I actually looked into this a while back. If you have extended exposure to Violet light it can lead to issues with your cornea. The extended exposure is more along the lines of direct transmission into your eyes though. We are only getting reflected light from the reef and the intensity is very low compared to what is needed to cause corneal issues.This is off topic but something I read about. There's talk about blue light wavelength exposure and developing macular degeneration. Anyone have any info regarding this in our hobby and what this exposure from T5s/LEDs over time can do to our eyes?
This one?
Blue +
Super Actinic
Aquablue Azure
Fiji Purple
Actinic Blue
Aquablue Azure
I was wondering if I should buy an extra blue bulb to play with the look. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
I've been a loyal LED user for about 5 years now but recently decided to order the Giesemann Auroras Hybrid to add a few T5s into the equation......while I've been waiting for it to arrive in Australia I've been looking at other Giesemann lighting and the Matrixx II Dimtec is pulling me in. I've never run T5 on its own before so I was hoping people could just point me in the right direction!
Are people happy with just T5s or would you prefer an led Hybrid? Is it at all possible to get any shimmer? (I'd be buying the 8 bulb 5' model (640w). Does anyone run the Dimtec?
I'm not sure what's holding me back from changing my order, I think I just need conformation that the light will create the Acropora garden I'm looking for! At $2400 and $480 for every bulb change I want to be sure I'm doing the right thing!
Ok Thanks.
What are you thoughts on the GE 6500 bulb for growth? I hear it is pretty yellow, but seeing as I have plenty of leds I don't think I'd have any color issues and it's definitely not a blue bulb (that I dislike).
I have heard the 6500 is a par monster... True?
What about it promoting nuisance algae growth... Problems?
I am happy with just t-5 but having a few leds is nice to have dusk to dawn..
I am not a fan of dimming t-5 ...
Also the royal blue leds are nice for pop...
I would not run pure led, tried it and didn't like it.
I have a matrixx II and love it but the Giesemann hybrid looks awsume too..
Thanks for your reply mate. I would never run lighting without a ramp up and down function which is why I've mostly used LEDs. Now that the Dimtec is Bluetooth compatible and runnable though I'm tempted. What is it you don't like about winnable T5s?
Ramping up and down is purely for human enjoyment, the corals don't care a bit. If its something you really really like, by all means do it, but it saves you a lot of money to just use a standard on/off fixture. Dimming T5 bulbs result in shorter lifespans and you must burn the bulbs in at 100% before dimming or you will further decrease their output and lifespan. It seems like a lot of work to me.
Ramping up and down is purely for human enjoyment, the corals don't care a bit. If its something you really really like, by all means do it, but it saves you a lot of money to just use a standard on/off fixture. Dimming T5 bulbs result in shorter lifespans and you must burn the bulbs in at 100% before dimming or you will further decrease their output and lifespan. It seems like a lot of work to me.
Just received my 6x24 sunpower, so excited :beer:
So far I'm running front to back
Blue+
Super actinic
Aqua blue azure
Fiji purple
Actinic blue
Aquablue azure
I plan on running my long cycle 11.5 hrs and my short cycle 6.5hrs. Currently my long cycle is slot 2 and 5 being super actinic and actinic blue. What would you run for the long cycle?
Love the balance of the colors when all the bulbs are on.
I had typed up a big reply last night on my phone and hit the back button anyway.. Yea T-5 are really not made to be ramped and are meant to be run at 100 percent current. Anything less you have a color/spectrum shift.
Anyway I do think dusk too dawn is beneficial but not for the coral like mentioned above but for the fish, just less stressful on them. I have seen lights go out and a fish darted right into a anemone. A fish needs to find a spot for the night to feel safe.
Honestly I didn't get the dim-able because it cost allot more. If I were to do it again I might buy it and just dim just two lamps and then just ramp the others with a timer.
By the way the Matrixx II 6 lamps I believe is actually a 8 lamp fixture they just dont install the other ballast and sockets. There are one empty reflectors on each side.. You could put a row of strip leds in it for dusk/dawn of even some royal/blue for more pop in those slots.
One of the advantages of the Matrixx is they only use 2 lamps ballast at least on the 6 lamps fixture non-dimmable and I am guessing it would be the same for the 8 - lamp. My ATI fixtures used a 4-lamp and a 2 lamp ballast, so the Matrixx gives you a little more control.
I know there is very little info on these fixtures because they are so new.
I also know there was a thread where a guy claimed he had a new fixture fry but I believe since he has never replied back it was something on his side. I dont think that should scare people away from this fixture.
I have been running the fixture since March and love it. I have switched to Giesemann lamps too and love them.. Anyone who has seen my growth pictures. I am switching my ATI fixture over to Giesemann lamps too...
The Matrixx has such a cool look with it being aluminum with powder coat finish and not just a piece of bent aluminum. I guess Coralvue can special order them now in different colors.
The glass on top of the fixture adds some weight to the fixture so it is heavier.
I hope the Matrixx last long term and it feels very well built so it should. My ATI fixtures have been pretty reliable but I have had fan issues with all of them. I have had fan power supply issues and a ballast issue once. By the way I have the ATI T-5 Powermodule too which was the higher end fixture that was discontinued for the lower end Sunpower. They them used the Sunpower name for the hybrid fixture. I do have a Sunpower too.. I have always been pretty happy with my ATI fixtures.
I decided to put the info in the t-5 thread because I get so many pm's on the fixture and allot of people read this thread. But anyway I defiantly think this fixture is worth the extra money and is nice to see another high end fixture on the market. Nice to have a choice.
Just received my 6x24 sunpower, so excited :beer:
So far I'm running front to back
Blue+
Super actinic
Aqua blue azure
Fiji purple
Actinic blue
Aquablue azure
I plan on running my long cycle 11.5 hrs and my short cycle 6.5hrs. Currently my long cycle is slot 2 and 5 being super actinic and actinic blue. What would you run for the long cycle?
Love the balance of the colors when all the bulbs are on.
Can you please post a pic???
Thanks in advance...