T5 lighting

[col]

How much better is 78w of T5 lighting compared to 100W NO?

 

[bang guy]

Depends on the purpose. It would probably be better for LPS but worse for Mushrooms.

 

[col]

In general, is it considered an upgrade?
LPS?

 

[bang guy]

That's certainly debateable. I wouldn't consider it an upgrade, it's less light.
LPS = Large Polyped Scleractinian, ie Hammer coral, Open Brain, etc

 

[col]

Is T5 not the same as VHO?

 

[bang guy]

Correct. T5 is not the same as VHO. I believe T5 is HO.

 

[col]

So not worth looking at then?
Options are limited here in UK

 

[bang guy]

T5 is more intense than NO (and VHO and PC). It would be an upgrade if you added more bulbs.
It may definately be worth looking into but not for less light. I'm guessing you have 2 40 watt and one 20 watt NO in your current setup? A pair of T5s would be an upgrade from that.
If you ran the T5s on an IceCap 660 ballast then the bulbs will be overdriven and give you even more light.

 

[col]

I currently have 2 x 30W and 2 x 20W NO
The T5s are 2 x 39w
Can't get Icecap ballasts in UK, unless someone knows different?

 

[bdhough]

Shipping will probably suck but im sure one of these sites will ship over seas to you....

 

[bdhough]

Ever go over to germany? Alot of this trade started there i believe as well as some of the manufacturers.

 

[col]

We have a different voltage to USA.
Never get nor ever want to go to Germany.

 

[timsedwards]

Never get nor ever want to go to Germany
LOL! I am still laughing at that....honestly we bare no grudges against them, do we col?
The site i emailed to you Col (MD) they ship internationally. Although I see another platform here to lobby SWF.com! Why cant they send dry goods via fed ex to the UK like other sites?!? Baffles me.
That reminds me actually Col, there is a place in Watford, London, search on the web for it, and I saw a really good T5 offer there online. Worth a try. I think it was for the new ballast as well, if you cant find it let me know.
All the best buddy,
Tim.