T5/LED help

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Millepora_Maniac

HI sphelps, I agree the bulbs are hard to come by, but going with four 36W will inevitably cost more money since I would end up having to buy four bulbs to replace rather than two, also, you end up with end caps and extra contact points that can get salty and corrode. The set up cost of four 36w instead of two 80 W would also be more money. Then to top all that off, you are getting less wattage despite it being spread evenly over the tank.

If I could find a complete set of the 36W, I might consider it if used, in good shape, and affordable, but I would really like to see 60" bulbs staggered across my tank rather than multitudes of smaller bulbs. Ideally, I want four 60W, two on either side, and then the LED's in the middle. The equivalent is eight 36w.

thanks for the input guys.

2 60" bulbs vs 4 36" bulbs is typically about $25 difference but it can depend on brand and supplier however this is easily saved on shipping if you can't find 60" bulbs locally which is often the case. And yes a grand total of 2W difference in ratting yet 4 36" T5s will produce more light than 2 60" T5s, why? Because florescent bulbs get less efficient the longer they are (you're getting 12 feet of light vs 10 feet so 20% more). While start ups cost may be slightly higher, everything will be easier to source and like you mentioned the opportunity to find used equipment is much better. Also proper installation with waterproof end caps will prevent corrosion issues.
It makes little difference how many bulbs you compare, 2 vs 4 or 4 vs 8, the results are the same. Either way just putting it out there is all. Personally I would never use 60" bulbs again.
Also, not that you should, but if dimming ever crossed you mind, you can't dim 60" bulbs

[mike31154]

I have 8 moisture resistant end caps, enough for 4 sets of lights, length would depend on your preference & what ballasts you wish to use. Unlikely I'll ever use them again. Also have two Workhorse 8 ballasts which can be wired up for several different lengths of tubes. I used them in a 48 inch (54 watt?) T5HO configuration. Could easily be used for 36". Not positive about 60", I'll have to nose through my hard drive to find the specs.