PAR Results HQI vs T5

PCIALF · 03/22/2008, 07:45 PM

OK heres the deal

I had 2 150w hqi and 2 96w PC with eggcrate 3" high (black numbers) I now have a T5 w 8 54w bulbs shooting through glass tops for now 5" high which is blocking a ton I am sure (Red Letters)

as you can see much more par T5 TEK Light

Light Bulbs currently running

Front
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus
Giesemann: PowerChrome Pure Actinic
ATI Procolor
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus
UV Lighting Aquasun
Giesemann: PowerChrome Aqua Blue +
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus

TwistedTiger · 03/22/2008, 08:00 PM

You can tell nothing from that comparison since one is through egg crate and one through glass. Test them under the same conditions and then you might be able to tell something from the numbers.

PCIALF · 03/22/2008, 08:05 PM

The purpose of this comparison was to show as I was lighting my tank to how I am now. I will tomorrow put the egg crate on and it will be even higher with t5. I was trying to show even with the glass top t5's out/pared the hqi's

SkiFletch · 03/22/2008, 08:12 PM

Yeah, if anything, the glass cuts out more light than the egg crate... Looks like those T5's really do rock. Yey for individual reflectors

Capt_Cully · 03/22/2008, 08:46 PM

Tom at TRS was saying how the T5's PAR readings were blowing the MH's away. Looks like the #'s don't lie. Tank looks awesome John!....even if it is thru a glass top......

KurtsReef · 03/22/2008, 08:52 PM

What size tank, total of what 432 watts on the tank then? If your going to compare it to MH you would have to light it with similar wattage.

Looks like your getting much better par readings, but why the glass? Build some cheap screens with netting and lose no light.

MarkKlier · 03/22/2008, 08:53 PM

John nice data, I assume the eggcrate/glass are to prevent jumpers...
MK

Kent E · 03/22/2008, 09:04 PM

Very impressive numbers and the tank ain't so bad either.

Gary Majchrzak · 03/22/2008, 09:27 PM

what happened to the purple cap?

turn that house light off so it's reflection isn't in the picture next time!

(It's a rough crowd here and I'm just trying to blend in

)

Jester · 03/22/2008, 09:50 PM

Makes me wonder now... I was about to buy a MH setup for my frag tank, but now I am going to look into t5s...

buddie · 03/22/2008, 09:59 PM

how old and what bulbs were the 150's
also what kind of ballast .

belgian_waffleman · 03/22/2008, 10:06 PM

Thank you for sharing.

Can't wait to see the next comparison.

Waffleman

psychofishy · 03/22/2008, 10:12 PM

awesome :-) can't wait till i get my tek light in :-D

disaster999 · 03/22/2008, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KurtsReef
What size tank, total of what 432 watts on the tank then? If your going to compare it to MH you would have to light it with similar wattage.

Looks like your getting much better par readings, but why the glass? Build some cheap screens with netting and lose no light.

your looking at close to 500watts for his old setup (2 150w HM and 2 96w PC) and 432watts for his new setup. if the old setup had similar wattage, par reading will be a lot lower.

Gary Majchrzak · 03/23/2008, 06:08 AM

FWIW at least two of the 3 well know LFS's started converting VHO and/or MH lit display tanks to T5 lighting.

MarksReef · 03/23/2008, 06:30 AM

Nice work, John.

Quote:

Originally posted by Gary Majchrzak
FWIW at least two of the 3 well know LFS's started converting VHO and/or MH lit display tanks to T5 lighting.

Very interesting, Gary. it's amazing how things change over the years ay?

Gary Majchrzak · 03/23/2008, 06:42 AM

yes- and IMO the T5 lit tanks at the LFS visually look more appealing than the previous lighting.

I can't wait until the price of LED lighting drops.

Patrick12 · 03/23/2008, 06:43 AM

The real problem is that you were using 150W MHs for a tank of that depth. You needed at least 250 Watters for that deep a display. T5s can and do work, [B]but always notice how T5 lovers are having to "justify" and "prove' that the T5s work as well or better than MHs.[B/] No one with MHs is ever having to show whether or not they work well on a reef tank. MHs are still the "standard" and what all other lighting gets compared to. Other lighting schemes will work. LEDs, T5s, I have even seen some SPS thrive under PCs. It baffled me, but they did...and for over a year!. At any rate. You have a nice tank and nice setup. I too would choose just about any T5 setup over 150W MHs. You really gotta start at the 250W MHs (usually) to see the great growth and look that MHs are know for. I say "usually" because there are great tanks out there with less.

