Need Advises On Lights ....

To add on, does it means that T5 will only work on e-ballest ? Hmm .... Went to Pasir Ris farm yesterday, saw one store selling the complete 2ft holder ( without bulb ) with e-ballest for about $40 +/-. The brand is "M ...." something. It is a taiwan brand. Can this set use to hold T5 ?

Originally Posted by Lim_Tok_Kong

Thanks so much once again for your over-whelming response ....

So I guess I shoud be narrowing my selection to only T5. I intend to keep hardy fishes ( Nemos, damsels ) and DSB + LR + few anemonies, my tank is 2.5ft x 1.5ft x 1.5ft setup. Hope T5 lighting is suitable.

So exactly how much does a T5 cost ? May I know whether will it consume more electricity than FL and PL ? How does a T5 bulb looks like - similar to PL or FL ?

I cant consider DIY cos I am very lousy in DIY electrical stuff leh, so got to look around for ready made .... or probably some bros are kind enough to sell their used sets .......

Thanx.

T5s fixture or retrofit are not cheap at all... if u look into the equanature website.. u will realise it... electricity consumption depends on the wattage, so it depends how many tubes u want to use. Its suppose to be more energy efficient...

I just DIY my own T5s... can take a look at my thread
http://www.arofanatics.com/forums/sh...&page=16&pp=10
Goh_TM also did one as well..... u can see how T5s look like.. just like FL but thinner...

Originally Posted by Lim_Tok_Kong

To add on, does it means that T5 will only work on e-ballest ? Hmm .... Went to Pasir Ris farm yesterday, saw one store selling the complete 2ft holder ( without bulb ) with e-ballest for about $40 +/-. The brand is "M ...." something. It is a taiwan brand. Can this set use to hold T5 ?

Yes, T5 only work on E-ballast, no need starter to fire up the tube, indeed good stuff. There r T5 & T5HO lightings available,the later support higher wattage lights as the name HO(high output)implies.A 2 ft T5HO is available at 24w, the ballast will tell this, & i'd suggest that u get this if u go for T5. DIY is the best option, but the dreadful things are searching those parts & to put your hands into it.

Originally Posted by wlchew

Add-on to DecentKid comment:

T5 is NOT the same as FL and PL but it is much narrower with high intensity
We,people(including myself ) usually go for T5 cos it has a higher intensity with respect to its wattage...and also it produces less heat as compared to FL, PL where E-Ballast is not common use due to the higher-cost.

In ranking of intensity and cost....FL, PL, T5, MH

DecentKid, don feel offended hor

nah...i wont...its just my 0.02 cents...i might not be right....still need u guys to add on...

Hey, no worries but if you are going to DIY or ask Ekia or Mr Goh for help yes it would be cheaper in any case. But again those selling at Eaquanature is a branded products with good reviews.

Parts can be the same if you buy the same used. But to save cost many here are using Elbiru Eballast which is half the price in comparing with T5 Eballast.
What is the different it is the "warm start" which is said to help extend your tubes lifespan. Then again if tubes are cheap and should be change every 7 to 9 months why worry. Again it is my own point of view :P

Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by ||Swordfish||

I saw some designs at Eaquanature at Geyland there, very slime hanging types but prices really quite high.. I guess a DIY set will cost much cheaper am i right to said that??

But 1 question, does all the wiring and parts used the same??

Thanks, bros. If I DIY for 2ft T5 x 2, using the Elbiru E-ballest with a proper casing, what would be the estimated cost ?

Another thing is that comparing T4 and T5, are there any vast difference between these two ? Are both emitting very low heat ? Can T4 be used for tanks with Anemonies ?

Just being curious cos at the Marine shop in Pasir Ris Down-Town East, there is this T4 complete set for sale ( used set ) with 2 light tubes fitted on E-ballest, selling at $20. Quite cheap .....

Thx ......

[KaLiB]

You mean PL or the T4 bulb?

There is a T4 bulb which is not PL, its used more of cabinet lighting if i'm not wrong. Did a search about it once to see what it was.T4 bulb looks similar to T5.

Lim,

The only thing similar between T4 and HO-T5 is : at a quick glance, the tube looks very similar. But look closer, and you will note the difference. Most of the T4 lights in the Asian market come from China and are used in architecture and cabinets. They're normal output tubes, but they're still more intense than regular fluorescent tubes. Unfortunately, the low levels of QC in China means they have serious reliability problems. If you're very lucky, they'll last you 6 months, if not, 6 days. And unless you know the shop owner well, they won't replace the tube for you.

Against the HO-T5, there's a world of difference and not just in terms of pricing. T4s are 4/8" (1/2") in diameter, while T5s are 5/8". That's where the T standard comes from. There is a T4 tube that's about 30" long rated at about 26W. A 24" HO-T5 tube is only 24W but produces even more output than the 26W from the T4. If you add on a parabolic reflector for the T5, you will further almost triple its output.

Furthermore, HO-T5s are available in 6500K, 10000K, 20000K, actinic blue as well as bright blue. What other colours would you want for your tank?

Originally Posted by Lim_Tok_Kong

Another thing is that comparing T4 and T5, are there any vast difference between these two ? Are both emitting very low heat ? Can T4 be used for tanks with Anemonies ?

Just being curious cos at the Marine shop in Pasir Ris Down-Town East, there is this T4 complete set for sale ( used set ) with 2 light tubes fitted on E-ballest, selling at $20. Quite cheap .....

Thx ......

Thanks bro.... Just one more question cos I need to find the best option for my lights as I am really a nut in DIYing electrical stuff and yet cannot afford those retrofits from Marine stores ....

- Is there a vast difference of brightest between T5 HO and T5 NO ?

- If comparing PL and T5 NO ( Both same watts ), wat would be the difference ? Is T5 NO still brighter than PL ?

Thanks ....