit more flexability when it comes to how much blue and white I have in the tank.
For output without a reflector, T5's and PC's are fairly close, but the reflector is what sets T5's apart. The proper reflectors are M shaped.
If you're looking for a retrofit kit (one that will be hidden in a canopy), check out www.saltwaterconnection.com. That's where I got mine from, and I'm really happy with them. It's an all in one uint, the endcaps are mounted to the ballast and the reflectors just clip onto the bulbs. If you're looking for a fixture, check out http://www.prairiereefsupplies.ca/index.php?id=95

[ron101]

Originally Posted by DanG

T5's and PC's are fairly close, but the reflector is what sets T5's apart.

So really what you're saying is that there is little actual output difference between comparable wattage fluorescent lamps but it is the geometry of the T5 that allows the use of superior reflectors?

Call me skeptical but I would like to see some actual wattage for wattage, and PAR for PAR comparisons of halide vs fluorescent. I am doubtful of large heat differences. Sure it will be more concentrated with the halide since it is more of a point source than a line source (fluorescent) but will it be a factor over total water volume...

Considering the shorter lifespan of fluorescent lamps, replacing 4 T5's every year (or less) vs one halide every 2+ years, I would think watt for watt, halides are cheaper in the long run.

[trilinearmipmap]

Here are my experiences with T5 lighting - 432 watts on a 120 gallon tank.

I have had the lights for I think 3 years, maybe I am wrong and it is 2 years.

In my tank I grow mixed softies/SPS/LPS/anemones.

LPS grow great under my T5's whether high or low in the tank.

I have two SPS, a purple monti cap and an orangish/purplish montipora digitata, they both grow great under the T5's near the top of the tank.

BTA's grow fine around mid-hight in the tank.

Softies grow OK. Mushrooms shrink and shrivel away even at the bottom of the tank, I think it is too much light for them.

The downsides to T5's are:

Bulbs difficult to get and harder to ship than MH bulbs, and for a comparable wattage replacement MH bulbs would be cheaper than T5 bulbs.
More expensive than comparable MH units nowadays, since I have noticed the MH prices seem to have come down a lot in the past few years.

If you want to buy a T5 setup try Ocean Aquatics.

If I were going to do it again I would just go with MH.

[Reefer Rob]

If your looking for some number comparisons between halides and T5s check out the lighting and filtration forum on RC. Lots of tests have been done comparing the two. If you are sceptical about how well they work, look at any tank that is using them.

[nickb]

There are lots of stores selling the T5 bulbs (and endcaps, etc.) but I am looking for intact systems since I don't want to DIY a hood on this tank. J&L sells the Giessman T5 light system but only in 48" size and up. Oceanaquatics does sell a 24" Tek T5 system which looks nice (if a bit expensive) - thanks for the pointer. I couldn't find a Hidden Reef in Canada.

Out East, none of the stores I checked seem to carry a T5 system except AuqariumLight.com (which only stock 54W bulb systems - 48" I think).

Not sure what I'm going to do but many thanks for the pointers and discussion.

[ron101]

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

If your looking for some number comparisons between halides and T5s check out the lighting and filtration forum on RC. Lots of tests have been done comparing the two.

I did a quick check over there but didnt come up with anything - you know how big threads can get on RC. Regardless, what I think is needed is a controlled A/B comparison with variables accounted for, something like what Sanjay does. Numbers that other reefers provide have to be taken with a very large grain of salt.

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

If you are sceptical about how well they work, look at any tank that is using them.

I am not skeptical about how well they work, but about T5 lamps having a definite numerical advantage over metal halide.

[Squiddy]

I love my T5's. Remember that most of the T5's you see in stores are the normal output ones.. like the CoraLife brand T5's. If you get T5's, be sure to get the high output bulbs. I got my 6x54W retro kit from reefgeek in the US. The only thing that I don't get that I would get with halides, is the shimmering effect. If I did it again, I would go T5 .