New T5

[edwing206]

I want to upgrade my lighing from 110 watts of PC to 96 watts of T5 HO but can only get one retro kit right now. So i was wondering how 24 watts of T5 compares to 110 watts of PC. would it provide enough light to sustain my corals for a while? oh and for corals i have some palys zoas pipe organ shrooms and an anemone. thanks

 

[dc_909]

Why not get the T5 and put it on the tank while leaving 1 PC bulb on there also? Then just switch out the remaing PC when you have more money.

 

[edwing206]

ok thanks. i never thought of that dc 909. i think i will do that

 

[edwing206]

yeah. I've geard good thing as well. That's what I'm getting, Tek retros

 

[Chelsey]

the reflectors I seen were icecap individual reflectors and then one of those all in one units with one big reflector. (I think it was a nova? or something like that) I've heard good things about the tek5 setups from sunlight supply. But really have no first hand experience with them.

the problem with the tek fixtures is there is no cooling of the bulbs in the system

you will have hogh par and than aboout 15 to 20 mins later your par drops about 20-30% because of the bulbs being hot

 

[edwing206]

I might actually get the fixture now because it will save time (don't have to build canopy). So what if I blew 2 small computer fans on it? would that be good enough to keep the heat down and PAR up? thanks

 

[fishes2889]

Go to www.diyreef.com they have the best prices for T5's. A few bucks cheaper and plus you can upgrade the reflectors to the icecaps for 8$ more.

Steve

 

[fishes2889]

the problem with the tek fixtures is there is no cooling of the bulbs in the system

you will have hogh par and than aboout 15 to 20 mins later your par drops about 20-30% because of the bulbs being hot

But the T5's run at a cooler temp. i thought? I dont think you NEED a fan to keep temps down.

JMO Steve

 

[archer]

Cooling fans

I am currently running 7 60" T-5s being overdriven on Ice Cap ballasts. The bulbs are hot but you can touch them and not get burnt. It is my understanding that you will prolong bulb life and increase PAR if you put a cooling fan blowing length wise on the bulbs.

 

[edwing206]

ok that's good