ok i've seen this tank before but finally found the link. This SPS tank is lit only by T-5's
Bon apatite
http://www.reefland.com/rho/0106/feature8.php
Bon apatite
http://www.reefland.com/rho/0106/feature8.php
T5 Naysay'ers read THIS
- Thread starter Pufferpoison
- Start date
Geez! I couldn't afford to change the bulbs on that let alone pay the hydro bill.
On one of my tanks, I have an IceCap 660 that at the moment overdrives 4 NO lamps and also has 4 NO lamps over the same 65g tank.
What advantage is there for using T5's with this IceCap 660 instead of using HO or VHO which will have more watts?
On one of my tanks, I have an IceCap 660 that at the moment overdrives 4 NO lamps and also has 4 NO lamps over the same 65g tank.
What advantage is there for using T5's with this IceCap 660 instead of using HO or VHO which will have more watts?
rayjay said:
well i was told from Greg @ www.reefgeek.com that one 54W T5 has comparibly the same output (this is only if the t5 has a german parabelic reflector per bulb) as a 96W Powercompact or a 110VHO.
here's the quote "Your Tek fixture is much more efficient at putting the light where you want it (i.e. on the tank) than either PowerCompacts or VHO's. A 54W T5 will put roughly the same amount of light on the tank as a 96W Powercompact and 110W VHO. Its that much more efficient!
"this is only if the t5 has a german parabelic reflector per bulb"
Then why not just buy reflectors for the 110 watt VHO?
Then why not just buy reflectors for the 110 watt VHO?
the reflector isn't going to WOW you with VHO's, so why not just use VHO'S ?
well let's see here. 110W equal more heat, more money (buying and electricity use) and size. a T5 is 5/8 of an inch long (hence the name t5, t8 is 8/8 of an inch, hence t8 and guess what? t12 is 1 1/2 inches worth of bulb-WOW we learn something new everyday) so t12VHO bulbs are 1 1/2" thick and t5's are 5/8" thick (are we thinking more bulbs per space, less canapy, etc....).
Ok let's review:
T5's: less energy, less heat, less money, needs less space. Well it was a close race my friend, but t5 takes it in the straight a way...................
well let's see here. 110W equal more heat, more money (buying and electricity use) and size. a T5 is 5/8 of an inch long (hence the name t5, t8 is 8/8 of an inch, hence t8 and guess what? t12 is 1 1/2 inches worth of bulb-WOW we learn something new everyday) so t12VHO bulbs are 1 1/2" thick and t5's are 5/8" thick (are we thinking more bulbs per space, less canapy, etc....).
Ok let's review:
T5's: less energy, less heat, less money, needs less space. Well it was a close race my friend, but t5 takes it in the straight a way...................
URI 110w VHO does have the internal reflectors. In fact, all of the VHO's for the aquarium by URI have the reflectors. T-5's are a great way to go as the output in lumens is comparable to VHO lamps of higher wattages. This makes them very efficiant.
Now about that tank. It is very impressive but there are some factors to note, not just the lighting. You can tell that he spends conciderable time watching this tank and tweaking it. Note the additives and food sources that are being introduced on a daily basis, big factor there. Calcium reactor is a big factor. There are a lot of factors there that most reefers dont take the time to do.
Now, If you were to look at the lumens produced on this tank in comparison to VHO lamps, you would have to have about 1600 watts in VHO to produce the same light. Note the depth of the tank and the placement of the corals, especially the SPS corals which most of them are mounted very close to the surface.
Now I am not nocking this tank at all as it is a beautiful tank, I am just pointing out things that need to be factored in.
Since lumens in wattage are somewhat close to one another in the VHO vs MH debate, I would have to wonder how this tank would be with 3 500w MH pendants in the same kelvin rating as this would be a true comparison.
I am just throwing this out there for food for thought.
Now about that tank. It is very impressive but there are some factors to note, not just the lighting. You can tell that he spends conciderable time watching this tank and tweaking it. Note the additives and food sources that are being introduced on a daily basis, big factor there. Calcium reactor is a big factor. There are a lot of factors there that most reefers dont take the time to do.
