Quick T5 question

kstuart · 03/28/2006, 02:43 PM

Are T5's comparable to MH's? how much t5 would i need on a 125g (6ftx18") to keep sps and clams??

dwdenny · 03/28/2006, 02:53 PM

could do a 6X80w with IC ballast, SLR reflectors and have SPS and clams on the bottom. If you use the regular T5 ballast keep sps and clam in the upper half of the tank.

kstuart · 03/28/2006, 02:56 PM

thats still not a super huge power savings over 3x250mh's, maybe i'll stick with mh's

horkn · 03/28/2006, 11:13 PM

you wouldnt really need to use an icecap ballast to keep clams on the bottom.

honestly, i see no reason to use IC ballasts for t5ho, unless you already have one.

and 480 watts is 36% less watts used when the lights are on. that is sizeable.

also, with t5ho, you dont need to change the bulbs as oftem as MH bulbs, less money there..

Treg · 03/28/2006, 11:51 PM

Personally I like overdriving the T5s vs standard output. They are quit a bit brighter when overdriven.

Where electrical efficiency can best come into play with T5s over MHs is less heat. Thats if you need a chiller, lots of fans, ect...

6 will be a tight fit over an 18" wide tank with SLR's, I've kept SPS and clams under 4 over driven bulbs without issues.

I still replace my T5 bulbs almost as often as my MH, atleast yearly.

03/28/2006, 02:43 PM	#1
kstuart Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 413	Quick T5 question Are T5's comparable to MH's? how much t5 would i need on a 125g (6ftx18") to keep sps and clams?? __________________ Computers allow us to make mistakes faster then any other invention in history....except for tequila and handguns Current Tank Info: 90g RR Display, 2x250w PFO HQI MH's, Phoenix 14k, ASM G3, ACJR, Tunzes/Multi Controller, Kalk Reactor, Basement Sump Room

03/28/2006, 02:53 PM	#2
dwdenny Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Edinburg, Texas Posts: 1,369	could do a 6X80w with IC ballast, SLR reflectors and have SPS and clams on the bottom. If you use the regular T5 ballast keep sps and clam in the upper half of the tank. __________________ "Attitude determine altitude" Visit MAAST.org just click the "Red House" Current Tank Info: 40g Breeder in the works

03/28/2006, 02:56 PM	#3
kstuart Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 413	thats still not a super huge power savings over 3x250mh's, maybe i'll stick with mh's __________________ Computers allow us to make mistakes faster then any other invention in history....except for tequila and handguns Current Tank Info: 90g RR Display, 2x250w PFO HQI MH's, Phoenix 14k, ASM G3, ACJR, Tunzes/Multi Controller, Kalk Reactor, Basement Sump Room

03/28/2006, 11:13 PM	#4
horkn Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: milwaukee wisconsin Posts: 4,125	you wouldnt really need to use an icecap ballast to keep clams on the bottom. honestly, i see no reason to use IC ballasts for t5ho, unless you already have one. and 480 watts is 36% less watts used when the lights are on. that is sizeable. also, with t5ho, you dont need to change the bulbs as oftem as MH bulbs, less money there.. __________________ people write stupid things in this space Current Tank Info: 200g DIY wood reef, 2x 250w SE 10k MH 2x80 t5ho, 75g sump, Geo Ca RX, ASD 6" recirc skimmer

03/28/2006, 11:51 PM	#5
Treg Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,739	Personally I like overdriving the T5s vs standard output. They are quit a bit brighter when overdriven. Where electrical efficiency can best come into play with T5s over MHs is less heat. Thats if you need a chiller, lots of fans, ect... 6 will be a tight fit over an 18" wide tank with SLR's, I've kept SPS and clams under 4 over driven bulbs without issues. I still replace my T5 bulbs almost as often as my MH, atleast yearly.