FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hello

Everyone out there is probably more cluey than me about these things, but I thought I'd share this. I hope it prevents someone else being caught out like me.

Did you know that not all T5 lighting systems are equal? I didn't. I thought a T5 light fitting was a T5 light fitting - but there is more to it than that.
If you are buying a cheap T5 lighting unit (eg e-bay), always ask if the ballast takes T5 HE (High Energy) or T5 (High Output) tubes, as they are completely different.

T5 HE tubes are no better than T8 tubes, yet I thought I bought a super duper T5 light fitting, as used by aquarist in hi-tech planted tanks.

Instead, even with 3 tubes, I only get 1.7wpg, which will limit my plant choices.

If you know what you're buying & are prepared to drive further in search of the harder to find replacement tubes, that's fine. The units are MUCH, MUCH cheaper and look quite nice.

I heard advice once that if something is too good to be true, it probably isn't true. BELIEVE THIS.

Therefore, buyer beware, ask the seller (particularly on ebay - LFS units are probably OK) if the tubes are T5 HE, or T5 HO. What you want is T5 HO if you plan on having plants with high light requirements are are considering a reef tank.

Hope this helps someone else.

Cheers
TW

Thanks for the info Robyn.

It's like just about anything else with this hobby the deeper you dig and the more questions you ask the better the end results will be.

Sorry to hear that your new light system is not what you expected, however is there the possibility of just changing out the ballast to a unit that will then drive the higher rated tubes.

Jim

---

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Also, not all T5HO fixtures are created equal. Different ballasts will give ODHO, some just HO. The reflectors are a big reason why T5s are so good. The bulbs are tiny, thus the reflector can more closely resemble a true parabola, thus VASTLY increasing the efficiency of light output(read more light into the tank, less absorbed elsewhere). If you want a good T5HO lighting unit make positively sure they come with individual parabolic reflectors. That's what separates T5HO from VHOs or compact fluorescent lighting.

Oh, and with a good T5HO fixture the wpg rule is waaaay off. I'd multiply by a factor of 2-3 depending on the ballast you are running the bulbs with. Again, that's with a good fixture. My 4 x 39w T5HO is probably 3X as bright as my 2 x 96w PC fixture was.

---

Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Hi OldTimer

is there the possibility of just changing out the ballast to a unit that will then drive the higher rated tubes.

Maybe and I've read of handy DIY types doing this, but I'd need an electrician. I did leave the light unit for a couple of days with a LFS worker I know who said he would do just that, but he ended up returning it to me saying it wasn't worth it. I'll ask around with electricians and see what the cost would be.

Hey Matty - so there are T5 HE, T5 ODHO and the one I really wanted - T5 HO. If only I'd known to ask the right question.

Unfortunately, I bought 3 of these light units - one for the 2ft tank & one for the upcoming 4ft tank, as well as one for my son's tank. The 2ft takes 3 x 14watt and the 4ft takes 3 x 28watt. These are the maximum wattage tubes the ballast can handle, unless I can find someone to change the ballast for me for a reasonable price.

Cheers
TW