T5's: A cautionary note

[merk1_99]

Alright here is my next product check:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12772&ref=3645&subref=AE&N=2004+113843

Any opinions? They have the fans, and moonlights, so I am really interested. But I am not sure if they have individual reflectors for the bulbs, or just one large reflector. If it only has one reflector does anyone think it is possible to retrofit it with individual ones? This fixture is cheaper and it comes with the legs and bulbs. Though I would most certainly swap out 2-3 of the bulbs it is shipped with for aqua blue plus....Any thoughts on using a 6000k bulb vs. the 6500 K GE bulb?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

It isn't big enough to put the individual reflectors into.

Why not do this?http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104192.html

for 35 more bux you get 2 6500K lamps and individual reflectors

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I just like to waste server space by double posting.

What did the fish say when it swam into the concrete wall?




























DAM!

 

[Codeman00]

dah-da-tihhh !

 

[FastUno]

Dam, I just slammed into a concrete wall!:crazy1:

Dam that fixture looks extreme.
I agree on the extreme fixture & them dam individual reflectors (lack of).

The last new pic I took is with only 2 bulbs on (aquablue & blue+), that is why it looks so dam dark. I have been running only 2 bulbs lately & everything looks like its expanding just like in them dam VHO tank pictures I see. Funny that none of the corals look like they are telling me dam I need more light, not even the fuzzy mushrooms that were begging me under them dam crappy MH bulbs I used.

Anyone else have any good dam reef/fish jokes?

 

[merk1_99]

Uno so you are saying you would go with the Extreme without the ability to put the individual reflectors on them. Or am I confused. I thought the point of T5 was the individual reflectors or am I missing the point....After reading for 4 days solid the entire thread I am subject to confusion...It is a nice fixture but then again why can't they make a fixture with everything I want. I want moonlights, a fan or two, and individual reflectors. I need to get a 36'' fixture since my tank is only 36'' long. So only being able to use 39 watt bulbs I really feel like I need the reflectors if I ever want a clam or some high light coral....

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Yes Virginia There is a need for individual reflectors. They will nearly double the PAR output over a flat reflector. I gues you could get an 8 lamp nova unit and be OK but you will be blowing a lot of $ on power and lamp changes you wouldn't need to with the tek hood.

I think it was RJWilson who has a couple of moonlights he points up so they reflect of the Tek reflector and back intothe tank. Moonlights are so easy to add I would never take that into consideration in buying a fixture..

 

[growyourown]

merk,

You also dont need fans, My 6 bulb retro I can touch the reflectors after they have been on all day. No burns, they are hot but don't burn.

I wouldn't worry about heat.

Glenn

 

[merk1_99]

Alright, alright Tek it is...Lol...It is strange how there is a lack of T5 fixtures on the market right now...I don't have moonlights now so I guess its not a great need anyways. I just hope the T5's don't run as hot as my PC's. they seem to raise the temp 2-3 degrees...

 

[FastUno]

Confused, me...never.
I was actually joking about them being extreme, because really without the individual reflectors, what is the point? I strongly agree on the importance of the reflectors. You will have the most flexibility if you do a retro, otherwise I would just stick with what seems to be the best T5 lighting sys out there- the Tek's.

I have been running only 2 bulbs out of 6 this week & everything seems happy. I will probably do a 4 bulb for 2hr in the afternnoon & then 2 bulbs the rest of the day config. That is until I get my Acquactinic fixtures.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Been seduced by the power of the dark side you have Uno-Wan.

 

[FastUno]

Yea, I am done for.

I finally got to borrow a better cam.

 

[Codeman00]

FastUno...Is that a "purple tip" frogspawn?

 

[FastUno]

Yea, it has got some purple in the tip, why?
Sometimes more noticable than others, all depending on position of light.

 

[Codeman00]

There are different kinds of frogspawn and I want one like yours. I have searched the different types and yours looks like a "purple tip" frogspawn and I just wanted to make sure I get the right type.
http://www.vividaquariums.com/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=02-1020-10

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Here is mine under the T5's

After looking at the pic I am thinking about putting the T5's back on. WAY better color than with the halides.

 

[FastUno]

It's like a purple biege, sometimes looks more biege. Like I said all depending on light.

I like the one I have as compared to the many that I have seen. I just got lucky in a trade. It started off with only 2 heads & now has something in the order of 9 branches.

I think my fav corals are frogspawns, hammers, & torches. I plan on getting more of these. They are so easy to care for & no requirement for direct feeding. My hammer is next gonna pick it up this weekend, it will also be purple.

My tank now looks more empty cause I sold off the candy cane, elegance coral, & one of the caps. Trying to make room for the next batch of corals.

 

[FastUno]

Check out this beauty from maroun.c here on RC. I am so jealous!

 

[merk1_99]

Thats a hammer and not a frospawn right?

 

[FastUno]

I know, aint it a beauty?
I am in the hunt for pink frogspawns & hammers. Also bright green torches.

That hammer is a must have in my list.