T5 Florescent, Mercury Vapour Pendants Or Both?

[steve711]

I've also posted this in the plants forum but so far no responses.

Does anyone have any experience and opinions on lighting for a 24" deep planted tank?

I used to use 125w mercury vapour but now T5's seem to be the 'in' thing, as I've never used them and am going to be setting up a 60"x24"x30" tank in a couple of months just wanted some opinions/experinces.

 

[Ev60]

Hiya Steve,

I'm using a 220W (4 x 55w) t5 lighting unit for my 24" deep tank, no prob's at all!! Good growth, let me know if you would like to know more?

Cheers

Paul

 

[steve711]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your reply.

I would like to know a bit more about your light set up.

Is it a bought unit or something you've put together yourself?

What tubes are you using, i.e. a mixture of different colour spectrums?

How long are they on for, do you have a siesta period?

Do they run very hot?

Cheers.

 

[Ev60]

Steve,

I bought my luminaire from a dealer on Ebay, can give you the link if you want?

I'm using T5 compact tubes as they are slightly more powerful than the linear tubes, as for combanation i'm using two daylight and two 'plantpro' (I think thats what they are called lol, been a v.long day!!) units.

They are operated from a timer from 8am unit 10pm with no seiesta period, i'm also using an undergravel heater, CO2 injection and a 1" layer of aquatic compost!!

Oh yeah, the tubes run cool IMHO, the luminaire sits about 8" from the top of the tank, this can be adjusted though..........

Always happy to help mate, let me know if you need anything else?

Regards

Paul

 

[steve711]

Thanks Paul,

Could you send me the link for the lights? Thanks.

Have you ever used mercury vapour? if so, how do you rate T5 against them?

Cheers.

 

[Ev60]

Hiya Steve,

Sorry about taking so long to reply, here is the address for the T5 unit =

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Need anything else, just ask?

Cheers

Paul