Opinion on a T5 light

[Dangerous Dave]

Hi Guys,

I am looking to upgrade the lighting on my 6' tank. Hopefully one of you planted tank gurus can give me an opinion on the following light:

6FT (39W x 4) & (39W x 4) T5 GLOBES

New 8xT5. 4 x Actinic 39W & 4 x 10K 39W Hi-Output Globes built in the lighting which are of course included at no charge.

The light fitting comes with the stands included and complete hang kit. U can adjust the brackets to the length of your tank, so that they always fit perfect.

The cover is made of high quality aluminum which also is coated to be insensitive against Oxidation and getting scratched.

The lamps are suitable for freshwater and marine tanks.

This light gives your aquarium a even light over the whole length. The lamp is 6FT long

It Looks very elegant, shines very bright, and does not use up much energy. The built in reflectors are optimized for this lamp, and rise the power of the luminance about 50%.

This Fitting Has The Newest Technology And Ballasts.


Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,

[ILLUSN]

that light isn't the best quality, I have the 4 foot unit (4x39w) and havn't had a problem but a few people have. if you are going to use it get a surge protecter, as the ballasts go bang quite easily.

actinics are useless for plants so you'll have to throw them away, the 10000k's are ok but still not great. if you get that light replace 6 of the tubes with plant tubes, growlux by sylvania, planta by aquamedic or if need be powerglo by hagen keep 2x1000k tubes only, they look nice enough and take the "harsh pink" glow off the tank.

with 8x t5 you'll have to replace your 6 plant tubes tubes every year. that cost does add up, have you concidered going a 3x150w Mh unit with 6500k bulbs? you'd get better penetration, less replacement cost (only 3 bulbs a year instead of 6) and 150w more light.

[Dangerous Dave]

Thanks for the advice. I will have a look at the halides.

[Bald_noggin]

I have 4x54 watt T5 HO tubes installed on my 6 foot tank. And they are damn bright! 8-)

I have installed 2 2x54 watt OSRAM electronic ballasts that cost $320 each. Expensive? yes but they are also dimmable! The ballasts have overvoltage protection by means of turning the ballast off. But even in extreme circumstances, they can be destroyed, just like anything else depending on the magnitude of the overvoltage.

The main reason why I went with the T5's is that I wanted something that I could create a sunrise and sunset effect with and also something that produces less heat.

My 2 cents. :wink: