tkeracer619
02/12/2015, 11:27 PM
I'm facing what I believe is two options in my new fixture, I'm not really interested in LED but if someone has a good suggestion I won't immediately shoot it down. I want to add another row of bulbs to reinforce the left and right side as well as balance out the color. I didn't really intend on adding another row of bulbs so there is only 2" left between the current reflectors and the inside of the fixture. Hello Lights has a 2" wide t5 reflector so I could stuff one more t5 on each side. A t12 bulb also fits.
I would need the bulbs, reflectors, and end caps if I go t5. I have the ballast.
I would need the bulbs and ballast if I went t12. I have the endcaps.
I'm not sure which way to go. I am assuming I will get more light from the vho and I may be able to aim them in a bit towards the middle of the tank reducing their spill over. If I go t5 I think those are the only reflectors available that will fit. I am afraid I will lose half the light from the bulbs from spillover since they will be pointing straight down. I am not sure how good those reflectors are anyways with those dimensions (31" x 2" x 1") vs the internal t12 reflector, the efficiency of t5 might very well be a wash. I may be able to lower the fixture a couple inches since replacing the mh reflectors with lumenarcs, the spread is way better. If I could reinforce with a daylight bulb along the sides I think it would be perfect!
My current bulbs are
2x 250w radium 20k - galaxy select-a-watt.
2x 39w ATI Purple Plus T5 - Sylvania 51479
4x 39w ATI Blue Plus T5 - Sylvania 51479
If it were a perfect word I would add an actinic and a white bulb but no room so...
Do I run the t5 or t12? Cost difference is relatively insignificant.
Do I go actinic white, 12k, 10k ect? I'm looking for something that will be close to radiums. The radiums do hit the entire tank, it just isn't as intense around the two sides.
This tank houses Bubble Tip Anemones. This fixture puts out a lot of light :bum:, but a few of them could use a tad bit more daylight.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7501/16139646970_3d45063306_z.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7568/15711541173_5d1c4c002b_c.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7505/16145266179_e8d6e68ba6_z.jpg
I would need the bulbs, reflectors, and end caps if I go t5. I have the ballast.
I would need the bulbs and ballast if I went t12. I have the endcaps.
I'm not sure which way to go. I am assuming I will get more light from the vho and I may be able to aim them in a bit towards the middle of the tank reducing their spill over. If I go t5 I think those are the only reflectors available that will fit. I am afraid I will lose half the light from the bulbs from spillover since they will be pointing straight down. I am not sure how good those reflectors are anyways with those dimensions (31" x 2" x 1") vs the internal t12 reflector, the efficiency of t5 might very well be a wash. I may be able to lower the fixture a couple inches since replacing the mh reflectors with lumenarcs, the spread is way better. If I could reinforce with a daylight bulb along the sides I think it would be perfect!
My current bulbs are
2x 250w radium 20k - galaxy select-a-watt.
2x 39w ATI Purple Plus T5 - Sylvania 51479
4x 39w ATI Blue Plus T5 - Sylvania 51479
If it were a perfect word I would add an actinic and a white bulb but no room so...
Do I run the t5 or t12? Cost difference is relatively insignificant.
Do I go actinic white, 12k, 10k ect? I'm looking for something that will be close to radiums. The radiums do hit the entire tank, it just isn't as intense around the two sides.
This tank houses Bubble Tip Anemones. This fixture puts out a lot of light :bum:, but a few of them could use a tad bit more daylight.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7501/16139646970_3d45063306_z.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7568/15711541173_5d1c4c002b_c.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7505/16145266179_e8d6e68ba6_z.jpg