The T5 Q&a Thread - split

[The Grim Reefer]

Thanks!
Forgive me for asking so many questions. Im new to T5s I am actually replacing my AI Sols for a T5 Fixture.
I was talking to my supplier and it looks like the only high end brand they have is Giesemann.
Is it a huge difference between ATI and Giesemann? As far as quality and color.

If i were to use Giesemann bulbs only, what would be the bulbs i have to buy to get equivalent coloration to this setup?

Actinic Plus for Blue Plus and I am not sure of the others, Aquaflora for purple plus maybe.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hi Grim,
what about a 4 bulb fixture with the same goals.. colors that "pop" and a bluer look? (mostly softy and lps)

3 Blue Plus and a Purple Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I ordered the ATI sunpower 4x24w today for my 29g lps/SPS tank. I figure why not have one of the best, even if some say it's overkill. I ordered the following bulbs...
Blue plus
Ge6500
Fiji purple
Blue plus
I've read enough of this thread to know the combo will satisfy my tastes. I guess I really just want to thank you for your dedication and what at times must get old answering our bulb questions all the time..lol your testing has convinced me to get this fixture over a TEK light and I know I'm gonna love it. Thanks grim!

Edit- do you think it's overkill ?
Are you not recommending the ge6500 anymore?

Probably overkill but oh well. The GE is good if you like a more sunny look

 

[Vannpytt]

How long would ballasts and tubes in a ATI sunpower fixture last without the fans running? The fixture was run 1-2 months before seeing the fans not working. Should I switch out tubes/ballasts?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

How long would ballasts and tubes in a ATI sunpower fixture last without the fans running? The fixture was run 1-2 months before seeing the fans not working. Should I switch out tubes/ballasts?

I'd change the lamps pretty soon. I wouldn't worry about the ballasts.

 

[mschum]

Grim,

I noticed you usually recommend three blue plus and a purple plus on four lamp setups. I have been running this configuration for a few months and I like the blue look better when I am just running two blues vs running a blue and purple. I do like the look when all four are running as well but since I have the two bulb blue and purple set for dusk, that's what I see most of the time after work. Is the purple in that configuration recommended just for looks? Would it be just as good for the corals (or better) to run four blue plus? As far as looks go I think I would be just as happy with four blue plus, but will go with whatever provides better output for coral growth.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim,

I noticed you usually recommend three blue plus and a purple plus on four lamp setups. I have been running this configuration for a few months and I like the blue look better when I am just running two blues vs running a blue and purple. I do like the look when all four are running as well but since I have the two bulb blue and purple set for dusk, that's what I see most of the time after work. Is the purple in that configuration recommended just for looks? Would it be just as good for the corals (or better) to run four blue plus? As far as looks go I think I would be just as happy with four blue plus, but will go with whatever provides better output for coral growth.

Just for looks. There are colors you wont see with just the blues running the purple brings out.

 

[redwingrob40]

Hi,

So it's about time to change the bulbs in my 4 X 54" aquaticlife fixture. This fixture is over a 55 gallon tank that is mixed reef, SPS, some LPS, RBTA and clams. I am currently running 2 Blue +, 1 purple +, and a KZ new gen. Growth has been ok, but my sps Colors seem a little faded or pastel. I do like the look of this combo but was wondering if there might be something better? The fixture sits on the stock legs maybe 3" (ish) from the water. Here is what I am considering:

1.
3 Blue +
1 purple +
will this be enough (clams are on the sand bed)??

2.
2 blue +
1 purple +
1 Coral +

3.
Stick with the same combo as what I have now

Suggestions? Thanks!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hi,

So it's about time to change the bulbs in my 4 X 54" aquaticlife fixture. This fixture is over a 55 gallon tank that is mixed reef, SPS, some LPS, RBTA and clams. I am currently running 2 Blue +, 1 purple +, and a KZ new gen. Growth has been ok, but my sps Colors seem a little faded or pastel. I do like the look of this combo but was wondering if there might be something better? The fixture sits on the stock legs maybe 3" (ish) from the water. Here is what I am considering:

1.
3 Blue +
1 purple +
will this be enough (clams are on the sand bed)??

2.
2 blue +
1 purple +
1 Coral +

3.
Stick with the same combo as what I have now

Suggestions? Thanks!

