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View Full Version : Change on Lighting....

HouseDJSTL
03/11/2006, 09:43 PM
Well, it looks like the time is coming that I need to change my MH Bulbs. But I was thinking about switching to a 6 bulb 54W T5 system. What has been everyones experience w/ T5? Where are some good places to get the stuff to?

Thanks!

-Jeremy
stlsaltwater
03/11/2006, 09:58 PM
Ask Trottie, I think he had a thread on the T5s
ol'saltybastage
03/11/2006, 10:23 PM
and jack said "let their be house!" and house music was born...

sorry i had to.. gotta love that house music though.
ol'saltybastage
03/11/2006, 10:24 PM
I know a couple of people that switched from MH to t5 and love it. you dont seem to get that shimmer though.. but you dont have the heat issue either.
HouseDJSTL
03/12/2006, 12:54 PM
I was thinking about going with a 6 bulb 54W Finnex system. (TL-T4854) Anyone had any experience w/ Finnex??
sirreal63
03/12/2006, 12:57 PM
I don't think the Finnex has individual reflectors for the bulbs....that makes it a waste of money. What you want is a Tek fixture or do it yourself T5. It is the reflectors that make T5 work.
beaker77
03/12/2006, 01:21 PM
I agree with sirreal, buying a T5 fixture without individual reflectors are a waste of money. I'm about to replace my Nova Extreme with a T5 retro. I just didn’t do enough research before I bought. The Reef Stop (http://www.thereefstop.com) has great pricing on Sunlight Supply T5 fixtures, but keep in mind that those prices are without bulbs.
graff71884
03/13/2006, 02:07 AM
Who else carries T5 lighting?
drgabe
03/13/2006, 07:52 AM
My reefgeek TS retro kit will be here tomorrow... switching from PC's so it should be a nice upgrade.
I'll let you know how it goes later this week once the new lights are installed.
sirreal63
03/13/2006, 08:15 AM
Excellent...remember to acclimate the tank to the new lighting slowly.
HouseDJSTL
03/13/2006, 05:07 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6942565#post6942565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sirreal63
Excellent...remember to acclimate the tank to the new lighting slowly.

Do you have to acclimate the lighting if your switching from MH???
sirreal63
03/13/2006, 05:15 PM
I would, just to be safe. The lights are not stronger by watts, but by reflective value they are. It won't hurt to do the screen wire method for a few days.
trottman
03/13/2006, 05:20 PM
i would be careful with t5's......... they are much brighter than MH's.

if you see a finnex fixture you like, i can help you turn it into a tek system by retro fitting it for pretty cheap. pm me if ur interested.
MayoBoy
03/13/2006, 05:22 PM
I still have a 36" fixture and 4 Tek reflectors if you're interested (although it will leave the ends of the tank dim). 125.00 for all.
HouseDJSTL
03/13/2006, 05:24 PM
Thanks for the help trottman, but I found a Tek light that'll do just fine.

Sorry Mayoboy, 36" is too small....

Thanks!!

-Jeremy
trottman
03/13/2006, 05:27 PM
you can make a tek out of a finnex for a cheaper price and a little work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ur loss =(
drgabe
03/20/2006, 05:35 PM
Update: My 4x54W T5 kit is up and working like a charm. A huge improvement over the PC's. Everyone, including the wife, loves the extra light these guys pump out.

FWIW, I didn't go with the screen method, however I reduced the light peroid a good bit and will slowly increase it over the next couple of months. So far, all corals are loving the extra light. Even the mushrooms I had growing high in the tank, go figure.

At 5 days consider me very impressed with the T5's. We shall see what the future holds.
HouseDJSTL
03/20/2006, 07:35 PM
Mine should be arriving in the next day or two. Then I will have my MH setup for sale.....
shaw
03/20/2006, 09:49 PM
trott

can you tell me how to mod the hood for better reflectivity?
thanks
shawn
chadfarmer
03/20/2006, 09:59 PM
add single reflectors to each of the bulbs like tek or icecap reflectors
shaw
03/20/2006, 10:09 PM
the spacing of the bulbs allows that? well, good idea.
doesn't it scare you when you clamp that reflector to those tiny little bulbs, i always think i'm going to break em
shawn
drgabe
03/20/2006, 10:19 PM
No the bulbs are fairly strong and the clips are made just right to fit the bulb. Have no fear... well actually just a little bit is good for you! :)
chadfarmer
03/20/2006, 10:25 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7002437#post7002437 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shaw
the spacing of the bulbs allows that? well, good idea.
doesn't it scare you when you clamp that reflector to those tiny little bulbs, i always think i'm going to break em
shawn

i thought i was going to break the bulb the first time i did it
graff71884
03/20/2006, 10:58 PM
I can't wait to help my brother redo his lighting next week during my spring break. I miss my tank so much:( I can't wait to get out of school and get back into the hobby!
hckycoz
03/20/2006, 11:20 PM
house what mh setup do you have and how much for it?
HouseDJSTL
03/21/2006, 10:42 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7003040#post7003040 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hckycoz
house what mh setup do you have and how much for it?

Its a dual 250W MH Setup. (Retro Fit). Not sure on a price yet....It'll be on RC for sale in a week or so...
hckycoz
03/21/2006, 01:31 PM
let me know first. im very interested
HouseDJSTL
03/21/2006, 03:00 PM
Will do.

Thanks
chadfarmer
03/21/2006, 05:47 PM
what brand setup

please say icecap
ARLO
03/21/2006, 05:54 PM
Chad

You gonna sell me those bulbs? :)

Arlo