T5 lighting

[pisces]

Is anyone here running T5 lighting on their reef? I'm thinking about upgrading from PC, but don't want to go to MH.

[pisces]

50 g (36x15x20), softies, LPS and fish running for about 1.5 years now. Currently running 2x55 PC.

[FishProf]

I'm running T5s.

Got 100g tank with 150g sump [not a typo ...].

Tank is lit by 5 60" T5s:
2xAquablue [11K] and 1 Sun [6.5K] overdriven by IceCap 660
1xAquablue and 1xActinic overdriven by IceCap 430

From my discussions with Andy at IceCap, the 430 and 660 overdrive the T5 to produce about 100 watt from each 60" bulb [rated normally at 80 watt]

Comparisons of light output are not straight forward. But I gather that a T5 bulb will give at least the same amount of light as a similar-length VHO [so you get 140w-equivalent light for 80w], with the IceCap, I think I'm getting even more output. For me, the combination of very long bulb life with higher electrical efficiency was compelling. Of course, there are the ones who believe MHs are the only solution ...

I have LPS and few SPS and a clam. All seem to be doing fine.

[suver569]

I'll be going t5's on 29 gallon. Probably just going for 2- 24" bulbs at first, might go as far as 4 bulbs eventually. Everything I see they are great for reefs.

[pisces]

Thanks. I'll give T5's a try.

Hey FishProf, where did you get your T5's at? How do you like the color? I didn't like the actinic in PC's (too purplish pink for me).

[suver569]

They stock them at Aquatic warehouse. 22.99 for the 24". Not sure about the others.