ATI/ Giesemann T5HO tubes

[MadScientist]

where to get cheap tubes? which is better anyway? thanks

[straydum]

on the battle of ATI vs Giesemann, you might want to take a look at par values to see which one is 'better'.

ATI

• Sun Pro 357
  
• Aquablue 336
  
• Blue Plus 311
  
• Actinic 137
  
  D&D/Giesemann
  
  
  • Midday 325
    
  • Aquablue 324
    
  • Actinic Plus 264
    
  • Pure Actinic 157

cheap tubes? i don't think there's such a thing. you'd be paying for quality especially if you're talking about these 2 brands.

[MadScientist]

haha, i mean cheaper than average stores. don't want to pay extra for no reason. I know they are not cheap,

[straydum]

ahh

so far i personally find AM to have the best price especially when they have storewide discounts. not too sure about RD though

[MadScientist]

hen they usually have offer?

[wilsontantw]

You may try these...

Dr evil, aka de-lighting (I think got free delivery above some amount)

Aquamarin (Usually no stock, especially for 2 and 3 ft)

Iwarna (as usual, friendly auntie, alot of reefers hang out there)

In no particular order. Try enquiring...

[MadScientist]

where do I find this store? Dr evil, aka de-lighting

[wilsontantw]

Hmmm. E-store.

You can search on forum or google.

[yongshun]

the website is www.delightings.com

[MadScientist]

oh de, thought they only sell maxspect, haha. I have a hopar uncooled light set, is it advisable to use those tubes in it? seems like it's very hot. not sure if it is bad for the tubes.

[straydum]

the whole fixture it will run warm, but not hot enough to burn you compared to mh

the tubes will not burn out or anything, dont worry

[MadScientist]

wont shorten lifespan. hmm, then why ati powermodule got so many fans, haha

[FuEl]

wont shorten lifespan. hmm, then why ati powermodule got so many fans, haha

Apparently ATI tubes function optimally when their temperatures are kept low by active cooling. ATI prices have dropped significantly compared to 2003/2004. At that period a single 54W tube would cost you at least $50.

[MadScientist]

hmm, function optimally means brighter or correct spectrum? feel like adding heatsink and fan on top of my light set.

[FuEl]

hmm, function optimally means brighter or correct spectrum? feel like adding heatsink and fan on top of my light set.

Supposedly brighter. I could never achieve the same effect using ATIs in normal fixtures without cooling.

[straydum]

the cooling fans help to allow bulbs to peak at their highest intensity. its like what fuel said, if the temperature is too high the bulbs won't run at their best, but it doesn't reach up to a point where it compromises bulb lifespan.

[MadScientist]

ok, thanks. time to start gathering old heatsinks and fans from computers,

[straydum]

for a hopar set you could unscrew the side cover to expose the side of the fixture. i did that on mine and used computer fans to circulate air from one side in. the idea is to cool that shiny metal part at both sides which affects the light intensity

[MadScientist]

great, thanks. any problems with water entering the opened area? is it possible to upgrade the hopar ballast?

[straydum]

great, thanks. any problems with water entering the opened area? is it possible to upgrade the hopar ballast?

i'm not sure if the ballast thing but no water for me. the fixture with the stand is high enough unless you have water splashing about