T5 fixture

masonicman · 11/10/2008, 07:44 AM

I know that individual reflectors are recommended, but that not in my budget right now since I want to get a new flat screen for my bedroom wall for X-mas.

Would this type of T5 light with one reflector over all the bulbs be more brighter the my 260 watt PC fixture?

48" 216W (4x 54W) HO T5 Light -Vs- 48" 260W Dual Strip Power Compact

an411 · 11/10/2008, 08:33 AM

Don't go with the power compact. They waste more electricity and you are really going to be limited with what corals you can keep with them. T5 is a better investment.

masonicman · 11/10/2008, 08:44 AM

My question was.... Would a 216W T5 light with one reflector over all the bulbs be more brighter then my 260 watt PC fixture that I currently have?

jprince58 · 11/10/2008, 08:54 AM

Yes...sort of. You'll have higher PAR, which is what you're looking for. Higher watts doesn't necessarily mean more light into the tank.

masonicman · 11/10/2008, 09:00 AM

What's PAR?

an411 · 11/10/2008, 09:12 AM

PAR stands for Photosynthetically Active Radiation. In other words, light that is potentially useful to photosynthesis. It is measured in nanometers (nm)

an411 · 11/10/2008, 09:13 AM

PAR also is going to differ with the ballast bulb combo.

masonicman · 11/10/2008, 09:37 AM

What's PAR?

jprince58 · 11/10/2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by an411
PAR also is going to differ with the ballast bulb combo.

Yes, of course. Based on the initial question, though (i.e. we're not talking advanced, over-driven lamps here), let's not confuse the issue. Simply put, with ordinary, off-the-shelf fixtures, you'll get more bang from T5s, watt-for-watt, than you will from PCs.

masonicman · 11/10/2008, 09:49 AM

Ok so 216 watt T5s will be just a bright or more then my 260watt pcs

jprince58 · 11/10/2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by masonicman
Ok so 216 watt T5s will be just a bright or more then my 260watt pcs

Yes. Even a fixture such as the Current Nova Extreme, which has a single reflector for four lamps, will beat a 260-watt PC fixture. A fixture with individual reflectors for each lamp will increase the output substantially.

celano · 11/10/2008, 10:39 AM

I would recommend you keep your PC fixture for now and save some money till you can buy a t5 fixture with individual reflectors.
You're gonna be very disappointed with a t5 fixture that only has one single reflector.

IslandCrow · 11/10/2008, 11:31 AM

Celano gives good advice. Yes, a T-5 fixture will give you more light, but getting a better quality fixture will be a much better investment. If the PCs are meeting your immediate needs, I'd say wait 6 months, 1 year, whatever and get something like a Tek or Aquactinics.

jprince58 · 11/10/2008, 12:17 PM

I agree with what celano and IslandCrow are saying...to a point. I disagree that you would be greatly disappointed with a single-reflector fixture. Depending on your budget and needs, one of these may serve you very well. You simply need to understand that they do have some limitations. They have their place, but they are not adequate for deeper tanks with corals requiring higher intensity lighting. I would not, for example, put one on a 75 (per your "current tanks") and expect you to do well with SPS. You would still get better performance than with your PCs, but nothing near what you'd get with a fixture with individual reflectors.

That wasn't what I was trying to point out, though. I was simply stating that even a single reflector fixture exceeds the output of PCs.

IslandCrow · 11/10/2008, 12:44 PM

Agreed. You will get more light from the T-5s (individual reflectors or not) than you will from the PCs. One other advantage of T-5s (now that I think of it) is the bulb selection. You have a much greater variety of spectrums and brands to choose from. I'd just say to do your best to assess whether you think you'll end up having to upgrade again a year or two from now if for instance you decide you want to start growing Acropora.

masonicman · 11/10/2008, 12:51 PM

My concern is with my softies bleaching and burning them. My rock formation with coral on it comes up very close to the top of the tank.

I have alot of shroms, 6 ricordias, xenias, 4 leathers, trumpet, 2 torches, star polyps, candy, cup, sea wip, 2 brains and 2 clams.

All are doing excellent. I just want a little more brightness to bring out the colors more that's all.

masonicman · 11/10/2008, 01:59 PM

Bump

jprince58 · 11/10/2008, 02:06 PM

You'll need to acclimate your corals to the increased light level. There are many ways you can do this, but one of the easiest is to get some non-metallic window screen material. Layer it 2 or 3 thick and remove one layer at a time until your tank is getting the full effect of the new lights. You can search the RC archives for a complete rundown on how to do this. Most of your softies will adjust over time to the new levels, but you may have to move things around a little to find their "happy" place.

masonicman · 11/10/2008, 02:15 PM

Ok thanks

11/10/2008, 07:44 AM	#1
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	T5 fixture I know that individual reflectors are recommended, but that not in my budget right now since I want to get a new flat screen for my bedroom wall for X-mas. Would this type of T5 light with one reflector over all the bulbs be more brighter the my 260 watt PC fixture? 48" 216W (4x 54W) HO T5 Light -Vs- 48" 260W Dual Strip Power Compact __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB.

