Interpet T5 Compact

[rsands]

Hi,

well i came home today to find my t5 compact tubes sparking and then once i got it all out of the tank...the tube end had melted and two metal ruds are basically dust now. The whole starter connector onto the tube has melted inside completely.

Just something to watch out for if you have these

so what should i change to? 32" width tank...need high wpg as i run ei, pressurised, etc..

 

[George Farmer]

This is a common issue with the Interpet PC T5s, although I thought they had addressed it a while ago. You may have bought an old-style unit.

 

[rsands]

Cheers for the advice. i bought it from aquatics online...obviously not there fault though!

But how do i know if its an old style unit?

 

[George Farmer]

Aquatics-online will have the newer style units. They actually came onto this forum to talk about the issues. Unfortunately I can't find the thread but this one may help - http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...amp;hl=interpet

Here you go, it's in the same thread actually - http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?act=Se...sult_type=posts

 

[Dave Spencer]

Are you using your T5s with reflectors?

If you are, then you need to ensure that the rubber end caps are proud of the reflectors. Only the glass tube should be under the reflector, because the heat reflected on to the end cap will melt it.

If not, ignore all I said.

Dave.

 

[rsands]

the reflector is about 5cm away from the plastic bit. asl tubes are better? the daylight ones with 7100K white or the freshwater plant at 8000K pink and 12000K blue?

 

[SuperColey1]

I just checked mine after reading this thread.

I have the single 55W version in the back of my hood to complement the 18W T8 I left in the front.

Has been in there since begining of March and is on for 8 hours a day using a chopped T8 reflector not covering the end cap.

It looks like I have the new bulbs, but the cap does cover all the plastic. that holds the bulb.

bulb came out fine, end cap is still as new.

I don't have any ventilation so I guess that it must just be a problem if the end cap gets reflections, because the hood does get very hot, feeling from the outside.

Andy