t-5 light build "heat" question

Tsunami · 05/18/2010, 08:29 PM

I'm getting ready to build a 7 bulb (48") t5 light for my tank. It is recommeded keep the bulbs cool. If the ballast are mounted away from the light, actually in the stand, will the t5 bulbs still get all that hot? Don't flourescent bulbs run cooler? How much are flow should I have?
thanks

James77 · 05/18/2010, 08:32 PM

Yes, it is essential to keep the bulbs cooled to get the most performance and life from them. Flourescents do run a bit cooler, alot of that being due to them having more area/length than halides plus they are a bit more efficeint at converting watts to light, so less watts are needed. You should have the airflow so that it is directed on their cool spot, the label end, and you want that cooled to about 95* for the best performance. Much cooler or warmer and it will affect them.

iamwrasseman · 05/18/2010, 08:39 PM

yes the bulbs still get pretty hot as you really cant grab them on the ends and it is much better for them to keep them cool .i would try to get a 4" 100cfm fan of a touch smaller to cool them ,once you get bigger than that they start to get loud .you could use two and push in one end then pull out on the other end .

Tsunami · 05/18/2010, 08:42 PM

ok thanks!

05/18/2010, 08:29 PM	#1
Tsunami Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 427	t-5 light build "heat" question I'm getting ready to build a 7 bulb (48") t5 light for my tank. It is recommeded keep the bulbs cool. If the ballast are mounted away from the light, actually in the stand, will the t5 bulbs still get all that hot? Don't flourescent bulbs run cooler? How much are flow should I have? thanks

05/18/2010, 08:32 PM	#2
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	Yes, it is essential to keep the bulbs cooled to get the most performance and life from them. Flourescents do run a bit cooler, alot of that being due to them having more area/length than halides plus they are a bit more efficeint at converting watts to light, so less watts are needed. You should have the airflow so that it is directed on their cool spot, the label end, and you want that cooled to about 95* for the best performance. Much cooler or warmer and it will affect them. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

05/18/2010, 08:39 PM	#3
iamwrasseman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: syracuse Posts: 7,003	yes the bulbs still get pretty hot as you really cant grab them on the ends and it is much better for them to keep them cool .i would try to get a 4" 100cfm fan of a touch smaller to cool them ,once you get bigger than that they start to get loud .you could use two and push in one end then pull out on the other end . __________________ This hobby certainly can put you in some weird positions ! Dave Current Tank Info: 40 freshwater,25saltwater 2000 gallons ,enough tanks for an army ?

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05/18/2010, 08:42 PM	#4
Tsunami Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 427	ok thanks!