T5 Lights

[flanque]

Hi,

What do you folks think about T5 lights? From the brief introduction I have had, they seem to be quite good, if not a little expensive however.

Any thoughts? I am considoring them over power compacts.

[Brisc0]

I would definately pick them over PCs if your going to put them on a reef tank and the extra cost isn't a huge issue. They blow PC away. There are a couple of really nice 8X54W retro kits on ebay for around $299.00 My friends use them and have nothing but success.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

[custman]

I just bought an 8 bulb T5 retro kit from PSL on e-bay

I had them use individual reflectors for each light...which is the benefit of T5

I also I had him put a set of moonlights down the center of the fixture...all for $350 to my door which isn't bad...I'll let you know the quality when I get it next week

[Brisc0]

So funny you post this today. My friend and I just upgraded his 2X54W T-5 retro to an Ebay 8X54W retro last night. He now has 154W T-5s spread out evenly with 11K 03s. Here is a pic of the outcome.

We fired it up last night about 10:00 when we finished it, and its super bright. There was even a faint hint of glitter action on the upper rock work it is so intense. Anyhow, im VERY impressed and think you'll be plenty happy with your purchase.

here's a link to all you need to know about them, pending you take time to sift thru it all and read what you can.

Well, actually 2 links
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...t=T5+AND+light

and

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...t=T5+AND+light

I think the first one is better info. Read what you can. They discuss in detail all the good/bad things. When I first read a short segment on them, I thought oh wow, i'll get the 8x 54 watt over a 55 gallon since they are a little brighter, and that would be perfect! little did I know these lights are waay too bright for lower light corals/shrooms. I've decided to go w/ a 6 bulb fixture and only run 4 bulbs at a time, then the last 2 for a little while for a dusk/dawn effect.

HTH
-Stewie

[custman]

thats what I figured I would do...
8am-2 blue on
9am-2 more blue on
10am-2 10k on
12pm...if needed 2 more 10k
2pm-if I used the other 10 then they would go off
4pm-10k off
6pm-2 blue off
8pm-darkness

I have a 90gal tank...with the extra depth I think the shrooms and lower light stuff will be fine...I'll put higher light corals towards the top

[Brisc0]

Depending on how deep your tank is, that fixture should support most any demanding coral with no problems. Its pretty much the same amount of power as a 2X250W metal halide setup, and they are so efficient you get more out of it than even that most likely. Just something to think about.