Now, If you were to look at the lumens produced on this tank in comparison to VHO lamps, you would have to have about 1600 watts in VHO to produce the same light. Note the depth of the tank and the placement of the corals, especially the SPS corals which most of them are mounted very close to the surface.
Now I am not nocking this tank at all as it is a beautiful tank, I am just pointing out things that need to be factored in.
Since lumens in wattage are somewhat close to one another in the VHO vs MH debate, I would have to wonder how this tank would be with 3 500w MH pendants in the same kelvin rating as this would be a true comparison.
I am just throwing this out there for food for thought.
my point is so many people think that "you have to have MH to keep a stinkin' Ricordia" or something like that. I'm completely numb to even my LFS giving me crap like well to have any anenome or SPS, you really need MH. Deeper than 24 or 30" yeah, less than that, there are a ton of great lights/setups out there. I was trying to tell the guy at the LFS about my t5's and that I would be able to keep pretty much anything with them in my tank, including clams, and he's like oh those little bitty skinny bulbs? i think i would stick to NO flors.........
I about hit the floor. They are new and most ppl don't know enough about them. PPL in europe, from what i've been told, don't use near the light us Americans do. The MH and needing 8WPG stuff seems to be more of an American thing the worldwide.
I about hit the floor. They are new and most ppl don't know enough about them. PPL in europe, from what i've been told, don't use near the light us Americans do. The MH and needing 8WPG stuff seems to be more of an American thing the worldwide.
I agree. I was just pointing out some of the other factors that were noticed in that set up.
The unfortunate thing about pet shops is that most employees are not versed in what they need to know. They are generally low payed personel with a bit of experiance. It takes years to aquire the "know hows" to reefkeeping and the likes.
T-5s are prettty new for the aquarium trade. Its just been in the last couple of years that they have been recognized even though they have been around for quite some time. Bulb diameter doesnt have a whole lot to do with the amount of lumens that are produced as the pet shop person obviously didnt know. And yes, depth has a great deal to do with how they will work.
The unfortunate thing about pet shops is that most employees are not versed in what they need to know. They are generally low payed personel with a bit of experiance. It takes years to aquire the "know hows" to reefkeeping and the likes.
T-5s are prettty new for the aquarium trade. Its just been in the last couple of years that they have been recognized even though they have been around for quite some time. Bulb diameter doesnt have a whole lot to do with the amount of lumens that are produced as the pet shop person obviously didnt know. And yes, depth has a great deal to do with how they will work.
Pufferpoison said:
Well, a flippant statement like that should demand a flippant reply. However, I hope to refrain from such.
"the reflector isn't going to WOW you with VHO's, so why not just use VHO'S ? "
I'm sorry but don't get what you are saying with that statement.
For the rest, I've been reefing now for over 12 yrs, and in those years, I've never used any lighting other than NO fluorescent lighting. Thank you for expaining about fluorescent sizing but fortunately I do know about sizing of fluoros, and, I have plenty of space in my hoods for T12 NO's so I know they could also handle VHO's. I have 8 NO's in my hoods, and I don't think I'll need more light than 8x110 =880 watts for a 65, 75, or 90. I also am certain that the light the tank contents will receive with VHO lamps with parabolic reflectors will be much better than without the reflector. (Not talking about internal reflectors which I know nothing about)
As for more heat and more hydro expense, I believe that is a given. If I go to T5 or T6, I am going to have more heat and more hydro expense also. What I'm looking into is what actual differences there are comparing T5 or T6 with VHO to see what lighting I might go with.
You told me that someone that sells T5 told you they are superior to VHO if they have the proper reflectors, but I personally am leary about taking someones word on a matter when they have a financial interest in the matter.
Something like taking the word of LFS owners when they tell you what they sell is what you should have. It may be, but you need confirmation to be sure.
Also, Greg compared the reflected T5 with VHO but said nothing about how it compared to a reflected VHO.
I've been trying to find some documentation of some respected investigator, like Sanjay Joshi, but haven't located anything at this moment. Sanjay has basically investigated different Halides and ballasts but I see nothing on T5's yet.
To me, the race hasen't even got to the stretch when there is nothing documented about the comparison at this point that I can find.
If you could direct me to documentation I would certainly appreciate it as I'm unable to find it on my own.