The T5 Q&a Thread - split

[jacob.morgan78]

I'm hoping to get some help before I tear my fixture apart!

I have the 72" aquaticlife fixture that has 12 39w bulbs in 6 rows. I've had some problems and I've already had to replace a relay. I now have a fan that's not working and two bulbs on the left side have stopped working.

Bulbs: I've aleady replaced the ballast that goes to these two bulbs and customer service wants me to check all the connections and whatnot. I've replaced the two bulbs also. Does anybody have any guidance other than just taking it apart and checking the connections?

Fan: Is this just a regular computer fan? Do I need to pay $12 from their website to get another fan to work?

Thanks!

 

[TNTFISHY]

6 bulb sun power 39 watt. Time to bulb up.

6 bulb sun power 39 watt. Time to bulb up.

Over a year ago, my setup based on Grim was 3 blue+, 1 GE 6500, 1 aqua blue special, and a Fiji.
Now it seems he likes 4 blue plus, 6500, and a Purple plus.
Will that work?

Thanks

 

[TNTFISHY]

Just have a question here for those who have the ATI T5 fixtures.....
Have you ever experienced your fixtures rusting on you since they are made of Aluminum?

Two years and none.

 

[adam1980]

Hey grim, first of all I wanted to say thanks for your advice a few years ago on softie lighting. You nailed it. Anyways I am doing a new build now on a 90 gallon all sps grow out tank in the basement. I recently bought a used constilation fixture to light this with. It is a 48 inch 7 bulb unit. I would like to know what you would recommend for a good bulb configuration for this tank. Thanks!

 

[adam1980]

anyone have any suggestions?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'm about to start a 93 gal cube build (30x30x24 high). I plan on using (8)-24watt bulbs for my lighting. Can you give me recommendations for bulb selection as well as bulb placement (front-to-back). Thanks!

Blue Plus
Purple Plus
Blue Plus
GE 6500
Blue Plus
Purple Plus
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I have a 40 breeder with a mix of bubble tip anemones, lps, softies and a few sps frags. the fixture is a 6x39 tek elite and i have the following bulbs to work with. What is the best order?

ATI Blue+
ATI Purple+
ATI Coral
GE 6500K
ATI Blue+
Giesemann Pure Actinitc

Just how you have it.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I am sure this has been asked before but this thread has been split so many times. Can i keep a clam on the sandbed of a aga 90 gallon with a 6 bulb tek elite light fixture. thanks in advance

Low light clam would be OK, no Maximas or Croceas, at least I wouldn't try it.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'm hoping to get some help before I tear my fixture apart!

I have the 72" aquaticlife fixture that has 12 39w bulbs in 6 rows. I've had some problems and I've already had to replace a relay. I now have a fan that's not working and two bulbs on the left side have stopped working.

Bulbs: I've aleady replaced the ballast that goes to these two bulbs and customer service wants me to check all the connections and whatnot. I've replaced the two bulbs also. Does anybody have any guidance other than just taking it apart and checking the connections?

Fan: Is this just a regular computer fan? Do I need to pay $12 from their website to get another fan to work?

Thanks!

Make sure the connection points in the endcaps aren't corroded. If you've done ballast and lamps it only leaves a bad connection somewhere, assuming you are getting 120 ac into the ballast, don't forget to check that.

As far as fans just make sure the voltage and current draw are in the right range and a fan is a fan.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Over a year ago, my setup based on Grim was 3 blue+, 1 GE 6500, 1 aqua blue special, and a Fiji.
Now it seems he likes 4 blue plus, 6500, and a Purple plus.
Will that work?

Thanks

Yep

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey grim, first of all I wanted to say thanks for your advice a few years ago on softie lighting. You nailed it. Anyways I am doing a new build now on a 90 gallon all sps grow out tank in the basement. I recently bought a used constilation fixture to light this with. It is a 48 inch 7 bulb unit. I would like to know what you would recommend for a good bulb configuration for this tank. Thanks!

