T5 support clams?

[c-17 jet mech]

Hello all,
Just a quick question, new to reef and looking at lighting. Really like the price of T5's, but want to eventually keep clams. I heard both sides of the story and looking for more input. I think the PC's or T5's are the top of my budget range. MH would be ultimate but what do you think about the clams?
Paul

 

[frozenguy]

its my understanding that metal halides provide the most intense light...
while pc's are more intense than vho, metal halide is just substantially more intense....you would need to place the clam towards the top of tank with pc's for it to THRIVE/FLOURISH
that is what i have heard, but seeing as how they like the substrate, i dunno....i've heard of success with pcs....i have the same problem..i have like 13 watts/gallon...but they are pc's and i didn't know i had to have metals till after i got the pcs...i still might try it..but also, i've heard that with pcs, chances are you would get good results with dercia clams....maxima and crocea clams need a lot of light (metals)....

 

[overanalyzer]

Hey C-17 - the Fulham Workhorse ballast will power T5 Lighting and there are various places on the net where you can find the bulbs.
I am thinking of using them on a 75 gallon tank I picked up - but it won't be for a while until I get around to building it out....

 

[c-17 jet mech]

Yes I did find them and they are becoming quite readily available. happyreefing.com is the place and you can get a 4 blb set up with bulbs for $200!!!!!!! and shipping is $8 bucks flat rate!!!!!! With the life expec. of the bulbs and the low cost, even beats JBJ's on ----!!! The only thing I have a question on is the warrenty on the ballast. Not sure of the name brand, but I emailed them with the question, and I'll let every one know. Looks like the budget monitor approved the purchase and I'll be ordering soon.

 

[justinx]

Originally posted by C-17 jet mech
The only thing I have a question on is the warrenty on the ballast.
The warranty is pretty good. I have yet to have any problems with mine, but apparently I can smash the thing, wrap it in a box send it back and have a new one sent out to me as long as it is within five years. The company is fulham, check out the site. www.fulham.com

 

[krux]

from the tech sheet of a t5 manufacturer...
t5 ho statistics
initial rated light output - 5000 lumens
nominal lamp watts - 54
initial lamp efficacy - 93 lumens per watt
lumen maintenance - 95%
rated life - 20,000 hours
optimum operating temperature - 95 degrees F
not going to take the time to write up vho and mh since they are elsewhere, but two things of note are the 95% lumen maintenence, and the 93 lumens per watt. 175 watt mh output is approximately 85.71 lumens per watt.
if you can fit 4 t5 bulbs in the same canopy that you can fit a single 175w halide bulb, you will be gaining 5000 lumens over the halide setup.
at the above listed setup of a 4 t5 setup including bulbs for 200, you are approaching similar costs for buying a retail single halide setup.
also, running cooler, and getting more lumens per watt, your power consumption is lower.
and where are people getting this frequent replacement idea?
t5 can not compete with 400 watt mh systems for lumens and penetration, but for shallower tanks, it is a great alternative.

 

[timsedwards]

hi guys saw a key word (T5) thought i would look!
Yes T5's are great, the reason I got them was 1) the price was much cheaper than anything else over here in UK, and 2) the compactibility. They are so small (about 1.5cam diameter) they can fit in easily in a custom build hood.
This site is really good as it is by Arcadia UK (people who make them over here) http://www.arcadia-uk.com (mods - manufacturers website)
All the best,
Tim.