Try 3 blue plus and a coral plus.

 

[redwingrob40]

Try 3 blue plus and a coral plus.

Okay thanks for the suggestion, I will give this combo a try.

 

[jdraider75]

Hey Grim I have an 8 bulb with 5 blue+ 2 purple+ and GE 6500k bulbs. I would like a little more blue look to make colors pop especially dusk to dawn time. Which bulb would suggest trying maybe coral plus or a actinic bulb. Any sugestion would be greatly appreciated thanks.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Grim I have an 8 bulb with 5 blue+ 2 purple+ and GE 6500k bulbs. I would like a little more blue look to make colors pop especially dusk to dawn time. Which bulb would suggest trying maybe coral plus or a actinic bulb. Any sugestion would be greatly appreciated thanks.

Coral plus in place of the GE

 

[Michigan Mike]

LoL, oh well!
I'm thinking of building a canopy for the front and sides so the light won't be blinding my little girl ( will be born in a month so i still have time ) if she decides to look up at it. How tall should I build it as I'm assuming the sunpower will need to be above the tank aways. Maybe with acclimation I can get it closer, whatcha think?
Here's a pic of it now with crap bulbs. I can move corals out to other tanks.

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[The Grim Reefer]

LoL, oh well!
I'm thinking of building a canopy for the front and sides so the light won't be blinding my little girl ( will be born in a month so i still have time ) if she decides to look up at it. How tall should I build it as I'm assuming the sunpower will need to be above the tank aways. Maybe with acclimation I can get it closer, whatcha think?
Here's a pic of it now with crap bulbs. I can move corals out to other tanks.

[/URL][/IMG]

8 inches above the tank should do it,

 

[donald altman]

Why the shift away from the 6500 to other bulbs?

I am running 2 blue plus a blue actinic on one leg ... a GE 6500 a coral plus and a UV actinic... im really un happy with this set up..
I had a 3 blue plus originally but one of them prematurely burned out.

 

[zachfishman]

Why the shift away from the 6500 to other bulbs?

I am running 2 blue plus a blue actinic on one leg ... a GE 6500 a coral plus and a UV actinic... im really un happy with this set up..
I had a 3 blue plus originally but one of them prematurely burned out.

I too am interested in this notion. For the price difference, I hope I like the look of having one GE in my 6-bulb when I set up next year.

 

[.Marshall]

Hey Grim, you should charge ATI for all the referrals, just saying!

Anyway, I have a TEK 6x54w fixture and I am trying to find the best bulb combo for my tank; Standard 75 gallon, will be mostly SPS dominated complimented by Zoas.

What I have now:

Front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Actinic
ATI Blue Plus
ATI AquaBlue Special
ATI Purple Plus
ATI Blue Plus
Back

I feel like the Actinic bulb isn't doing much because of how much darker it is than all the others, I feel like I need to add either another Blue Plus in the spot of the Actinic and a Coral Plus in the spot of the Purple Plus.. Thoughts?

can you recommend a combo that give me the best growth for my SPS along with the most "color pop". Thanks your the man grimm

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Grim, you should charge ATI for all the referrals, just saying!

Anyway, I have a TEK 6x54w fixture and I am trying to find the best bulb combo for my tank; Standard 75 gallon, will be mostly SPS dominated complimented by Zoas.

What I have now:

Front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Actinic
ATI Blue Plus
ATI AquaBlue Special
ATI Purple Plus
ATI Blue Plus
Back

I feel like the Actinic bulb isn't doing much because of how much darker it is than all the others, I feel like I need to add either another Blue Plus in the spot of the Actinic and a Coral Plus in the spot of the Purple Plus.. Thoughts?

can you recommend a combo that give me the best growth for my SPS along with the most "color pop". Thanks your the man grimm

Blue Plus in place of the actinic and Coral Plus in place of the Aquablue

 

[.Marshall]

Blue Plus in place of the actinic and Coral Plus in place of the Aquablue

Thanks grim!

 

[Ambition]

I am planning on ordering a 48" 8 bulb Tek fixture and would like to add the bulbs on to my order. What bulb combo do you recommend to get the best growth, yet makes the corals look good? I prefer the 14-15K look, so not too blue. TIA!