T5 Lights ROCK!

[darkdep]

I picked up a Workhorse 5 ballast and some 24" T5HO (High Output) bulbs from Aquaria Canada today (Thanks to BD for giving me a lift!).

I am SOOOOOO impressed.

The 24" bulb is centred above one of my 36" tanks, and is probably about 10 inches above it.  Doesn't matter, the thing is so bright the tank is lit up perfectly.  It actually hurts the eyes to look at.  And I don't even have a reflector on it yet!

If anyone is considering new lighting, T5's are very effective. 

[babblefish1960]

You noob, wait until you see what they look like with water in the tanks eh?

They should tempt you into considering actual plants, who knows?

Will you be getting the reflectors, or will you be using flat white paint?

[BigDaddy]

He's getting my reflectors.  I am putting more bulbs under my hood, so space will be an issue.  I'll be using either a Coralife reflector or some flat white paint.

[darkdep]

I can't wait to see how they look with reflectors.  I actually have the one I've done so far over one of the filled tanks.  I look at it, think "wow", then I keep looking under to see the tiny tiny source of blinding light. 

I was pretty skeptical about these but I am SO sold on T5's now.

[babblefish1960]

Pretty impressive eh? I'll bet you'll start thinking about the amazing things you could be doing with the verdant and luscious green you could be creating with plants. Did you get the snap on tube reflector?

[BigDaddy]

I was pretty skeptical about these but I am SO sold on T5's now.

Would I ever steer you wrong APW?  

[darkdep]

Babble:  In true APW DIY fashion, BD is giving me a couple of 4 foot reflectors which I'm going to hacksaw to length and screw into place.

[az]

fish wall looking good DD!

hey BD, any extra t5 reflectors for sale?

[BigDaddy]

Actually az, I'm planning on getting rid of 'em all.  Darkdep has first dibs... but I believe I will have two 48 inch reflectors left after he's done.

[Seanc]

oh man i get second dibs on them