18" T5 HO bulbs

[arod2051]

I've been reading the last week on SM's build along with the entire FAQ. Needless to say, I'm sold.

I do have a smallish sump area and was interested in building a variant of the SM-100 that is 18". The problem I'm having is that it is tough to find a good 18" T5 lamp with good color temp around the 2700K to 3500K range. The best found was 6500K.

Anyone try this or have a good source for 18" T5 lamps?

[SantaMonica]

I tried a few weeks ago and could not find any.

[arod2051]

In lieu of 3000K or 2700K bulbs, how effective would 6000K be for an 'SM-88' custom build? I just can't fit the SM-100 in my Elos70 stand area.

[SantaMonica]

A bit less. And also of note is that the last 2 inches of T5 bulbs don't put out any light. So a 24 inch bulb only has 20 inches of light; An 18 inches bulb only has 14 inches of light. So T5's become less efficient as they get shorter.

[palmer373]

A bit less. And also of note is that the last 2 inches of T5 bulbs don't put out any light. So a 24 inch bulb only has 20 inches of light; An 18 inches bulb only has 14 inches of light. So T5's become less efficient as they get shorter.
so then if you want the best effect on an 18" scrubber buy 2-24" fixtures and have them hangover 3" on each side?

[SantaMonica]

2"

And this will also give you more room to work on the sockets when needed.