Optimum working temperature of T5 Tubes

T5 lighting has been available to the hobbyist for a number of years now although only recently has T5 lighting become a real alternative to Halide lighting for the dedicated Coral gardener due to the availability of high quality multi tube T5 light units.
Modern, efficient T5 lighting units such as the Giesemann Matrix are capable of lighting aquariums up to 30" deep, run cooler than halide lighting and can be tuned by the hobbyist for the desired colour temperature by simply changing individual tubes .
T5 tubes also gain an advantage as they produce their optimum lumen output at higher temperatures compared to older technology T8 tubes which typically produce their highest output at 25 C.
A recent study by Giesemann showed that the optimum ambient operating temperature for T5 tubes was found to be at  around 35C , a much more realistic operating temperature for a reef tank luminaire and the temperature that the new Matrix with its passive cooling technology is designed to run without the use of active cooling fans.

Equally tubes that are cooled to temperatures below the optimum also suffer a lumen output thats lower than expected.   (see diagram below)

The Matrix lighting unit also incorporates extremely efficient reflector technology meaning that more light is reflected into the aquarium rather than back at the tube. Light that’s reflected back at the tube can  increase its working temperature resulting in reduced lumen output.

If your thinking of making that change from Metal Halide to quality T5 lighting look no further than the Giesemann Matrix light unit for style and efficiency.