Nice tank and coral.

PCIALF · 03/23/2008, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gary Majchrzak
what happened to the purple cap?

turn that house light off so it's reflection isn't in the picture next time!

(It's a rough crowd here and I'm just trying to blend in )

Its the original pict for comparison

NATIVEVAMAN · 03/23/2008, 06:48 AM

T5 lighting is getting such a good reputation for efficiency a lot of retail stores are using it in new stores.One most notable is petco.

jfl14609 · 03/23/2008, 06:49 AM

Hopefully this week my t-5 parts will be in and I am switching from 2 250 watt mh's and 2 110 watt vhos. I will get par readings before and after the switch and see the comparison. I have a 90 and am only going with 6 bulbs. I will let you know as soon as I get them.

thriceanangel · 03/23/2008, 06:50 AM

Seems more like MH users from all over are jumping on this thread to "prove" their worth... People are always trying to justify their investment...

PCIALF · 03/23/2008, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MarkKlier
John nice data, I assume the eggcrate/glass are to prevent jumpers...
MK

Well thats where the dilemma is. I need something to yes keep fish in (egg crate/screen netting) but now also need to keep spray and water off the individual reflectors, I do not see how you could ever clean them to original finish. So the options are glass tops or lens cover for the light I have read that with the lens cover the t5's heated up so much that 40% of par was lost so for now I am running this way but I am going to get the lens cover and actually test it.

PCIALF · 03/23/2008, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by thriceanangel
Seems more like MH users from all over are jumping on this thread to "prove" their worth... People are always trying to justify their investment...

Correct and that is why I am only posting this with the data to show what really is the difference in par between the lights and the coverings. Now the only thing really debatable is whether par matters or not. Now I really think that would be a silly position to take but the numbers are the numbers.

Also this thread has a wealth of knowledge and I consider the expert advise there I am no expert, but take the time and read the hundreds of posts in this thread there is a lot to learn. Grim is very generous with his knowledge.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...3#post12155313

PCIALF · 03/23/2008, 07:01 AM

Anyone have any opinion as to what height a light is as safe as you could be for splash?

03/22/2008, 07:45 PM	#1
PCIALF Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Henrietta Posts: 2,410	PAR Results HQI vs T5 OK heres the deal I had 2 150w hqi and 2 96w PC with eggcrate 3" high (black numbers) I now have a T5 w 8 54w bulbs shooting through glass tops for now 5" high which is blocking a ton I am sure (Red Letters) as you can see much more par T5 TEK Light Light Bulbs currently running Front Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus Giesemann: PowerChrome Pure Actinic ATI Procolor Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus UV Lighting Aquasun Giesemann: PowerChrome Aqua Blue + Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus __________________ John The answer is always no if you never ask the question..... Current Tank Info: 120 AGA RR, 40 gal Fuge, Basement Sump, ASM Skimmer, Lifreef CA Reactor, 7gal RDSB

03/22/2008, 08:05 PM	#3
PCIALF Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Henrietta Posts: 2,410	The purpose of this comparison was to show as I was lighting my tank to how I am now. I will tomorrow put the egg crate on and it will be even higher with t5. I was trying to show even with the glass top t5's out/pared the hqi's __________________ John The answer is always no if you never ask the question..... Current Tank Info: 120 AGA RR, 40 gal Fuge, Basement Sump, ASM Skimmer, Lifreef CA Reactor, 7gal RDSB

03/22/2008, 08:12 PM	#4
SkiFletch Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: N Buffalo, NY Posts: 3,665	Yeah, if anything, the glass cuts out more light than the egg crate... Looks like those T5's really do rock. Yey for individual reflectors __________________ You will miss 100% of the shots you dont take. Dare to dream Mike, aka Fletch Current Tank Info: 65 gallon reef

03/22/2008, 08:46 PM	#5
Capt_Cully Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 13,574	Tom at TRS was saying how the T5's PAR readings were blowing the MH's away. Looks like the #'s don't lie. Tank looks awesome John!....even if it is thru a glass top...... __________________ People say cars are a bad investment. Those people don't have reef tanks. Current Tank Info: 120, Radion Gen 2 Pro x 2

03/22/2008, 09:04 PM	#8
Kent E One Millionth Poster Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Asheboro NC Posts: 4,273	Very impressive numbers and the tank ain't so bad either. __________________ 1000 gallon Current Tank Info: Dreaming up a new one

03/22/2008, 08:00 PM	#2
TwistedTiger Moved On Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: B.R. La. Posts: 925	You can tell nothing from that comparison since one is through egg crate and one through glass. Test them under the same conditions and then you might be able to tell something from the numbers.

