The T5 Q&a Thread

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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15472038#post15472038 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by solitude127
I'm in the planning stages of a 150 gallon (5x2x2). I'm looking for a T5 fixture. I'll be keeping mostly SPS but with some LPS. Do you think a Sunpower 6x80 will be enough or should I just get the 8x80 power module? Thanks for any advise.

Do an 8x54 watt Powermodule. You have a better selection of lamps with the 54 watt fixture.
 
I'm thinking of going with t-5s over a 180g that I have in storage if it does not sell. I was thinking of running two 72" VHO super actinics and 8 x 39w t-5s.

Do you think this would be enough or would I be better off going with all 80w t-5s.

Please keep in mind that it is an Oceanic tank with an approximately 20" glass center brace.

The tank stocking order would be as follows from top of rocks to sand bed:

- acros
- montis
- zoas/palys
- chalice/acans
- possibly a clam or two

I would like to be able to run a fairly long photoperiod for viewing purposes.

Here is a picture of the tank for inspiration.

180g.jpg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15472803#post15472803 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by arc eye
I'm thinking of going with t-5s over a 180g that I have in storage if it does not sell. I was thinking of running two 72" VHO super actinics and 8 x 39w t-5s.

Do you think this would be enough or would I be better off going with all 80w t-5s.

Please keep in mind that it is an Oceanic tank with an approximately 20" glass center brace.

The tank stocking order would be as follows from top of rocks to sand bed:

- acros
- montis
- zoas/palys
- chalice/acans
- possibly a clam or two

I would like to be able to run a fairly long photoperiod for viewing purposes.

Here is a picture of the tank for inspiration.

180g.jpg

I think that would be a good plan I would run 2 rows of blue plus, 1 row of UVL Actinic White and 1 Row of GE daylights for the T5's.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15472955#post15472955 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by arc eye
Thanks, which retro kit from reefgeek do you think is best for the job?

I'd get the Aqua Illumination reflectors. Not sure if they have a AI kit or not.
 
They most certainly do!

Do you think it is worthwhile to do one of the VHO kits (icecap driven) with the aqua Illumniation reflectors for the daylight bulbs?

I am concerned about lamp life and spectral shift.
 
Hey Grim, thanks for helping everyone! Your experience is greatly appreciated

I am upgrading my lights on my 36" 40 gallon and in my research I found this fixture http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...t_USA&idProduct=CU01083&idCategory=FILTFIT5T5 since money is a semi major factor in this decision I picked it for the bulb count and fixture since i don't have a canopy.

what are your thoughts on it?
Specs
6x 39 watt t5 ho light
here is from marine depot:
"Nova Extreme Pro

T5 high-output lighting fixture
Witness the next evolution in T5HO lighting

* Individually contoured reflectors for maximum light intensity
* Cool running, performance-driven electronic ballasts
* Fan-cooled for superior color spectrum, output and lifespan
* Independent controls for dawn/dusk applications
* Dimensions 20" x 12" x 4.25"

The Nova Extreme Pro combines the best in both design and functionality, making it a great addition to any aquarium. The sleek black-aluminum construction not only maintains a low profile on the aquarium, its design also allows it to dissipate heat away from the aquarium, lamps and components. Individual polished reflectors coupled with highly efficient electronic ballasts maximize the light output and intensity of the SlimPaq T5 HO lamps.

SlimPaq high output T5 lamps offer a quantum leap in lamp performance, with more than 50% higher output compared to an ordinary T5, T8 or T12 fluorescent systems, and longer lifespan. Using our proprietary blend of tri-phosphors, the high levels produce stunning color rendition and penetrating intensity. The Nova Extreme Pro includes a fan-cooled aluminum housing, independent controls for dawn/dusk applications, individually contoured reflectors for increased light output, splash lens and docking mounts."
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15472275#post15472275 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Do an 8x54 watt Powermodule. You have a better selection of lamps with the 54 watt fixture.

How high from the top of the tank should the 8x54 PM fixture be?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15473128#post15473128 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by arc eye
They most certainly do!

Do you think it is worthwhile to do one of the VHO kits (icecap driven) with the aqua Illumniation reflectors for the daylight bulbs?

I am concerned about lamp life and spectral shift.

