T5's - one reflector or individual

[AdrianT]

I am aware that the individual reflectors per tube work better than one single reflector, say covering 4 tubes at once. And also that individual reflectors manage heat better, which affects bulb life span. But my question is, how much more effective would you say they are if individual? 2%? 10%? 80%? At a guess, or if you have hard evidence that would be grand. Thanks

[BFG]

To manage longevity for your T5 light tube, it is recommended to cool both end of the glass tube. However, the maximum effective life span for T5 light tube is 9 month, meaning that the kelvin will decrease to the point that what usable light it is emitting would not be enough for plants and that you would find algae growing faster in such scenario.

As for percentage of effectiveness, if my memory serves me corectly, I would put it at around 30%. I remembered purchasing 2 affordable 4 T5 light tube lightset with single reflector during a pet expo and subsequently changed to 2 lightset with individual parabolic m reflector. The individual parabolic m reflector made a difference for my tank. It channel most of the usable light downward instead of the side with the single reflector. Light loss was minimum with the parabolic m reflector compared to the single reflector.

This happen way back in 2006. Learnt everything about T5 light from another forum, Reef Central. You need to google and add Reef Central in the search box for a precise result.

[AdrianT]

Thank for the response, I'll check out Reef Central