T5 numero uno, strong like bull!

spinx

spinx

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Nov 6, 2006
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Hi guys, I bought a brand new t5 system, last year Dec. In the mean while ive upgraded my tank before even setting up initially!! Anyway so iv'e got a 4 times 28 watt system which will render useless. I dont want to go the MH way. Too many strings attached! So what is the highest wattage availible in a t5 format? Ive seen 80 watt single units. I want the best t5 availible. (In order to have sufficiant lighting to keep most corals) please suggest at will!:) Can one get close enough to a MH system with using T5's
 
it all depends on the ballast as to what wattage bulbs you can push too...It should tell you on them..or just go to the manufacturer's webiste and it will tell you there....or post here and see if anyone know the ballast enough to tell you..

Niko
 
Its an hopar system 1.2m long 4 times 28 watt, i dont think i can fit a much higher wattage tube with current balast.
 
T5 wattage depends on length of bulb. The 80watt bulbs are 72 inches long. 54 watts for 4feet, etc. So really the length of your tank will determine wattage. Some of the icecap ballasts will overdrive t5 and produce slightly higher wattage while shortening the bulb life. Individual reflectors are key to getting the most out of a t5 system, I recommend icecap or TEK reflectors for maximum output (I have TEK on my tank).

Also, if your going for maximum light output you'll want to fit as many t5s on your tank as you can. Manufacturer reflector setups may vary but I don't think you won't have any problem mounting 4 individual reflector bulbs across a 12 inch deep tank (I.E. 55 gallon) or 6 bulbs across an 18 inch deep tank. If you've got a 180gallon or 24inch deep equivalent you could even run 8 across.

T5 bulbs come in a variety of flavors and you'll probably want to mix and match to get what you're going for. They have daylight, 10K, 11K, 12K and actinics. They are the most energy efficient option in general use as they deliver the most PAR per wattage. A 4ft T5 setup can put out the same amount of light as a similar VHO setup that uses twice the watts.

You shouldn't have problems keeping most coral under a nice T5 setup and would even be able to keep SPS if you went all out on your setup.
 
Thanks alot this truly put my concernes at bay. Now ive just gotta design a setup and customize colouring array and timers. Thanks again:)
 
Ok guys. The "final" dimentions of my tank: 1300 mm long
530 mm wide
600 mm heigh

The tank totals in at 110 galons or 413 liters. Would a 3 times 54 watt t5 (1 red, 1 blue and 1 white) system be ok. I can add an additional 54 watt stand alone unit (with seperate balast.) I really feel stupid asking so much Q's but i will make the final desicion only if i know that, what im providing to my reef will be good enough.:)
 
personally, i would be tempted to up the wattage a little really mate..its a deep"ish" tank...certainly substitute the red for marine white...i take it the red is for night viewing? you can always add a night viewing kit after....it all depends on the types of corals you want to keep really...if it was me, i would be going for about 300w total...that way you not so much restricted...

Niko
 
With 4 x 54 watt higher light corals would have to be placed near the top of the tank. But if you planning to keep a wide away of corals that's a good thing, as the T-5's are actually bright enough to burn certain corals if they ae placed too close to the light (I can give you a link if you want).

Also, FYI, you definitely want to make sure you get parabolice reflectors, since that's where T-5's get most of ther power from. Ice cap makes the best reflectors and ballasts, wich will give you the most light from the least amount of power.
 
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