T5 newbie question

[cbazhaw]

I'm looking at upgrading to T5s but don't understand the differences from what I have. I currently have Coralife PC lights - 2 65w 10k bulbs and 2 65w actinics. I was looking at the T5 2-54w retro kit and just realized I would be getting less wattage than what I have. I also do not see the 10k bulbs in the T5s. Do the T5s just simply function better and put out more light than the PCs regardless of the wattage? Any education here would be greatly appreciated.

[Ram_Puppy]

T5's are supposed to be more efficient and carry more 'punch'. The bulbs last for two years and each bulb should have it's own individual reflector, to enhance the amount of light hitting hte water. I have been looking at the setup from www.reefgeek.com , they have an icecap ballast retrofit kit and you get your choice of bulbs, including 10K. Also, the bulbs are much thinner than your standard.

[::pete::]

Try getting the reflectors with the "C" clip on them that snap onto the bulb so you can direct the light in whatever direction you choose.

[GaryP]

I've been looking into it as well and from what I have read, it seems like part of the increased efficiency of the T5s is in the design of the reflectors. They are just more efficient than on PCs. The other advantage, as mentioned above if the life expectancy of the bulbs. I've been told that they are starting to replace MHs with T5s in a lot of commercial lighting applications. The other advantage is that they are more energy efficient from a watt/lumen basis. Home Depot is one of the more well known companies that is making the switch.

Gary

Gary

[Voodoo]

From what I've read and been told, the T-5's light has better water penetration than PCs.

[obtusewit]

I have been running T-5s on an oceanic 46 bowfront. They are the 1" wide 29 watt with a self contained ballast and the ability to daisy chain the fixtures...they attach via a screw-on clip to the top of the hood. On my tank, I have the clips installed on the outside edges so the top can be opened for feeding etc, although the whole hood has to come off for maint! there is a total of 12 - 36", 29 watters and my zoos and softies are growing, and plate monti and fire coral seem to be growing, although they aren't breaking any records. My lobo brain has more than doubled in size i an year, from 3-4" to about 9 now... I am running 1/2 actinics and 1/2 10K and they were pretty cheap... 20 bucks apiece. They run a lot cooler and they do savee you a bit on the power, but probably not as much as you would think (or hope). Running 350 watts of light 12 hours a day and saving about 35 watts over halides isn;t going to buy you a vacation...LOL

Overall, I like 'em, but If I wanted to have SPS growing out of the tank, nothing beats metal halides. Its not that they are any better watt for watt...you can just put more wattage in less space than you can with flo's

[cbazhaw]

Thanks for all the good info, next time I'm in Austin I'll swing by and pick up a set from Greg at 360reef. Think I'll add them to the existing lights and once the PCs need replacing just get more T5s instead.