Running T5HO bulb on T5 fixture (ballast)

[NutZilla]

hi all,

the idea is to reduce the light intensity so I can use more number of bulbs so I can mix more colors, since the ATI dimmable fixture is way out of my league. for the example, the 22" T5 fixture is rated at 14 watt, as opposed to T5HO at 24 watt. the question is would it effect the color temp? or just the intensity? thanks.

regards.

 

[NutZilla]

I'm starting a new tank, the dimension is 36"x18"x18" or about 45 gals. Instead of running 3 T5HO bulbs at 117 watts, I am going to run the T5HO bulbs on T5 fixtures, so I can now run 5 bulbs at 120 watts. Now I can mix more spectrum

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[hbosman]

I think in either case, you would have way to much. I have a 36Lx18Dx20H and I run one 39 watt bulb for 5.5 hours, 3 bulbs for 1.5 and 1 bulb again for an hour. That way I can run a 6500 K for most of the day and a burst of a Geismann 6000 K and Aquaflora with the 6500 K. All three bulbs are 39 Watt. If I were to run all three (117 watts) for too long, it would be algae city. I tried running just two for 8 hours and it still was hard to keep the bba away. But my fixture is only about 5 inches above the water surface. If you raised it higher, you could get away with more wattage. My bubble rate is uncountable and my fish start breathing hard if I go higher with the CO2.

 

[NutZilla]

Thanks for replying. My fixture is 12" away, I think 120watt should be fine.

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