T-5s

[MikeDeL]

I am going to be keeping my T-5s about 5 inches from the top of the tank. Should I go out and buy some of those clear tubes, they make for protecting flouresant tubes, to protect the bulbs from the water? Will this have any effect on my light output? Im going to have a total of 6 T-5 tubes over my 45 breeder, as my only source of lighting.


Thanks,
Mike

[Jenn]

Mike, I am fixing to purchase my T5's and was wondering how yours are doing?
(1) Which type of bulbs did you buy? Looks pretty bright on the reef glow post.
(2) Did you end up having to buy the clear tubes for them? I am going to have mine resting on my glass bracing - about 3 inches from the water and was wondering if I am going to need them too.

Thanks for your help.

[MikeDeL]

Jenn, I just got these lights. They are the coral vue 10ks. I still dont know if I need the clear tubes. I would like to put them on but I would like to know how it will effect the intensity of the light. I tell you what though, these things are bright. That picture was of 2 bulbs. Imagine when I get the other four! I think I will go ahead and put the tubes on mine. Even with the tubes the 6 T-5s should be more then enough light for my 45.


Mike

[TexasState]

W/out ever using the protective tube, I would say it would add too much heat by wrapping it too close to your bulb. Just lay a custom cut piece of glass over your tank to protect the bulbs.

[Jenn]

Thanks Mike. I would say that would be plenty of light for that tank. Be sure to post some pics when they are all on. I would love to see it.

Great idea. Thanks Vinh.

[Instar]

A glass blocks 40% of the useable light and traps heat up against the water where air circulation can't blow it away.
Doing that can make your center brace pop loose (some tank brands) if you have one as can a MH if there is no protection there such as a fan or piece of plexi.

MikeDel - I wouldn't do either tubes or top. There shouldn't be splashing and bubbles popping much once you get it right. Just clean the surface of the bulbs with a damp paper towel when they are cold (early morning or late night when they are off). If you add a device to separate lights from water after not having one, you will notice a color shift in somethings. I didn't like it as my corals went kind of flat colored by comparison. My pc's are within 2 inches of the water and stay salt free. There's lots of circulation in there as well just no splashing. Only place it splashes in mine is the overflow with 1,000 gallons/hr going over. Get lots of flow from pumps on timers and wave maker and don't have to clean lights very often.

[Jenn]

2 inches???? I should definitely be able to rest these on the bracing. I will just be sure to wipe them when they are cool. Thanks Larry.

[Instar]

Jenn, if that bracing gets hot, thats not really good if it gets too hot. Glass could crack, platic melt, silicone might let go on a glass glued brace. I put a small block of wood under mine to keep them from sitting directly on the glass or make a wire hanger like thing. I also use fans to keep the brace cool. When I have a hood, I suspend them on a piece of wood usually, to get them up as close as I can and still leave room for me to get in to feed and whatever else. When I don't get the pumps right and get all sorts of bubbles and spashes, its annoying because I do have to clean them then. And of course I work on the circulation to get rid of the bubbles and splashing. After that, aeration is done by the sump or a biowheel or something other than splashing and bubbles. Surface turbulence is always present without splashing around.

[TexasState]

A glass blocks 40% of the useable light and traps heat up against the water where air circulation can't blow it away.

You don't have to use glass to cover the whole aquarium. Just use the custom size glass to cover where the bulbs are. It will help your fish from getting burn & bulb popping when the fish decide to jump into the light. I do agree with Instar that you don't need to cover your bulb. Just wipe them off once in awhile. I'm only using glass tops on my tank to reduce top-off. Glass tops get dirty quick from water splashing/condensation.

[Jenn]

I have some type of acrylic sliders that the tank came with and my pc's rest on them now. They seem to take the heat pretty well, but not sure how much hotter the T5's will be. I did put one of the grow-lights from the palms on it for a second and in no time the acrylic bubbled up and warped.
(One of my newbie moments) :roll2:
The glass bracing is incredibly thick, but I would rather be safe than sorry. I will take the advice and size up some wooden blocks. Thanks again Larry.