Help me choose T5 fixture to Supplement LEDs

[atp0726]

I need help deciding which T5 fixtures to get to supplement my Radion Led. I am looking to fill in some of the shadows from the point source light of the LEDs and possibly some spectrum. I have 2 fixtures in mind and open to other ideas. I am not sure if I will use this setup long term so I do want to be cost conscious. I will most likely by ATI bulbs to put in the fixtures (any suggestions on color choices would also be appreciated). the lights will be in a suspended canopy with the Radion so looks don't matter. Obviously, due to price I am partial to the Current fixture but if there is a big difference in the lights to warrant the Aquaticlife I would go with that one.

here are the 2 options:
Current T5 dual bulb - $62.00
http://www.petmountain.com/product/...-usa-nova-extreme-2xt5ho-saltwater-light.html

Aquaticlife T5 dual bulb - $93.00
http://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Life-...ds=AquaticLife+T5+HO+Dual+Lamp+Light+Fixtures

 

[rtparty]

Does either fixture have a fan? Last I knew both used the same ballast but aquatic life has better reflectors. However, if one of them has a fan, go with that one.

You need to make sure everything is properly cooled, especially in a canopy.

As for bulbs, I'd go with a blue plus and coral plus.

 

[atp0726]

Does either fixture have a fan? Last I knew both used the same ballast but aquatic life has better reflectors. However, if one of them has a fan, go with that one.

You need to make sure everything is properly cooled, especially in a canopy.

As for bulbs, I'd go with a blue plus and coral plus.

It looks like the Current definitely has a fan and I cant find any documentation saying the Aquaticlife has onel. It does look like the Current has one reflector for both bulbs and the Aquaticlife has individual reflectors. Does that make a big difference in the light output?

The canopy will be an open top to allow for less weight and heat to escape.

 

[rtparty]

It looks like the Current definitely has a fan and I cant find any documentation saying the Aquaticlife has onel. It does look like the Current has one reflector for both bulbs and the Aquaticlife has individual reflectors. Does that make a big difference in the light output?

The canopy will be an open top to allow for less weight and heat to escape.

Yes, reflectors make a big difference but I'd rather have things cooled. Non cooled bulbs last about 6 months. Semi cooled bulbs will last 9 or so.

 

[rtparty]

Any reason you aren't going with a retro kit though? Better reflectors, bulbs and ballast from the beginning. Then you can put a bulb on each side of the Radions if you want.

 

[atp0726]

Any reason you aren't going with a retro kit though? Better reflectors, bulbs and ballast from the beginning. Then you can put a bulb on each side of the Radions if you want.

Actually, I forgot to mention I was getting 2 of these fixtures. 1 for each side of the Radion. I thought about a retrofit however, I don't know much about them and I was trying to keep it simple. I did look at prices and for a 4 bulb kit they are quite a bit more expensive than buying 2 of the above fixtures. I am not opposed to it though, just going with what i am comfortable with. Is there a relatively easy plug and play retrofit system out there for a similar price?

 

[rtparty]

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/t5...4x24w-miro-4-t5-high-output-retrofit-kit.html

That is a 4 bulb kit for $215 plus bulbs. So a little more than the AL fixtures but much better performance. However, with the Radions you have performance covered. It was just an option. They are super easy to hook up but won't be as simple as a couple fixtures.

 

[atp0726]

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/t5...4x24w-miro-4-t5-high-output-retrofit-kit.html

That is a 4 bulb kit for $215 plus bulbs. So a little more than the AL fixtures but much better performance. However, with the Radions you have performance covered. It was just an option. They are super easy to hook up but won't be as simple as a couple fixtures.

Thanks, I will look into the retro kit.

If I decide to go with the fixtures looks like the Aquaticlife has individual reflectors but no fan and it costs aprox 30.00 more per light ( I did find them used on Amazon for around 65.00)
The Current has a built in fan, 1 reflector for both bulbs (I think) and I can get it new for 62.00 per fixture.

So the question is, if I decide to not go with the retro fit, I guess it will come down to fan or reflectors. What makes the most sense, the Current light with the fan?

 

[rtparty]

Thanks, I will look into the retro kit.

If I decide to go with the fixtures looks like the Aquaticlife has individual reflectors but no fan and it costs aprox 30.00 more per light ( I did find them used on Amazon for around 65.00)
The Current has a built in fan, 1 reflector for both bulbs (I think) and I can get it new for 62.00 per fixture.

So the question is, if I decide to not go with the retro fit, I guess it will come down to fan or reflectors. What makes the most sense, the Current light with the fan?

The Current makes more sense to me. You don't need a lot of PAR from the T5s because the Radions take care of that. I would rather change out bulbs less, but that's just me.

 

[wayne in norway]

Given it's going in a canopy I'd get neither, and get a couple of Giessemann razors or similar. I'd stress over keeping them cool tho'

 

[atp0726]

Ordered the Current fixtures. It was a good price and they are just to supplement the shadowing I get from the LEDs. I am only going to have them come on for 5-6 hours a day. Do you think that will give the bulbs a bit more life than 6-9 mths?

Also, the Radion is missing the spectrum below 400 nm. Is the ati true actinic the best choice to possibly fill this in?

 

[rtparty]

Yes and yes.

You should get around 12 months but just monitor things. Any actinic will cover the low end spectrum for you. I really like the ATI personally.

 

[atp0726]

I was thinking 2ati coral+ to help coral growth and pigmentation and 2 of the true actinics. Any benefit adding a purple+ other than adding to how the DT will look? I already have red LEDs and really like how everything looks under the Radion.

 

[atp0726]

Ok, having other thoughts about which bulbs to use. After researching I am not seeing anyone really using actinics anymore? I definately want something to hit the 400 and below spectrum which it seems any of the ATI bulbs dip into this range. The program I am running on my Radion has a lot of blues and I am getting good color, I would like to see some increased growth. Would it be a good idea to throw in a GE 6500k bulb in the mix to help with growth or will adding a couple coral+ accomplish this? Would an aquablue special be good to throw in the mix for growth as well? Seems like this is no longer a real popular bulb. The T5s will mainly be on while I am at work so the look isnt as important as growth. The LEDs will be on mainly for the hours I am home in the evening.

 

[rtparty]

I'd go 2 actinic and 2 coral plus. That will provide plenty of spectrum for you.

 

[atp0726]

I'd go 2 actinic and 2 coral plus. That will provide plenty of spectrum for you.

If this is the case wouldn't this be about the same lineup as the Truelumen bulbs (2 whites and 2 actinics) the fixtures come with? Would it make sense to just use these for a while or until it is time to upgrade and then get the ATIs?

Thanks for all the help btw!

 

[rtparty]

Not even close. Current bulbs are total garbage with terrible coloration.

 

[atp0726]

Ended up going with 3 blue+ and 1 coral+. Looks great brightened up the tank considerably! The lights are about 10 inches above the tank. I was going to start them out at 2hrs and then add an additional hour a week until I get up to 6 hrs.

Does that sound good or do you think I could go with a more aggressive acclimation period or should I tune it back and start with just an hour and add an hour per week.

I have been running the radion over the tank for over a year so my SPS are used to some pretty good intensity.