Catalina T5 Fixture & Bulb Question

32Bit_Fish · 07-10-2012, 12:33 PM

Hi Guys,

I'm going to get a single bulb T5 HO fixture from Catalina. Their fixture doesnt come with a flexi splash guard. Would the reflector get rusty over time?

For the bulb:
Is 6500K bulb the only bulb that gives the best growth? What if I use a 10000K bulb or something higher than 6500K (let's say a 7800K)? I've heard the 6500K bulb is very yellow. I dont have an option to put on a second bulb to remedy the situation with single bulb fixture.

Thanks

hbosman · 07-10-2012, 08:33 PM

The reflector more than likely will get white spots (calcium deposits). I find the usual 6500 K rather yellowish as well. 10000 K tend to be more blueish which might be more appealing to you. 10000 K will usually grow plants well.

Just a personal observation, the Catalina 6500 K aren't as yellow as most and their 10000 K look rather greenish for some reason.

My preference would be their 6500 K bulb.

I bought a Catalina. I had them build a 3x39 watt T5HO in their 36"x8" fixture. I wanted the wider fixture because my tank is 18 inches deep. I only run 2 of the three bulbs most of the time.

07-10-2012, 12:33 PM	#1
32Bit_Fish Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NYC Posts: 56	Catalina T5 Fixture & Bulb Question Hi Guys, I'm going to get a single bulb T5 HO fixture from Catalina. Their fixture doesnt come with a flexi splash guard. Would the reflector get rusty over time? For the bulb: Is 6500K bulb the only bulb that gives the best growth? What if I use a 10000K bulb or something higher than 6500K (let's say a 7800K)? I've heard the 6500K bulb is very yellow. I dont have an option to put on a second bulb to remedy the situation with single bulb fixture. Thanks

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07-10-2012, 08:33 PM	#2
hbosman Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Leesburg Virginia Posts: 1,584	The reflector more than likely will get white spots (calcium deposits). I find the usual 6500 K rather yellowish as well. 10000 K tend to be more blueish which might be more appealing to you. 10000 K will usually grow plants well. Just a personal observation, the Catalina 6500 K aren't as yellow as most and their 10000 K look rather greenish for some reason. My preference would be their 6500 K bulb. I bought a Catalina. I had them build a 3x39 watt T5HO in their 36"x8" fixture. I wanted the wider fixture because my tank is 18 inches deep. I only run 2 of the three bulbs most of the time.