Lighting reflector help for T12, limited space

[yaktop]

thoughts on this indecision - I was thinking of making a single reflector for each of two VHO T12. actually two 6 ft's that will run along the base of two lumenarcs that run on a light rail. have about 5 inch clearance. was thinking of a six inch circular polished reflector with only a five inch opening that would face the water. Not sure since the loop is partly enclosed if this would reflect properly.

Or if I did a half circle would the reflector be to close to the bulb, inhibit air flow and shorten bulb life or worse get so hot they popped. I wanted to get another 320 watts.

Or will I just have to settle for T5's and less wattage. Someone told me to use T5 reflectors on the T12 bulbs but not sure that would be right or not.

any thoughts on the subject.

Hope its not confused, I know what I'm thinking

TIA

[kgross]

Don't use the t5 reflectors on a t12 bulb. But if you could build a reflector the same shape as the t5, but large enough to fit around a t12 that would be best.

Just so you know the t5 with a good reflector puts out just about the same light as the higher wattage t12 with a poor reflector. So you haven't purchased everything yet. I would just go with the t45 setup.

Kim

[121a]

from what i have read, T-12 usually have a built in reflector. But yea, T-5s are so bright on IceCap Reflectors, just got mine from reefgeek.com they are very awesome. IMO, they are much better than VHO-T12s.

[yaktop]

thanks. I've used the T12's before and although they have an interior reflector much would be lost without a regular reflector. strongly considering T5's but was hoping for the 320 watts.

[BeanAnimal]

(2) 54W T5 Bulbs in IceCap SLRs will easily outperform (2) T12s with or without internal reflectors and a makeshift outer reflector.

Moreover, you can fit (4) SLR equiped T5s in about the same space as the (2) T12 bulbs.

There is no compelling reason to go with the T12 setups and many reasons NOT to.

[yaktop]

what are the penetration depths of a T5 vs a T12? I dont see any deep/big tanks using them for which I think is for this reason. opinions?

[kgross]

I don't think you are going to have any real difference in penetration between t12 and t5. I think the main reason you do not see alot of big/deep tanks running t5 is that most people that are setting up big/deep tanks are using what they know works verses what should work. But if a t5 with reflector put out as much par at 12 inchs as a t12 bulb, the decrease in light should be the same between the t5 and t12.

Kim

[BeanAnimal]

You may even get better penetration with a T5 and SLR. The light is much more focused.