T5 flourescents... any comments?

[Sph2sail]

I'm starting to hear and see a lot about the new T5 flourescents from Germany.  Just saw a spread in the Dr. Fosters & Smith catalog on them, so I thought I would start a thread here.

 

I used to run all powercompacts until I switched to MH w/PC Actinic 03 bulbs.  I got great results on PC, but the MH definately improved the look (ripple effect) and growth.  Now I am hearing notions that the T5's do a better job emulating true reef lighting at a 20-30 foot seawater comparison.

 

Are these T5's a fad or are they really the kick-butt next generation lighting at lower cost?

 

steve

[Guest greatwit]

from what i have heard and seen, they are great for shallow tanks, but lack the oomph required to penetrate deeper tanks. if the price goes down they would be a great alternative for actinic supplement, since their light can be reflected more effeciently than pcs.

[traveller7]

There is alot to like about T5's, but they are really in a battle with VHO's instead of a properly set up metal halide.

 

fwiw:  I do run 48" T5s on an anemone, LPS, softie, 'shroom, and zoo frag tank in the utility room.  If the tubes last for 1 yr I may leave them, if not, replacing them with 150DE's.

[DCDeacon]

traveller, what size tank do you have your T5's on and how many are you using? I have a 75 I'm setting up and I'm trying to decide which way to go for lighting for a softie/bta tank.

[Guest reeftanklfs]

Hi guys:

Our .05 worth.  In talking to Perry Jones at Sunlight Suppl., we found that the Phillips(someone correct me if I'm wrong about brands) bulbs have been studied, and that they are expected to last approx. 20k hours (approx. 4 yrs.).  At the end of 10k hours, the bulbs were found to lose only 8% of its lumen/lux output, as well as minimal spectral output.  The ATI German brand of bulbs, exclusive to Sunlight, haven't been out on the market but only a few years; thus, no definitve study exists for these bulbs yet.  Sunlight e-mailed me the link to the study, but unfortunately, it's buried in my e-mail pile somewhere.  When I find it, I'll post it for everyone.  If these bulbs last as long as they're purported to, the t-5s will just about replace all other flourescent systems.  One thing though, a lot of people will try to DIY their own ballasts or use an icecap ballasts, but Sunlight claims that all other ballasts will not run the t-5s efficiently thus will greatly reduce the life of the bulbs.  HTH  Grim

[Aquariareview]

Grim:: I have seen that study and the results look pretty good.

I have seen them on a few tanks and I think they look great.

with the reflectors on them they are the brightest thing you have ever seen.

 

A good friend of mine has had them on his 125 gal tank for 8 months. he has 8 of the 54watt (i think). He has a mixed reef from shrooms and zoos to sps and everything is doing well.

 

The color is better than any tank I have seen (except robz).

 

My next tank will either be t5's or a mix of t5 and mh. Grim I promise to buy them from you :D

[Guest reeftanklfs]

Thanks Nathan, we appreciate the support.  I do want to add that the Phillips 03 lamp has a life of 18-24 months. Not as long as the daylight, but still a bargain.