T5 retro question

[Uncle Luke]

Hi I would like to add 4 t5 retro kits from BRS. Question is, do they need a fan running accross them in the canopy? I know the ATI fixtures have built in fans.

[kevin_e]

No, they'll be fine.

[ADVRESOURCE]

No, they'll be fine.

+1. They don't run hot

[SkullV]

I disagree, for peak PAR and bulb longevity all T5s require active cooling.

[kevin_e]

Perhaps if you had 8-10 bulbs packed into a metal housing adjacent to the ballast you would, but not 2-4 bulbs spread out inside a spacious canopy; It just is not necessary.

I ran4x retros with and without fans for years and there was no difference.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[cougareyes]

I disagree, for peak PAR and bulb longevity all T5s require active cooling.

Agree saw a study that compared par with heat and there is substantial loss when bulbs are hot.

[reelfreak]

My diy LET T5 retro kit on my 125 added quite a bit of heat to tank. I don't run a chiller, tank was nearing 86 regularly. I added 2 4" low speed muffin fans in the top at the ends and now my tank runs 80-81 degrees. Have apex cutting them off at 79.5

In my setup I absolutely needed them .

Running 6x80w T5s, fans are made by AC INFINITY. Very good improvement in my case

[Uncle Luke]

My diy LET T5 retro kit on my 125 added quite a bit of heat to tank. I don't run a chiller, tank was nearing 86 regularly. I added 2 4" low speed muffin fans in the top at the ends and now my tank runs 80-81 degrees. Have apex cutting them off at 79.5

In my setup I absolutely needed them .

Running 6x80w T5s, fans are made by AC INFINITY. Very good improvement in my case

Can you pls post pics? Tnx

[aqua tech]

the safer bet is going with a fan or two.

[reelfreak]

Sorry I'm away from the tank this week. My 80 w T5 bulbs are 5' long and my tank 6' long. Gave me some extra space on each end in the top pointed fans to the water. 4 inch hole saw was used to cut out the holes.