ntec Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 I have a 20gal long and right now I have a 2-24w t5-ho retrofit kit. Now if I replaced it with 2-65w cf fixture will I get a big improvement over the t5's? Link to comment
Mr. Fosi Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 Part of that depends on whether or not you have good reflectors for the PCs. Link to comment
Weetabix7 Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 Part of that depends on whether or not you have good reflectors for the PCs. What constitutes a good reflector? How do you know if you have a good reflector or not? Link to comment
Mr. Fosi Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 Shape is the single biggest factor. You want something that will approximate a parabola, rather than a simple flat reflector that will increase restrike and cause the lamps to run hotter. http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=86603 Link to comment
boltonbob Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 AH Supply has a great explanation of the effects of reflector design: AH Supply 36w-55w bright kits If you are a DYI'er, they have terrific retrofit kits for PC. I have installed 3 of their 2x55w kits on my 75g FW planted tank, and a 2x13w kit on an Eclipse 6 that I set up as my first nano reef. You won't find a better value in a DIY kit, imho. Link to comment
nUgZ Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 Going from t5's to PC's is a big step down. If you are in need of more light you should add 2 more t5 bulbs. Link to comment
Chupacabras Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 Going from t5's to PC's is a big step down. If you are in need of more light you should add 2 more t5 bulbs. Yep. Link to comment
chris r Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 T5's are way more efficient than PC. Get a good reflector for your T5's and you wont regret it. Link to comment
sprite Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 and if you sell those t5 let me know i want them Link to comment
ntec Posted August 30, 2006 Author Share Posted August 30, 2006 Thanks for the info I was just curious if I would have noticed a big amount of light difference. My t5's have individual reflectors and my tank can't fit any more t5 lights which is a bummer so i'll have to upgrade to MH when I do upgrade my lights. Link to comment
MKNTRAXX Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 Thanks for the info I was just curious if I would have noticed a big amount of light difference. My t5's have individual reflectors and my tank can't fit any more t5 lights which is a bummer so i'll have to upgrade to MH when I do upgrade my lights. don't know what retrofit kit you have... what reflectors are on it.. You do need more light.. like 2 more T5's Other options are to upgrade your Reflectors to Ice cap(best on the market right now).... and/or overdriving your bulbs if you want more light. What bulbs are you using? I'm going to be using the 4x24 tec light on my 20L. See how it does then mod it and see what it can do Link to comment
rickh Posted September 13, 2006 Share Posted September 13, 2006 A tek light on a 20L?? Better give your coral sunglasses. Thats the problem with T-5, there is no shade!! With a MH you can put the SPS under the light, the zoos and mushroom over in the corner where the coverage is less. R Link to comment
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