Efficiency of T5 Tubes in RSM 250

[trout]

I have followed an interesting thread (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=293186)on lighting recently here in UR.

Information I gathered suggests that T5 tubes run most efficiently at 35C. In the case of RSM 250 (and in all close-hood aquarium systems in general), it is all very well to provide so many tubes, but closely-packed tubes in a closed environment inevitably run very hot, thereby reducing their efficiency drastically.

A big :scratchhead::whistling:.......................... ..... :thumbdown: IMO.

[cdurkin100]

I have followed an interesting thread (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=293186)on lighting recently here in UR.

Information I gathered suggests that T5 tubes run most efficiently at 35C. In the case of RSM 250 (and in all close-hood aquarium systems in general), it is all very well providing so may tubes, but closely-packed tubes in a closed environment inevitably run very hot, thereby reducing their efficiency drastically.

A big :scratchhead::whistling:.......................... ..... :thumbdown: IMO.

And I would agree with that, thats why the ATI units are some damn expensive. The operating temp of the T5 tubes is critical for both the life of the bulb and effectivness of the light output.

Cav is a good person to ask about the ATI units.

[redseasteve]

The lighting supplied with the Max has been proven to grow even the most delicate species of corals successfully during long term testing. Therefore even if it were to be true that efficiency is not maximised at higher temperatures, it does not affect the efficacy of the Max 250 to support delicate corals. I'm not sure of the operating temperature but will find out. Don't forget also that the Max 250 hood is cooled with 4 fans removing heat from the components.