1 large or several individual reflectors?

gusmanda · 01/31/2007, 03:33 PM

Noticed that some on-line stores are selling T5 with 1 large reflector for several bulbs, rather than 1 individual reflector per bulb. Anyone have any ideas as to which is better?

Maveri9720 · 01/31/2007, 03:41 PM

I would say that individual parabolic reflectors would be your best bet. With a long, big, generic reflector, you will lose alot of light b/c the reflector is further away, so light will diffuse before it hits the reflector and is able to be focused into the tank. With a single reflector wrapped around the bulb, the light immediately hits the reflector and is focused down into the tank, thus very little light lost to diffusion and the majority of your light being directed where it belongs, into the tank.

Just my .02 though

TWallace · 01/31/2007, 03:43 PM

Individual is definitely brighter.

gusmanda · 01/31/2007, 03:52 PM

also noticed some have cooling fans and some don't. Are fans necessary for T5's? The one's I currently have don't really get too hot.

niteshado · 01/31/2007, 04:51 PM

bulb temperature makes a difference in how long the bulbs will maintain there stated output. the fans help maintain a lower bulb temperature and prolong life and par. see the main t5 thread

Larry

01/31/2007, 03:33 PM	#1
gusmanda Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Guadalajara, (central west Mexico) Posts: 848	1 large or several individual reflectors? Noticed that some on-line stores are selling T5 with 1 large reflector for several bulbs, rather than 1 individual reflector per bulb. Anyone have any ideas as to which is better?

01/31/2007, 04:51 PM	#5
niteshado Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Oak Park,CA Posts: 223	bulb temperature makes a difference in how long the bulbs will maintain there stated output. the fans help maintain a lower bulb temperature and prolong life and par. see the main t5 thread Larry __________________ trade frags and save a reef Current Tank Info: 130 gal reef, 35 gal sump, octo 150 recirc,SunBrite 60" LED F series lighting

01/31/2007, 03:41 PM	#2
Maveri9720 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, GA Posts: 63	I would say that individual parabolic reflectors would be your best bet. With a long, big, generic reflector, you will lose alot of light b/c the reflector is further away, so light will diffuse before it hits the reflector and is able to be focused into the tank. With a single reflector wrapped around the bulb, the light immediately hits the reflector and is focused down into the tank, thus very little light lost to diffusion and the majority of your light being directed where it belongs, into the tank. Just my .02 though

01/31/2007, 03:43 PM	#3
TWallace Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,464	Individual is definitely brighter.

01/31/2007, 03:52 PM	#4
gusmanda Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Guadalajara, (central west Mexico) Posts: 848	also noticed some have cooling fans and some don't. Are fans necessary for T5's? The one's I currently have don't really get too hot.