03/22/2008, 08:52 PM	#6
KurtsReef Premium Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: North Boston, NY Posts: 2,603	What size tank, total of what 432 watts on the tank then? If your going to compare it to MH you would have to light it with similar wattage. Looks like your getting much better par readings, but why the glass? Build some cheap screens with netting and lose no light.

03/22/2008, 08:53 PM	#7
MarkKlier Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Rochester NY Posts: 1,568	John nice data, I assume the eggcrate/glass are to prevent jumpers... MK

03/22/2008, 09:27 PM	#9
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	what happened to the purple cap? turn that house light off so it's reflection isn't in the picture next time! (It's a rough crowd here and I'm just trying to blend in ) __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

03/22/2008, 09:50 PM	#10
Jester Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Va Beach, Va.... Posts: 795	Makes me wonder now... I was about to buy a MH setup for my frag tank, but now I am going to look into t5s... __________________ click my "little red house" for my 29gallon SPS tank build... 30 gallon breeder prop tank build started... soon to be added to my build above... Current Tank Info: 29 gallon drilled and plumbed thru-wall, Custom 10 gallon sump/fuge, Gen-X 4100 return, 2 Tunze Nanostream 6025s, AquaEuro Recirc 135 skimmer, 150watt HQI 14K Pheonix MH w/ 2x55watt PC lighting, lebos Lunar lights, 45#s live Rock, 20#s live sand...

03/22/2008, 09:59 PM	#11
buddie Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: mass Posts: 274	how old and what bulbs were the 150's also what kind of ballast . __________________ 350 in wall starfire sps reef Current Tank Info: 350 in wall sps/lps tank

03/22/2008, 10:06 PM	#12
belgian_waffleman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Lockport,NY Posts: 1,309	Thank you for sharing. Can't wait to see the next comparison. Waffleman

03/22/2008, 10:12 PM	#13
psychofishy Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rindge, NH Posts: 1,041	awesome :-) can't wait till i get my tek light in :-D

03/23/2008, 06:08 AM	#15
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	FWIW at least two of the 3 well know LFS's started converting VHO and/or MH lit display tanks to T5 lighting. __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

03/23/2008, 06:42 AM	#17
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	yes- and IMO the T5 lit tanks at the LFS visually look more appealing than the previous lighting. I can't wait until the price of LED lighting drops. __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

03/23/2008, 06:43 AM	#18
Patrick12 Crypt Assassin Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 761	The real problem is that you were using 150W MHs for a tank of that depth. You needed at least 250 Watters for that deep a display. T5s can and do work, [B]but always notice how T5 lovers are having to "justify" and "prove' that the T5s work as well or better than MHs.[B/] No one with MHs is ever having to show whether or not they work well on a reef tank. MHs are still the "standard" and what all other lighting gets compared to. Other lighting schemes will work. LEDs, T5s, I have even seen some SPS thrive under PCs. It baffled me, but they did...and for over a year!. At any rate. You have a nice tank and nice setup. I too would choose just about any T5 setup over 150W MHs. You really gotta start at the 250W MHs (usually) to see the great growth and look that MHs are know for. I say "usually" because there are great tanks out there with less. Nice tank and coral.

03/23/2008, 06:48 AM	#20
NATIVEVAMAN Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 78	T5 lighting is getting such a good reputation for efficiency a lot of retail stores are using it in new stores.One most notable is petco.

03/23/2008, 06:49 AM	#21
jfl14609 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Brockport, ny Posts: 4,940	Hopefully this week my t-5 parts will be in and I am switching from 2 250 watt mh's and 2 110 watt vhos. I will get par readings before and after the switch and see the comparison. I have a 90 and am only going with 6 bulbs. I will let you know as soon as I get them. __________________ Everyone watch carefully someone is about to say something really funny! Current Tank Info: 210 gallon reef

03/23/2008, 06:50 AM	#22
thriceanangel Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South Livonia, NY Posts: 1,729	Seems more like MH users from all over are jumping on this thread to "prove" their worth... People are always trying to justify their investment...

03/23/2008, 07:01 AM	#25
PCIALF Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Henrietta Posts: 2,410	Anyone have any opinion as to what height a light is as safe as you could be for splash? __________________ John The answer is always no if you never ask the question..... Current Tank Info: 120 AGA RR, 40 gal Fuge, Basement Sump, ASM Skimmer, Lifreef CA Reactor, 7gal RDSB