T5 Lighting

[digital-audiophile]

Its so nice to see those pictures. A little vindication for us T5 guys that take so much flak.

[Powertec]

Could the reflectors in the tek fixture be changed out to higher output individual reflectors that clip on?

[JDigital]

Originally Posted by Powertec

Could the reflectors in the tek fixture be changed out to higher output individual reflectors that clip on?

The reflectors in Tek's are individual reflectors.

[Canadian]

Originally Posted by JDigital

The reflectors in Tek's are individual reflectors.

The reflectors in Tek lights aren't individual - they're a sheet of aluminum bent to form individual-like reflectors.

And I think what Powertec was asking is if the sheet of reflectors could be removed and the fixture retrofitted with higher quality individual clip-on reflectors like those made by IC or the smaller Aquactinics ones. I don't know how feasible it would be to fit another brand of reflector in a Tek light because each bent reflector is quite narrow compared to the individual reflectors sold by IC, Aquactinics, etc. Also, I don't know how much space there is above the lamps in the Tek light and the depth of various retrofit individual reflectors might be greater than that of those in the Tek fixtures.

[sphelps]

From my experience you can't beat the T5 and MH combo. Both have there advantages but combining them gives the best of both. I've tried all T5 and all Halide on my tank and in the end settled on both for best results. I was not a fan of the all T5 lighting on my larger tank however it works well for my smaller tank so I think the size and design of the tank is key to choosing optimal lighting.

I would also like to add that choosing lighting based on pictures is a bad idea. T5 tanks will always produce better pictures because of the softer more even light. In addition a camera has the ability to adjust WB and exposure which could alter the color, brightness and contrast.

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by sphelps

I would also like to add that choosing lighting based on pictures is a bad idea. T5 tanks will always produce better pictures because of the softer more even light. In addition a camera has the ability to adjust WB and exposure which could alter the color, brightness and contrast.

Not to mention nearly everyone here is viewing the pictures on non-calibrated monitors/screens. It's unreal how 'off' most of our screens truly are.