Opinions on T5 supplement combos....

[rovster]

I know pics get more responses so here is my 100 gal near SPS exclusive tank. I've got 4 G2 pros and 2 T5s up front. Currently I'm running a B+ and a C+.



I feel like the corals on the backside look dull so I want to add 2 more T5s to better light the back and get whatever else T5s may add to the party. I typically like a crisp white with a hint of blue. My favorite is when my radions are in the 14-12k with the T5 running.

I've already built the new rack and have all bulbs and fixtures on hand though it's not installed.

The combos I'm considering are front to back....

B+
ATI actinic or B+
C+
B+

And this one sounds good...

B+
G Aquablue Azure
G super purple
B+

That should also give you an idea of what bulbs I'm working with. Looking for full spectrum-ish but really just want to fill in anything the LED may or may not be lacking. I can always adjust the color temp with the Radions. So hat say you???

 

[SoloGarth]

Looks good. I have a similar set up. My radions are in between two t5s. I don't run them much though.

 

[Realposition]

I would just do another B+ and C+

 

[david76]

I have a 36 long and 28 wide tank with a g2 pro and 4 t5. T5 work together with radion at 12k for 7 hours. Radion is in aclimatation mode ramping from 55 to 80% in 6 weeks. I installed the wide lens in order to improve spread and spectrum ( and that allows me to fix the radion and t5 close to water level (8 and 6 inch respectively)). I have done a reset to the reef and i want to start with acros. Hoping this setup works fine...

 

[rovster]

I have a 36 long and 28 wide tank with a g2 pro and 4 t5. T5 work together with radion at 12k for 7 hours. Radion is in aclimatation mode ramping from 55 to 80% in 6 weeks. I installed the wide lens in order to improve spread and spectrum ( and that allows me to fix the radion and t5 close to water level (8 and 6 inch respectively)). I have done a reset to the reef and i want to start with acros. Hoping this setup works fine...

What's your bulb combo? Why?

Funny I just ordered some wide angle lenses so I can drop my radions down to get more oomph from the T5. I also run my T5 about 5-6 hrs during my high intensity period.

 

[MichaelW]

I have been thinking about doing this for a while now. I have 5 radions over my 6 foot tank and I thought about putting 2 t5 in front and 2 behind. I am having pretty good results with the radions alone but always looking to make things better. When you did this did you just keep your radion schedule as is and just run t5 for a few hours a day with it. Or did you need to change the radion schedule at all? Maybe just put intensity down a bit?
I would think something like a blue plus and coral plus in each set would give a full spectrum combo?

 

[rovster]

I have been thinking about doing this for a while now. I have 5 radions over my 6 foot tank and I thought about putting 2 t5 in front and 2 behind. I am having pretty good results with the radions alone but always looking to make things better. When you did this did you just keep your radion schedule as is and just run t5 for a few hours a day with it. Or did you need to change the radion schedule at all? Maybe just put intensity down a bit?
I would think something like a blue plus and coral plus in each set would give a full spectrum combo?

I'm in the same boat. My tank was doing great without the T5 but I'm always looking for that edge. I did reduce my intensity on my radions and started the T5 for 3 hrs then increased from there. I will sag just the 2 T5 makes the tank look flooded with light. At first I was not sure if I liked it but that look has grown on me.

Surely someone has some input on those 2 bulb combos I posted. Any comments on growth or color with each one respectively?

 

[Mark426]

I vote for the blue+ and coral+

 

[david76]

Before the reset I had only t5, Hqi+t5, led and led+t5. For me it is necessary to add t5 in any combination of lighting (Hqi or led). When you add t5 to led you discover new colors in corals...I did not remember what Transition I did when adding t5 to led but I think I reduced Radion intensity a little because PAR increases due to overlap.
I am trying the new Blau T5 (made in Germany). The combo is similar to blue+, aqua blue special in one side and blue+ purple plus in the other. It,s too soon to evaluate growth and color is mostly white. Sorry I can help you more...I started with this setup 15 days ago. Any case by the moment everything is ok except a green Caliendrum that has lost bright but I don,t know if it is due to light excess or another factor...I will wait a few days before doing anything.

 

[david76]

Here you can see the setup...

 

[rovster]

Finished the rack, running the first combo now....



Looks good, maybe too blue.

 

[MichaelW]

Is your goal in adding the t5 to eliminate shading? Or something different?

 

[rovster]

Goals:
Round out spectrum
Shading
Coral Heath benefits (growth and color)

In about that order as well. This time I was mostly motivated by the dull looking appearance of corals in the back of the tank, so shading might be higher on the list this go around....

 

[Jstn]

I run B+ B+(radion) C+ B+ and have been generally happy, I am debating on swapping out the inner B+ for another C+ or a AB. I also lowered my radion from 14K to a 20K setting and wanna make up for the lost of W,G,R spectrum via t5 bulb.

 

[Hentz]

ATI 6x24 Dimmable with Kessil 150.

 

[MichaelW]

I have 5 radions running perpendicular to the front glass in my 6 ft tank and I don't know if I will see improvement adding t5 or not. My reasons for wanting to were basically same as yours. However my radions I have more than recommended, use wide angle lenses, and have them mounted 13 inches off water line. Do you think I would still see these benefits or might I already be solving these problems usually associated with led

 

[rovster]

I have 5 radions running perpendicular to the front glass in my 6 ft tank and I don't know if I will see improvement adding t5 or not. My reasons for wanting to were basically same as yours. However my radions I have more than recommended, use wide angle lenses, and have them mounted 13 inches off water line. Do you think I would still see these benefits or might I already be solving these problems usually associated with led

I have 4 Radions over basically 4 ft (52" to be exact). I don't have the wide lenses but may try that soon so I can drop my fixture closer to the water not for the radions but to pack more punch from the T5. If I'm being honest, I did not notice a huge change in color or growth after T5, and I'm not sure how much of the growth I'm seeing now is to be attributed to T5 or just more time and momentum.

 

[MichaelW]

It just might not be enough t5 to make a difference. The other thing could be an 8 bulb t5 fixture with radions each side and basically running a t5 schedule but adding the extra blue pop from radions, and maybe a bit of shimmer. But now we are talking $$$ and bulb replacement. My biggest thing is my acros look great from top.. But not as good from side. I know this is normal but don't know if it could be better with t5

 

[Moser]

If you run 8t5, then that's a full T5 set up?!

Is the extra $$$ for the Radions justified?

Mo

 

[MichaelW]

If you run 8t5, then that's a full T5 set up?!

Is the extra $$$ for the Radions justified?

Mo

No it most definitely is not justified. but I have them and wondered about getting some shimmer and use them for blue pop dawn, dusk moonlight effect.