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	T-5 lighting
baz Fingerling Posts: 34 Kudos: 21 Votes: 133 Registered: 22-Dec-2004	Does anyone have any experience with using t5 lighting compared to CF? I'm trying to determine which would work best for a 25 gal tall.
Posted 17-Jul-2007 16:52
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004	Good T5HO fixtures (ones with individual parabolic reflectors) will probably be twice as bright or more, watt for watt, as compact fluorescent fixtures. Examples are the tek system and icecap retrofits. T5HO fixtures with one reflector over multiple bulbs will probably be only slightly brighter than PCs. The fixture I'd suggest really depends on what type of setup you are looking for in your planted tank. High light and high tech, or medium light, low tech? What plants are you wanting to grow? From there we can easily make lighting suggestions for you. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients
Posted 17-Jul-2007 21:21
baz Fingerling Posts: 34 Kudos: 21 Votes: 133 Registered: 22-Dec-2004	Edited by baz I have the same set up as slickrb had before he switched to the Coralife Aqualite single CF 65 watts. I'm comparing that fixture to the Nova Extreme t5 48 watts. Being a low cost t5 fixture (same price as the Coralife) the Nova most likely has a single reflector. I've narrowed my selection down to these two fixtures for the following reasons : cost, medium light, and not wanting to build my own. With the pros and cons of each, my guess is that they would both be suitable. I just don't have any experience with t5 lighting.
Posted 17-Jul-2007 22:07
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004	I'd say they both will put out a similar amount of light. The T5s are nice as they use less energy for a similar or greater amount of light and the bulbs last longer (1.5yrs). I'm personally going to be buying T5s from here on out as the prices are becoming quite reasonable, and will be cheaper in the long run for the reasons listed above. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients
Posted 18-Jul-2007 00:41
baz Fingerling Posts: 34 Kudos: 21 Votes: 133 Registered: 22-Dec-2004	Edited by baz I've decided to go with the Coralife. Though what you say about t5s falls in line with the concensus, I'm just not sure about the (single ?) reflector. Also the Bulbs on the Nova seem to be crammed together leading to alot of restrike. No one seems to have any experience with this fixture as it is relatively new to the market. When I upgrade to a high tech, high light tank I'll definitely go with t5s. Most likely the tek system. Thanks
Posted 18-Jul-2007 01:46
baz Fingerling Posts: 34 Kudos: 21 Votes: 133 Registered: 22-Dec-2004	Edited by baz For anyone interested I just talked to someone who has the Nova Extreme. Hes very happy with it especially for the price. It is a single reflector though a high quality one. Originally when he purchased it he planned to retrofit individual relectors but it turns out that the opening is too small.
Posted 18-Jul-2007 05:37


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