Regular T5's - Not Worth It?

[Raul-7]

I have the Coralife 2x18W fixture over a 20G long and I was wondering how effective they are compared to NO flourscents? I remember someone telling me they weren't much better than T8's; is this true. Would I be able to grow Cyperus helferi or Blyxa?

[Betowess]

Well it seems some fixtures use a parabolic reflector around each T5 lamp. Those are totally efficient. The ones which use a standard Coralife reflector aren't nearly as bright. Better to go with an AH Supply lightkit there.

[Wasserpest]

Like Bob said, it comes down to the reflector.

On a lumen per watts basis, today T5 NO bulbs are the most efficient lamps available (that are useful for planted tanks). So from that point of view, not worth it isn't the right answer.

For a high light tank, it makes more sense to go with HO bulbs. Also, there is a better selection available.

For a low-light or not too deep medium light tank, T5 NO would be an excellent choice, better than the fatter ones.

Big Als and Commodityaxis sell a good variety of NO T5's.

In your case, since you want to grow high-light plants, HO T5 would probably be a better choice.

[Raul-7]

But the problem there are no T5 HO fixtures; which is odd given the fact T5's are available in all sizes unlike PC's. Anyone know if they make them? Or maybe a 30" fixture with two 24 HO bulbs on opposite sides? Or else I'll end up buying two Aqualight T5 fixtures.

[Betowess]

Raul, did you see the link Wasser gave. Pretty interesting T5 with built in mini ballast. Kind of non recyclable, but great possibility. http://www.commodityaxis.com/ProductData.aspx?id=68

[BlueRam]

Due to design specifications for office lighting, the NO (lumen) output of T128, T8, and T5 is about the same where the major difference is power consumption.

Scolley is running a 6X HO fixture so they must be out there.

The workhorse ballast will drive DIY NO or HO so I am just waiting on a pair of (minature bipin) endcaps to give it a try (not on the top of the to do list).

Originally Posted by Raul-7

But the problem there are no T5 HO fixtures; which is odd given the fact T5's are available in all sizes unlike PC's. Anyone know if they make them? Or maybe a 30" fixture with two 24 HO bulbs on opposite sides? Or else I'll end up buying two Aqualight T5 fixtures.

[Bombay]

Here are a couple. i've had good experiences with all three vendors. I looked at HO T-5's, but the prices were out of my ballpark (little league).

I think most vendors are going with the NO T-5's instead of the fatter t-8's, etc. I just switched since they were more efficient.

Back to HO T-5's...

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...?N=2004+113175

http://www.petsolutions.com/Lighting-C-33-C-.aspx

http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products.../Shopay00.aspx

Try Big Al's Online too.

Let us know what you decide to go with...

[Raul-7]

Thanks everyone for their suggestions! The link for Commodity Axis T5 might be worth a try, but I really do not want to have to build a canopy. I really like the look of an open top aquarium.

BlueRam are suggesting OD the regular T5's in the fixture? I'd really be interested if you would point in the right direction.

Bombay, thanks for the links but a 20L is 30" long. None of the fixture on that site are fit for my tank.

[Betowess]

Raul, just heard from a LFS owner that he has had a boatload of probs with the Helios light fixtures. One twist the wrong way and the tube and mini ballast is fried.

[Raul-7]

Originally Posted by Betowess

Raul, just heard from a LFS owner that he has had a boatload of probs with the Helios light fixtures. One twist the wrong way and the tube and mini ballast is fried.

Thanks for the notice, I wasn't that interested in the whole non-recyclable idea either. But I have found the answer I'm looking for; sleek, and has everything I ever wanted. Too bad it's in 220V format. http://www.arcadia-uk.info/product.p...10&lan=en&id=4

[planted86]

i'm using T5 HO tube... i know of a online shop that sell DIY T5 HO... if you wan't the add can PM me...

[Raul-7]

Thanks planted86, but I'm actually looking for 'plug-and-play' fixtures, not DIY.

BTW, I have found this fixture: http://cgi.ebay.com/3x24W-T5-Lightin...QQcmdZViewItem . And I was thinking of changing out the existing ballast to a Workhorse 120V; any potential problems I might run into?