Overdriving T5

jmccoya · 05/10/2010, 08:12 AM

What's the benefits to over driving T5 bulbs?? I'm thinking of going the T5 route cause I have an icecap660 now. Also how many bulbs would I wanna go with on a75g? I want go keep a clam and not have to upgrade lights later I ant to do it right this time.

ricde · 05/10/2010, 12:30 PM

6 bulbs + reflectors fit in my 75 gal canopy. It's kind of tight so check your SLR width. The 660 will drive each bulb to about 75 watts but you'll need another ballast to run 2 of the bulbs.

Use quality bulbs (ATI, UVL, Geismann, KZ or Ice Cap) and have a fan in the canopy blowing across the endcaps to cool the ends of the bulbs. Some say you only need to cool the side with the writing but I try to keep both ends cool, just to be safe.

Overdriving will give higher light output at the cost of higher heat (a lot!!!) and shorter bulb life (not much... if you use quality bulbs).

05/10/2010, 08:12 AM	#1
jmccoya Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Gahanna, Ohio Posts: 343	Overdriving T5 What's the benefits to over driving T5 bulbs?? I'm thinking of going the T5 route cause I have an icecap660 now. Also how many bulbs would I wanna go with on a75g? I want go keep a clam and not have to upgrade lights later I ant to do it right this time.

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05/10/2010, 12:30 PM	#2
ricde Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 452	6 bulbs + reflectors fit in my 75 gal canopy. It's kind of tight so check your SLR width. The 660 will drive each bulb to about 75 watts but you'll need another ballast to run 2 of the bulbs. Use quality bulbs (ATI, UVL, Geismann, KZ or Ice Cap) and have a fan in the canopy blowing across the endcaps to cool the ends of the bulbs. Some say you only need to cool the side with the writing but I try to keep both ends cool, just to be safe. Overdriving will give higher light output at the cost of higher heat (a lot!!!) and shorter bulb life (not much... if you use quality bulbs).