11/10/2008, 08:44 AM	#3
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	My question was.... Would a 216W T5 light with one reflector over all the bulbs be more brighter then my 260 watt PC fixture that I currently have? __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB. Last edited by masonicman; 11/10/2008 at 08:54 AM.

11/10/2008, 08:54 AM	#4
jprince58 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Jenks, OK, USA Posts: 751	Yes...sort of. You'll have higher PAR, which is what you're looking for. Higher watts doesn't necessarily mean more light into the tank. __________________ 'I refuse to discount another man's opinion -- until he opens his mouth to speak.' -- Anonymous Jeff Prince Current Tank Info: 72g bow mixed reef; 40g frag

11/10/2008, 09:00 AM	#5
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	What's PAR? __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB.

11/10/2008, 09:37 AM	#8
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	What's PAR? __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB.

11/10/2008, 08:33 AM	#2
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	Don't go with the power compact. They waste more electricity and you are really going to be limited with what corals you can keep with them. T5 is a better investment.

11/10/2008, 09:12 AM	#6
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	PAR stands for Photosynthetically Active Radiation. In other words, light that is potentially useful to photosynthesis. It is measured in nanometers (nm)

11/10/2008, 09:13 AM	#7
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	PAR also is going to differ with the ballast bulb combo.

11/10/2008, 09:49 AM	#10
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	Ok so 216 watt T5s will be just a bright or more then my 260watt pcs __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB.

11/10/2008, 10:39 AM	#12
celano Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 910	I would recommend you keep your PC fixture for now and save some money till you can buy a t5 fixture with individual reflectors. You're gonna be very disappointed with a t5 fixture that only has one single reflector.

11/10/2008, 11:31 AM	#13
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	Celano gives good advice. Yes, a T-5 fixture will give you more light, but getting a better quality fixture will be a much better investment. If the PCs are meeting your immediate needs, I'd say wait 6 months, 1 year, whatever and get something like a Tek or Aquactinics. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

11/10/2008, 12:17 PM	#14
jprince58 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Jenks, OK, USA Posts: 751	I agree with what celano and IslandCrow are saying...to a point. I disagree that you would be greatly disappointed with a single-reflector fixture. Depending on your budget and needs, one of these may serve you very well. You simply need to understand that they do have some limitations. They have their place, but they are not adequate for deeper tanks with corals requiring higher intensity lighting. I would not, for example, put one on a 75 (per your "current tanks") and expect you to do well with SPS. You would still get better performance than with your PCs, but nothing near what you'd get with a fixture with individual reflectors. That wasn't what I was trying to point out, though. I was simply stating that even a single reflector fixture exceeds the output of PCs. __________________ 'I refuse to discount another man's opinion -- until he opens his mouth to speak.' -- Anonymous Jeff Prince Current Tank Info: 72g bow mixed reef; 40g frag

11/10/2008, 12:44 PM	#15
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	Agreed. You will get more light from the T-5s (individual reflectors or not) than you will from the PCs. One other advantage of T-5s (now that I think of it) is the bulb selection. You have a much greater variety of spectrums and brands to choose from. I'd just say to do your best to assess whether you think you'll end up having to upgrade again a year or two from now if for instance you decide you want to start growing Acropora. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

11/10/2008, 12:51 PM	#16
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	My concern is with my softies bleaching and burning them. My rock formation with coral on it comes up very close to the top of the tank. I have alot of shroms, 6 ricordias, xenias, 4 leathers, trumpet, 2 torches, star polyps, candy, cup, sea wip, 2 brains and 2 clams. All are doing excellent. I just want a little more brightness to bring out the colors more that's all. __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB. Last edited by masonicman; 11/10/2008 at 01:11 PM.

11/10/2008, 01:59 PM	#17
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	Bump __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB.

11/10/2008, 02:06 PM	#18
jprince58 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Jenks, OK, USA Posts: 751	You'll need to acclimate your corals to the increased light level. There are many ways you can do this, but one of the easiest is to get some non-metallic window screen material. Layer it 2 or 3 thick and remove one layer at a time until your tank is getting the full effect of the new lights. You can search the RC archives for a complete rundown on how to do this. Most of your softies will adjust over time to the new levels, but you may have to move things around a little to find their "happy" place. __________________ 'I refuse to discount another man's opinion -- until he opens his mouth to speak.' -- Anonymous Jeff Prince Current Tank Info: 72g bow mixed reef; 40g frag

11/10/2008, 02:15 PM	#19
masonicman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,313	Ok thanks __________________ It is better to ask for forgiveness then to ask for permission.......... Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 216w LED, Remora Pro skimmer, HOB fuge, 400w htr, ATO RO/DI, 90lbs LR and 1" SB.