Yeah, overdrivng the lamps will help with output . You could use 430 ballasts to overdrive a couple rows. They will only run 2 T5's but only overdrive them a little so you would pick up a little extra PAR but not generate as much heat. Just make sure you use fans to cool the label ends of the lamps. I would install them so the label ends are at the ends so you only need two fans, one on each side blowing in from the back of the tank. Might help with the VHO life too.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15473881#post15473881 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gemini aquarius(t)
Hey Grim, thanks for helping everyone! Your experience is greatly appreciated

I am upgrading my lights on my 36" 40 gallon and in my research I found this fixture http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...t_USA&idProduct=CU01083&idCategory=FILTFIT5T5 since money is a semi major factor in this decision I picked it for the bulb count and fixture since i don't have a canopy.

what are your thoughts on it?
Specs
6x 39 watt t5 ho light
here is from marine depot:
"Nova Extreme Pro

T5 high-output lighting fixture
Witness the next evolution in T5HO lighting

* Individually contoured reflectors for maximum light intensity
* Cool running, performance-driven electronic ballasts
* Fan-cooled for superior color spectrum, output and lifespan
* Independent controls for dawn/dusk applications
* Dimensions 20" x 12" x 4.25"

The Nova Extreme Pro combines the best in both design and functionality, making it a great addition to any aquarium. The sleek black-aluminum construction not only maintains a low profile on the aquarium, its design also allows it to dissipate heat away from the aquarium, lamps and components. Individual polished reflectors coupled with highly efficient electronic ballasts maximize the light output and intensity of the SlimPaq T5 HO lamps.

SlimPaq high output T5 lamps offer a quantum leap in lamp performance, with more than 50% higher output compared to an ordinary T5, T8 or T12 fluorescent systems, and longer lifespan. Using our proprietary blend of tri-phosphors, the high levels produce stunning color rendition and penetrating intensity. The Nova Extreme Pro includes a fan-cooled aluminum housing, independent controls for dawn/dusk applications, individually contoured reflectors for increased light output, splash lens and docking mounts."


They are OK for a tank the size you are looking at. I would change the stock lamps within the first 6 months.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15475201#post15475201 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by solitude127
How high from the top of the tank should the 8x54 PM fixture be?

Anywhere from sitting right on the tank to about 6" above. Whatever looks good to you.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15475585#post15475585 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gemini aquarius(t)
would i be able to grow sps and clams successfully?
changing the bulbs soon would not be an issue

If you are going to get serious about clams I would step up to the 6 lamp tek light.
 
Grim, Your site and this thread has been very helpful.

I currently have a 30Wx22Dx20H tank. I run a 250W MH with 4x24W T5. I want to switch to an all T5 setup because the heat and some of the great pictures I've seen.

I am targeting an SPS-only tank with only two pillars to place coral. The back glass has no rock against it and the closest rock is about 2" away. The side glass panes have their closest rock about 3" away. Lastly, the front pane has a rock that is about 3" away from the glass, as well.

I am confused whether or not I should go with a 6x24W ATI PM or Sunpower or an 8x24W ATI PM.

Thanks for the help.
 
Hello I need help choosing the right T5 bulbs for a 48" 6 bulb tek fixture that's on a standard 75g. I don't want a very blue look but a little more than what I have now. Unfortunately the bulbs I have came with the fixture and I don't remember what's there. Can get the info later today. Thanks!!

Note: Its really a pale white now, not much blue at all.
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15475828#post15475828 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by arod2051
Grim, Your site and this thread has been very helpful.

I currently have a 30Wx22Dx20H tank. I run a 250W MH with 4x24W T5. I want to switch to an all T5 setup because the heat and some of the great pictures I've seen.

I am targeting an SPS-only tank with only two pillars to place coral. The back glass has no rock against it and the closest rock is about 2" away. The side glass panes have their closest rock about 3" away. Lastly, the front pane has a rock that is about 3" away from the glass, as well.

I am confused whether or not I should go with a 6x24W ATI PM or Sunpower or an 8x24W ATI PM.

Thanks for the help.

6 lamp fixture should be fine. Either ATI unit will work.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15476086#post15476086 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rjukan
Hello I need help choosing the right T5 bulbs for a 48" 6 bulb tek fixture that's on a standard 75g. I don't want a very blue look but a little more than what I have now. Unfortunately the bulbs I have came with the fixture and I don't remember what's there. Can get the info later today. Thanks!!

Note: Its really a pale white now, not much blue at all.

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus

Grab an ATI Aquablue as a spare lamp. You can try using it in place of a blue plus if you want a more white look.
 
Grim...what do you think of this combo for an SPS Dominated tank??

All bulbs are 60" and will be ran off IC-660's

Front
VHO Actinic
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blueplus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blueplus
GE 6500
ATI Blueplus
ATI Aquablue Special
VHO Actinic


My current setup looks like this....

Front
ATI Blueplus
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blueplus
ATI Blueplus
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blueplus

I'm just missing some spectrum in my setup somewhere.....and I miss the "POP" of my VHO Actinics that's why I'm thinking of purchasing another IC-660 and switching to the combo above.
 
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