how about a sticky on lighting?

[jayghmi]

Anyone out there with enough knowledge to write a sticky on lighting. Like I have an 18,000k bulb in my T5"S - (can't remember the other one here at the office) and have forgotten what that means exactly. I also run an additional compact fluorescent 50/50 and I don't remember what that means.

Or does anyone know of a good succinct article on the subject?

 

[TwoTankAmin]

This is a great article http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/4742/lighting.html

 

[jayghmi]

I finally read the whole article. Very interesting, but still leaves me guessing at what would be the best bulb for my setup. It says 5000k is the closest to sunlight, but most of us use 10,000K for the blue - right?

I have both t5 and 50/50 power compact from coral life. My bulb needs replacement and am trying to decide if I should put something different in there instead of the 50/50.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_Aquar...g_powercompact_compact-fluorescent_bulbs.html

I need a 96 watt 4 pin replacement - any suggestions on which one to choose?

 

[jayghmi]

Another question: When do you replace a t5 bulb?

 

[fsn77]

T5 HO bulb replacement times tend to vary. Generally, a T5 HO actinic will last 12 months if it's overdriven on an IceCap 660 ballast and around 18 months if run on a standard T5 HO ballast. Daylight bulbs reportedly last a little longer -- around 18 months overdriven, with claims of more than 24 months on a standard ballast. It's all dependent on the conditions in which the bulb is used, to be honest. If the bulb is allowed to get too hot, the lifespan shortens. This can easily happen in many fixtures, but just as easily in a canopy that's not properly ventilated. The only way to know for sure is by measuring with a PAR meter.