T5s Q&A

According to some tests done by Dana Riddle, 10,000k can actually in many circumstances produce LESS PAR than a 20,000k bulb!!! It is something to think about!

One question for all of you.... Why is everyone so hung up on UVL?8)

Happy lighting!

 

Guitarman, where did you find that info?

 

Im not hung up on UVL its well, to be honest Giesemann bulbs confuse me.

a 6000k, 22000k ? I couldn't just find a 10000k or a 12000k, mabey I'm not looking in the right place:
Giesemann Powerchrome T5 High Output Fluorescent Lamps

 

Presonally I prefer ATI bulbs. They were highly recommended when I ugraded the bulbs in my NEP.

The Aquablue special is a 12000K bulb and has outstanding PAR.

 

is the 8 bulb retro kit from buildyoureown a good buy?


http://buildyouraquarium.com/catalo...d=178&osCsid=ffbe888f91a3153ce37a07790fcd3253

 

I'd see if you can buy the retro fit kit without the bulbs, because they don't give you much of a selection.
Some other 3Reef member bought a light from them, and it came with Catalina Aquarium bulbs.
At least a Reefgeek you can customize exactly the brand and type of each bulb you want when you buy a retro kit or a fixture. You even have the choice to buy it w/o bulbs.

 

The odd thing is it didn't mention who made the reflectors or what type of ballast it is, unless I over looked that part....
It isn't a "true" retro, at least IME, as it is plug and play but you still save over a fixture since you don't need to pay for the housing!

Check out Reefgeek or others where you can pick and choose, unless you want a plug and play!


Happy lighting!

 

I know this isn't a question but it pertains here....
I just read in the newest TFH mag Fatherree did a test on T5 reflectors and his test showed that a 3 bulbed INDIVIDUAL reflector set up will generate higher PAR values than a 4 bulb with a SINGLE reflector... Interesting read!

Happy lighting!

 

I have found this info here, Aqualung posted various manufacturers and bulb types with their respective par values. I also found the same info on nano-reef.com in one of their threads

 

Has anybody used Aqua Science T5 HO bulbs? I have looked into them but have found much information besides that they seem to be highly recommended. I also like the fact that they have a 15,000K and a 17,500k bulb.