Blue Plus
Purple Plus
Blue Plus
GE6500K
Purple Plus
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

 

[adam1980]

You are the man Grimm!!!! Thanks again. Hey does anyone know why the constilation fixture stopped being produced? I have been using for a while with no issues over a softie tank. Seems like a great fixture so far.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

You are the man Grimm!!!! Thanks again. Hey does anyone know why the constilation fixture stopped being produced? I have been using for a while with no issues over a softie tank. Seems like a great fixture so far.

Aquatenics was just a sideline for the guy's main business. With the economy tanking I imagine he is just sticking to what pays the bills.

 

[adam1980]

Well thats understandable, at least i know its not a fire hazard now. Thanks again Grimm!

 

[NastyZ]

Hey grim had a couple ?s For u funny that this fixture is being mentioned after not being able to fine much info on it all iv gathered is that it's a good fixture talking about the aquatinic constellation wht is ur over impression of the fixture and performance I'm in the process of getting one second ? Is what do u think of this bulb combo since its coming with practically new bulbs

All giesemann bulbs

5 actinic plus
1 aqua blue plus
1 pure actinic

Thanks

 

[Froggy]

I am sure this has been asked before but this thread has been split so many times. Can i keep a clam on the sandbed of a aga 90 gallon with a 6 bulb tek elite light fixture. thanks in advance

I keep a Derasa, which is one of the lower light demading Tridacna clams, and it continues to grow very well under my 8 X 54 watt original TEK on a standard 120 gallon. I think you would do fine with that type of clam.

Joe

 

[arbee]

Grimm, I have the old Constellation 72" 14 bulb light . Anything new in bulbs out there? Getting ready to replace bulbs. Mostly SPS.
Also, what to put in each socket and switch and lighting times would be great. (I had that noted on my old computer that crashed last month)
Thanks,
Rita

 

[NastyZ]

Grimm, I have the old Constellation 72" 14 bulb light . Anything new in bulbs out there? Getting ready to replace bulbs. Mostly SPS.
Also, what to put in each socket and switch and lighting times would be great. (I had that noted on my old computer that crashed last month)
Thanks,
Rita

How do u like ur constellation

 

[arbee]

How do u like ur constellation

I really like it. Have had it for 6 yrs and never had a problem. Just pricey changing out 14 bulbs. I need to get into a pattern of changing out a few every couple months so I am not hit with a $300 charge every yr. Then again, I buy at ReefGeek so free shipping over $200. Wish I had a local supplier.

 

[ctniners]

I was here a while ago and let me first say thanks to The Grimm and everybody else for your help.

So here is my issue....this is what i have right now

40 gal breeder

All SPS (all small frags)

2 x 120 W Chinese LEDs

2 x 39 W ATI Blue Plus bulbs...one in front one in back to add some blue...the fixture for these bulbs was a cheap T5 marine depot fixture so i doubt im getting the full power of those ATI bulbs

All the lights are about 6 inches from the water

So here are my questions:

1. I am not liking the color im getting..i would prefer a light that can show more purples and blues and greens..etc....in my basement i have a Current USA NOVA Extreme Plus 6 bulbs 39w fixture...im aware that these are not as good as the ATI or TEKS but im wondering if setting that up with a better combination of bulbs would give me a better look?

2. Is it worth it or should i just stick with what i have unless i can upgrade to a better T5 fixture?

3. My only issue is the price..some full expectrum LEDs cost as much as the ATI

4. In terms of power comsumption i assume the T5 will use more

thanks for the help everybody

Throw the extreme on with 4 ATI Blue Plus 1 Purple Plus and a Coral Plus.

Thanks for help Grim....just a quick follow up....im not familiar with T5s and the position of the bulbs in the fixture....how should i place the bulbs you recommended on the Extreme Pro?

Also, like I said I have been running the chinese LEDs for a while...i dont want to stress out the frags I have and most importantly the RBTA that has been nice and puffy for a long time on the bottom of the tank...how should I do the switch from the LEDs to the T5...is it as easy as just putting the new fixture or should i do it gradually?

Thanks again for all the help!!