99taws6 Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 How high should my T5's be from the water surface? What is the minimum? What about MH's? Thanks.. btw this is on a 180 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Bmwaaron Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 This really depends on your setup. What type of T5's are you running? Single reflectors or a Module? Are these Supplimental lighting or are you planning on just T5's? Same question with the MH. What watt, and reflectors? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chatfouz Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 the reason it matters right is because it has to do with how hot the water gets right? More so than the light not being at a good angle? t-5 does not get too hot, but Mh does. So those should be higher with better air circulation. Why would it matter for t-5 then how high it is over the tank? unless you wanted to be sure less light is lost from reflection? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99taws6 Posted November 4, 2007 Author Share Posted November 4, 2007 Well I am going to light my tank primarily with T'5's as the MH's I had were way to hot for what I wanted and I didn't have the money to supplement with T5's and keep the MH's.. That is why I am looking for a trade for my stuff. I don't grow enough in my tank to warrant me keeping the MH"s instead of T5's I have been told 9" from water surface for MH's, mine were at 10" and I am planning on my T'5's being about 6" from the surface.. How does this sound? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chatfouz Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 from my understanding t-5 are just fancy florecent lights. as long as they are not getting splashed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headless_donkey Posted November 5, 2007 Share Posted November 5, 2007 6" would probaly be in the right area. You could even go 4-5". Remember the "secret" to T5s is quality individual reflectors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chatfouz Posted November 5, 2007 Share Posted November 5, 2007 6" would probaly be in the right area. You could even go 4-5". Remember the "secret" to T5s is quality individual reflectors. i believe you i just have no idea what you are talking about. what makes it so special? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKarshens Posted November 5, 2007 Share Posted November 5, 2007 T5s are higher output than normal fluorescents. The reason T5s should be closer to the water than MHs is they don't have the depth penetration that a MH does. So the closer to the water the deeper the light penetrates your tank. The better the reflector the more efficient your bulbs will be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.