T5 Interpet Reflector

[Stephanie p]

Hi all,

I was wondering what is the best make reflector to fit the interpet compact light?

Many thanks

Steph

 

[smegforbrains]

In all honesty, the cheapest one that's the right size.

 

[SuperColey1]

Problem with PC lamps in the UK is that there are no cheap reflectors to fit. I sued a standard T8 Arcadia one cut to size when I used to have one.

AC

 

[Stephanie p]

Problem with PC lamps in the UK is that there are no cheap reflectors to fit. I sued a standard T8 Arcadia one cut to size when I used to have one.

AC

When you say cut to size....do you mean the length?

Thanks

 

[SuperColey1]

For example I had some 24" 18W T8s and I changed to a 55W PC which is approx 21"

I cut the T8 reflector so that it DID NOT overlap the PC end cap otherwise the heat that those units put out coupled with reflectors WILL melt the end cap!!!

There were many horror stories with or without reflectors when they first came out and they modified the design of the end cap and lamp connection to let heat out. Still don't want to be reflecting heat back to the end cap though.

Mind at rest the modifications solved the problem for people without reflectors and not overlapping solves the problem for those with reflectors

Here is a pic from back in the day when I had that setup:

AC

 

[Stephanie p]

Thanks for all the help
What made you change your mind not to use them any more?

 

[SuperColey1]

Didn't like the way it spreads light (or doesn't.) Light is so intense but its all in one place and washes out the colour from the top half of the tank. Add to that the outsides of the tank were still dark!!!

Plus it still gets very very hot and raises tank temperature.

I decided rather than be forces to have 2 T5s within ½cm of each other (as in the bent tube) to get 2 longer T5s that I could space further apart and they are also much cooler

These pics should show what I mean although the scapes are different it is the same tank:

With the PC in (72W in total):

With the T5s (48W in total!!!):

You see the light at the top is as if there is a spot light in the middle whereas the pic at the bottom even though there is only two thirds of the wattage is lighter, clearer etc.

AC

 

[Stephanie p]

The second one looks alot better with the lighting, i can see what you mean. I only went for these lights as i only have a 40 cm tank and needed better lighting for the plants

Steph

 

[SuperColey1]

I had the money and at the time PC were still fetching a decent price as they were quite new and the 'in thing' so I only lost a fiver when I sold them.

T5 retro can be quite expensive but you can get them in your size still. problem is you would have to buy the starter, tubes, reflectors etc.

AC

 

[Stephanie p]

I had the money and at the time PC were still fetching a decent price as they were quite new and the 'in thing' so I only lost a fiver when I sold them.

T5 retro can be quite expensive but you can get them in your size still. problem is you would have to buy the starter, tubes, reflectors etc.

AC

Where would you get the T5 retro from?

Steph