The T5 Q&a Thread - split

Thanks for the quick response. Could I go lower if I maxed out at a lower intensity like say 65% on the 4 of the 6 bulbs

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I somewhat agree with swk. If it's going to be a predominanly SPS tank, you definitely should go with the 8x54w fixture, but the 6x54w fixture will work just fine for a mixed reef including some sps. There are a lot of different acros, montis, porites, etc that are not too intense light demanding. That being said, even if it's going to be a mixed reef of just lps and softies, I'd still go with the 8x54w fixture, because you'll still have the option to switch to an sps dominant tank without needing a new light. If it's just softies and lps you can always just use 4 or 6 bulbs, use all 8 and just raise the fixture higher over the water, dim the bulbs (if you get the dimmable fixture), shorter light timers/cycles, etc.
 
So I decided to keep my LEDS and add 4 bulb retrofit... any suggestions on bulb combos?

Leaning towards two blue plus and two aqua blue specials... but wondering about the coral plus?
 
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I'm setting up a standard 75 gal, bought a 6x39W Aquatic Life T5HO fixture used. Initially I hope to start with soft corals and LPS, (especially like leathers, only a couple mushrooms, almost all of the LPSs, not so fond of polyps); eventually I'd like to have a few SPS though I may be ready to upgrade the lights by then. I have to replace one bulb for sure, but I'm not really sure how old they are and was thinking about replacing them all just so I know what I have. Right now all of the bulbs are actinics, one is a 10000k, the rest not. What do you suggest? Also, how high off the top do I hang them? I'll probably have a glass cover.

Thanks,

cindy
 
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I've seen some really great advice on this thread and I think I've derived the answer to my question but I just want to be sure. I apologize if I'm asking a repetitive question:

Would a two bulb LET T5 retrofit provide enough light to keep Zoas and a few less-light-demanding LPS in a 29 Gal tank (30x18x12)?
I'm building a custom hood and my long term plan is to eventually supplement the T5 with a custom LED setup from Rapid LED. The T5 would be on the outer edge with the LED closer to the center. Due to cost constraints, I plan on starting with T5 and upgrading with the LED down the road. If two T5s is not enough then I might as well do the LEDs now too since the LEDs would cost about the same as a second T5 retrofit kit.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
I have a Pacific Sun Diuna 10x54w on the way and I am curious as to bulb combo opinions! I like a nice crisp blue look without being overly blue... I am currently running 2 x 400w Radiums with 2 x Blue+ and 2 x Actinic. I like the color, trying to replicate it for the most part with all T5. I am keeping a mixed reef.

Here are a couple of my current thoughts... Please let me know your thoughts or any other combo suggestions.

Combo 1:

Coral+
Blue+
Fiji Purple
Blue+
Giesemann Tropic (I am assuming this is the same bulb as their old Midday)
Blue+
Coral+
Fiji Purple
Blue+
Coral+

Combo 2:

Blue+
Coral+
Blue+
Fiji Purple
Blue+
Giesemann Tropic
Fiji Purple
Blue+
Coral+
Blue+

Combo 3:

Blue+
Coral+
Blue+
Fiji Purple
Blue+
Coral+
Fiji Purple
Blue+
Coral+
Blue+
 
Roughly half the power usage and believe it or not bulb replacement will be cheaper. I have no issues with MH, I love them in fact, I am just looking to reduce the operating cost of my tank.

Don
 
I'm in the process of building a new 96x24x24
It's going to be a mixed predominantly sps
I'm planning on using 2 ATI 8x48"s nondimmables.
Am I on right track?
I read that the dimmables ballasts have issues and they don't last forever.
Thoughts? Suggestions


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@dcmartinpc: if you have 10 bulbs to work with why not throw in an actinic or two to fill out the spectrum <430? Wish I could help emulate the radium spectrum. I used to run radiums and haven't been able to nail that yet with t5ho. The ATI blue+ bulb has so much cyan/green to it, it throws off the color too much in the turquoise area. Maybe try the giesemann actinic blues. I believe they are a tad deeper blue. That or the KZ super blues.

@awais98: that looks like a solid plan. I opted for the non dimmable sunpower as well based on overwhelming negative reviews of ballast failures on the dimmable versions. Rarely read about problems with the non dimmable versions but it seems like half the dimmable sunpower owners are replacing fans and ballasts at least once every year or two


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Bpb said:
@awais98: that looks like a solid plan. I opted for the non dimmable sunpower as well based on overwhelming negative reviews of ballast failures on the dimmable versions. Rarely read about problems with the non dimmable versions but it seems like half the dimmable sunpower owners are replacing fans and ballasts at least once every year or two
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Click to expand...

Thanks Bpb. Thats why I thought.
But seeing so many people using dimmables, I was not sure.

Anybody else want to share their experience?
Any one with dimmable version want to chime in?
 
Anyone had success with a cheap t5 fixture? Looking to start up a 40b I have sitting and looking at cheap eBay fixtures or something sub $200. Not willing to mess with Led's anymore unless it's just to supplement for visual appeal.
 
Ssteve said:
Anyone had success with a cheap t5 fixture? Looking to start up a 40b I have sitting and looking at cheap eBay fixtures or something sub $200. Not willing to mess with Led's anymore unless it's just to supplement for visual appeal.
Click to expand...

Did you look into Sun Blaze T5 HO Lighting Fixture available at BRS? They are cheap and decent.
 
Ssteve said:
Anyone had success with a cheap t5 fixture? Looking to start up a 40b I have sitting and looking at cheap eBay fixtures or something sub $200. Not willing to mess with Led's anymore unless it's just to supplement for visual appeal.
Click to expand...

There is a Tek Light on eBay super cheap 36". What size do you need ? About $170 shipped !! Great light.
 
Help me light my new 90.

Help me light my new 90.

I dont like the way the 8 bulb looks over a 90 gallon. Can i grow sps in the middle/upper third of a 90 with a 6x54 ati fixture? Also has anyone tried to powercoat the Ati fixture? With a black trimmed tank and black stand the silver fixture kinda sticks out.

I really like the 8x54 Geissman fixture but i hear the par numbers are lacking.
 
Chris Abbott said:
I dont like the way the 8 bulb looks over a 90 gallon. Can i grow sps in the middle/upper third of a 90 with a 6x54 ati fixture? Also has anyone tried to powercoat the Ati fixture? With a black trimmed tank and black stand the silver fixture kinda sticks out.

I really like the 8x54 Geissman fixture but i hear the par numbers are lacking.
Click to expand...



6 bulb is ideal over the 90 gallon footprint. I use an 8 bulb which is fine if it's in a canopy to capture and reflect the wasted light. Having bulbs that close to the edge if you suspend the fixture basically makes the outer bulbs useless if it's on an open top tank. Hope that helps


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