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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/18/2009 9:24:42 PM
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| I have compact fluorescents, but heard T5 can save a lot of money. E.g., my two 96 watt bulbs are I believe about 60$ and have to be changed out every 6 months, vs. 4 36" T5s that last two years at 100$. Can save maybe 140$ in two years. Is that right? Especially about the relative change out times. (thanks!)
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/18/2009 9:24:42 PM
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| At any rate, would be going from two 96w PC (using a 10,000K and 50:50 10kK and actinic), to 4 bulbs, 36 Watt T5, probably three 10,000K and one actinic. Good for SPS, Montipora, Acropora, etc.? It's less wattage, but maybe more actual PAR for the T5s. Would save maybe $8 per year on electricity (not a big deal actually).
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/17/2009 2:43:00 PM
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| If you use snap on single lamp reflectors and always run a fan blowing at the lamps when they are on, go for the T-5 HO option. I've been running 4 X 55w T-5's run by and IC 660 for 6 years, running the lamps at 80 watts per lamp. Last lamp change was over 2 years ago. I use a variable speed IC fan that runs 24/7 so when they turn on, the probe gets hot and the fan speeds up. Much more light, fewer lamps in the trash and less time buying and swapping lamps out. The PC lamps are by design made to over-heat as the twin tubes are on top of each other. There's no way a reflector can get the same % of light into the tank from a PC light source. Andy
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| Many people are having sucess keeping SPS corals under T5 lighting, but it isn't just about the lighting. You will also want to make sure you are keeping your water quality in top condition as well. In general flo. lighting won't penetrate as well as metal halide so keeping your water clarity clear (use of carbon for example) will help out as well. Getting back to your question though, yes you should see more light from the T5 you are referring to over your PC's especially if you have individual reflectors like Andy mentioned. HTH,
________________________________________________ Keith "Simply put, you believe that things or people make you unhappy, but this is not accurate. You make yourself unhappy." Wayne Dyer
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/18/2009 9:24:42 PM
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| Is it true like I heard, that the PC should be changed out every six months, and the T5 bulbs changed out every 2 years? That was the main reason I was thinking of changing to T5, cheaper in the long run.
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Group: Administrators
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| There are different opinions on the length of time for changing out T5's. IMO I would recommend changing them about every 12-18 months. It will depend on what type of ballast, if you are using fans blowing over the bulbs and length of time you are running the bulbs. It might be worth getting a PAR or Lux meter so you can measure the output of the bulbs and will have a more accurate time frame for changing them out. It is not unheard of going 2 years between changing like Andy, but most people will change about once a year to 18 months. PC bulbs should be changed about every 6-9 months.
________________________________________________ Keith "Simply put, you believe that things or people make you unhappy, but this is not accurate. You make yourself unhappy." Wayne Dyer
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/18/2009 9:24:42 PM
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| Thanks all! Looks like it is worth while changing the fixture at some point.
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