Im switching out my 4 T12's VHO with 6 T5's from Ice Cap, and was wondering if there is anything I should know before I do this. Am I going to house Stony corals with these T5's, or should I spend the 1,000-1,500 bucks and redo the canopy for metal halides? The tank is 18" deep and will be using a 660-009 ballast for 4 28" T5's, and a 430 ballast fot the remaining 2 48" T5's. Any experienced thoughts? Thanks, Matt.
T12's-T5's
- Thread starter capdippe
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E
eww
Guest
I am running 4 T-5's on out tank and we are 30" deep. 2 of the bulbs are on a 660 and the other 2 are on a standard ballast. We will be upgrading to where both sets are on 660's. We have them split to 2 bulbs each so we can have a staggered on and off intensity. We are also using Giessemann bulbs because they can handle the overdrive of the Icecap. We are also using the TekII individual reflectors as well. They says that they increase the light output by 300%. There is lots of light in the tank. Zoa's are really happy on the sand bed. Below it is a full tank shot to show how bright they are. IMO you won't have any problem with your change over but I do highly recommend the reflectors.
SRWoodcock
Centropyge
I have the same Icecap ballast as you with only three T12 VHO lamps and then two 250 MH on separate ballasts. If all of your lighting is on just one ballast then you will not be able to simulate sunrise-sunset type events.
T5 is generally way more efficient than T 12 so you will get more light out of the T5's.
T5 is generally way more efficient than T 12 so you will get more light out of the T5's.
