Need some help with T5s

E

ErrorS

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Dec 29, 2006
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I was looking into T5s, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of information about them... at least, it's harder to find. Couldn't even search for posts on these forums for information about them.

If anyone has a site with a rundown of the differences or can help me with a few questions I have, I would appreciate it.

1. Do they require anything special above normal Fluorescents? Some T8s require higher amperage for a higher starting voltage(or something) than a T12. From what I'm seeing, a dual 32W T8 needs 0.85A to start, typical T12 40W need only 0.80A. What about T5s? and i know the HO T5s will require quite a bit more.

2. Would it be as simple as using any electronic ballast for a NO fluorescent that can provide enough power? Say some cheap $40 electronic ballast at Menards that powers two 96'' bulbs to power two 52W HO T5s ? these lamps don't require anything special, right?

Looking to fit 6-8 over my 55 gallon aquarium. It would be a space saver.. I just wish I could find small, cheap ballasts, the ones I'm looking at are a foot long and like 6LBs and I would need four of them for 8 lamps, that's flat out impossible. There has to be an easier way? And wiring is going to be a nightmare

I only do things cheaply. Running two T8s and two 55W CFs right now for under $50 (not counting bulb cost)
 
T5 HO are best run on a T5 HO ballast:
http://www.ballastwise.com/item.asp?PID=24&FID=15&level=1
or on of an IceCap VHO ballast (IC 430 or 660), which will overdrive the bulbs -- produce even more light, extra heat, and somewhat shorten bulb life. To maximize output, you'll want to use individual reflectors for each bulb, such as the IceCap SLR reflectors. That said, you will not get 6 T5s over a 55g tank -- I can only fit 6 T5 HO bulbs with individual reflectors over our 90g tank and that's a tight fit.

T5 HOs are not cheap. A single 4' IceCap SLR reflector alone runs around $20. The TEK reflectors are a bit cheaper. Endcaps run around $9 a pair, stand-off mounts $8 a pair. See reefgeek.com for kit packages and more specific prices on parts.
 
Well, I can fit 4 with individual reflectors but can probably fit 8 without. 8 would put out more light, wouldn't it? even if it's only 6 to cut down on heat?

A workhorse 7 wouldn't be enough to power 4 HO T5s? Then pick up some cheap endcaps from Lowes ($4 for a pack of two)

After buying a new electronic ballast for my T8s I'm considering just leaving it as is. The T8s with this electronic ballast are pretty bright. Before, with the magnetic ballast, the PCs would wash out the T8s.. almost to the point where I couldn't tell they were lit when I had the PCs on (looking at the bulbs themselves), now they seem just as bright as the PCs.

edit: and thanks for the help, that thread taught me quite a bit.
 
IMO, it's sort of questionable as to whether or not 8 without reflectors would put out more light than 4 with reflectors. I've seen posts where 8 bulb fixtures not using individual reflectors were said to be no more intense than a 4 bulb fixture with individual reflectors. I don't know for sure how accurate that is, as I haven't seen any documented numbers as proof. But, it's commonly claimed that the individual reflectors triple the amount of light that makes it to the tank.

The Workhorse ballasts are used by some people for T5s, but many caution against it due to the lack of "end of life protection" by the WH ballasts. I don't know how much of an issue that is to you, but it is worth pointing out.

The more expensive endcaps are waterproof... don't know about the ones available at HD / Lowe's or if you even need them to be waterproof. That'll depend on your set-up.

Good luck with whichever route you decide to go.
 
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