Lights

[clockwurk]

Sorry guys, this might be a really dumb question, but I really dont know if this is true or not. I asked about the lighting on this item below...

http://www.oceanproaquatics.com/shop/pr ... ts_id/3182

and i received this response:

"That's a total of three 8 watt T5 bulbs.  Keep in mind a T5 is built for low energy consumption but it's actual light output is much higher than normal fluorescent.  IE.  If you were to go to the hardware store to upgrade your bathroom light standard bulb to a T5 bulb, you'll notice on it that an average of 14 watts is actually the same as 100 watts in a normal light!  They not only save money but burn much cooler as well which is a huge plus with these small nanos!  good question."

I really dont know if this is true or not. I really am just trying to not buy a bad product. This will be my first salwater tank, so I'm being very careful. Thank you all in advance.

 

[KidNano]

It makes sense and is consistent with everything I've heard and read about the T5. Jesse is the biggest promoter of T5's on this site and has them on his own tank and if he's skeptical about it then I probably would be as well. However he wasn't aware that T5's come that small so maybe that is what he's skeptical about. I've also heard that what makes T5's so powerful for Aquariums is the quality of reflector that you get with them. Each light should have it's own reflector.

Hopefully he'll give you a little more info about the T5 lamps. I have T5 as well and really like the color I get from them. 24 watts of T5 on a 12 gallon I would think should be sufficient however I really have limited experience and Jesse has researched them quite a bit.

 

[reefman23]

All T5's are not created equal. In general, the term "T5" on a reef site is in reference to the "high output" T5's. T5HO's are overdriven with an electronic ballast to increase their output. The lamps on that tank are T5NO (normal output T5's).

T5 is a reference to the diameter of the lamp... 5/12" diameter. The lamps you see in many 4' shoplights are T12... 12/12" or 1".

An advantage that T5's have over other fluorescent lamps is that their smaller diameter allows the light to be more effectively reflected back into the tank with the use of an individual parabolic reflector. Power compacts and the larger diameter fluorescent lamps, due to their shape and size, cannot be as effectively reflected. A power compact lamp is essentially a bent T5HO lamp, but because it is bent, much of the light is lost because a parabolic reflector doesnt work on it. That does not mean that PCs are not a good choice, I am just saying that it takes more total watts of PC lighting to equal the output of a lesser amount of T5 watts (96 watts of PC lighting is nowhere near the output of T5HO lighting with individual reflectors).

My problem with the "T5" lamps on that tank is that they are not "high output" T5s, they lack individual reflectors (THE biggest advantage to running T5 lamps), they are no-name lamps (output ((PAR)) varies quite a bit from brand to brand), you will not have a wide selection of spectrums to choose from, and they are only 8 watts each. The nanocubes (just as an example) are going to have 2 or 3 PC lamps, 24 watts each on the 12g unit, 32 watts each on the 24g units, available in various spectrums, easily replacable, good output, etc.

I dont know if any of this helps. I hope I didnt end up just confusing you more. :neutral:

Jesse

 

[The Kapenta Kid]

I'd venture to correct Reefman 23 on a minor point. The number on fluorescent tubes, e.g. T5 or T8 refers to the dia in 1/8th of an inch, not 1/12th. Thus a T8 is 1 inch dia and a T12 is 1.5 inch dia.
I think T5 HO bulbs are pretty good, but I don't think they are best served by wild claims that they give 7x the output of regular bulbs.
I imagine that they give 2x or maybe even 3x the lumen output of regular bulbs, but more than that I doubt.
I wish there were some good comparative figures published on this subject.

 

[reefman23]

I'd venture to correct Reefman 23 on a minor point. The number on fluorescent tubes, e.g. T5 or T8 refers to the dia in 1/8th of an inch, not 1/12th. Thus a T8 is 1 inch dia and a T12 is 1.5 inch dia.

:isorry, you are correct. :doh

 

[reefman23]

I think T5 HO bulbs are pretty good, but I don't think they are best served by wild claims that they give 7x the output of regular bulbs.
I imagine that they give 2x or maybe even 3x the lumen output of regular bulbs, but more than that I doubt.
I wish there were some good comparative figures published on this subject.

This, however, I would have to disagree with. After its all said and done, T5HO's have nearly 4x the total output making it into the tank as a power compact lamp. This is because T5's have about twice the output watt-for-watt, combined with very efficient reflectors, generally better phosphors and they are designed to run at a higher temp of about 90*F (PCs are designed to run at a lower temp so when the DO reach a higher temp they are less efficient).

PCs average about 60 lumens per watt. T5HOs average about 90 lumens per watt... second only to MH. http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/l ... 5/pc1a.asp

HTH,

Jesse

 

[clockwurk]

lol. I give up. I may have a feeling with all my questions, I may be biting more than I can chew.

So, I gave in and took your initial advice Reefman23, I just bought the 24G JBJ. :banadance:

Thank you The Kapenta Kid, KidNano for the help. Ill post some updates as soon as I get started.

 

[reefman23]

Good choice. Im confident you will be happy with your decision. Great starter tank with a good volume of water and enough lighting for corals.

And I'm sorry if I overwhelmed you. I think I may have a tendency to do that. Please dont feel like you bit off more than you can chew. All it takes is patience, some homework, and of course $$$.

Keep us updated!

Jesse

 

[clockwurk]

And I'm sorry if I overwhelmed you. I think I may have a tendency to do that.

No worries dude. Youve been really helpful

Im gonna head out the Fish store and look around. Im soooo excited.