The T5 Q&a Thread

[Zestay]

ideas on 4x24 watt bulbs over a 20g qt at first than a / frag system
i was thinking of using a nova fixture ( with the bent around each bulb reflector i know its not perfect but ive already spent a ton on my DT's lights.

blueplus
ge daylight
blue plus
aquablue

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15691548#post15691548 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Zestay
ideas on 4x24 watt bulbs over a 20g qt at first than a / frag system
i was thinking of using a nova fixture ( with the bent around each bulb reflector i know its not perfect but ive already spent a ton on my DT's lights.

blueplus
ge daylight
blue plus
aquablue

That would be dusky swell over a 20. The Nova's aren't all that much less output than a Tek.

 

[Snakebyt]

so in your opinion, is the Nova a decent fixture, i understand that the bulbs arent great, but the fixture itself is pretty good?

Right now its the only one in my price range

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15692643#post15692643 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Snakebyt
so in your opinion, is the Nova a decent fixture, i understand that the bulbs arent great, but the fixture itself is pretty good?

Right now its the only one in my price range

Fixture is good for what it is, an affordable piece of equipment that provides decent output. With good lamps it is plenty for anything you want to raise in a 20.

 

[homeboyreefer]

can you tell how old t5 bulbs are by looking at them when they are on grim? I know you've probably seen your share about to buy this fixture and owner says they are a month old but he has no receipts. Here is pics of it on, i think its 4 gman ab, 4 gman actinic plus and one gman actinic

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15693010#post15693010 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by homeboyreefer
can you tell how old t5 bulbs are by looking at them when they are on grim? I know you've probably seen your share about to buy this fixture and owner says they are a month old but he has no receipts. Here is pics of it on, i think its 4 gman ab, 4 gman actinic plus and one gman actinic

Judging by the pictures I would say they have about 7 weeks usage on them at approx. 8 hours a day....























And If you believe that I have some swamp land in AZ I can get you a great deal on

Look at the lamp ends. This isn't perfect but newer lamps tend to have very little if any black ringing on the glass. You can also look at the metal pins on the ends, they shouldn't be corroded at all.

 

[tas5tas]

Grim....what is the best "Pure" Actinic bulb when it comes to 60" T5's??? How do they compare to the VHO UV Super Actinic R as far as color/"POP" and par output??

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15695178#post15695178 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tas5tas
Grim....what is the best "Pure" Actinic bulb when it comes to 60" T5's??? How do they compare to the VHO UV Super Actinic R as far as color/"POP" and par output??

Better PAR but not as much pop. The ATI looks a little more blue and has more PAR than the Giesemann actinic so if you like the more violet look that one is better.

 

[Leopard Man]

I got an ATI PM 8x24W. I want to be able to grow sps and clams in any part of my tank (30x25X18).

How does this look:
Front to back

ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Aqua Blue
KZ Fiji Puple
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus

I really want the colors to pop at the same time be able to grow anything.

Thanks in advance.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15695435#post15695435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Leopard Man
I got an ATI PM 8x24W. I want to be able to grow sps and clams in any part of my tank (30x25X18).

How does this look:
Front to back

ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Aqua Blue
KZ Fiji Puple
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus

I really want the colors to pop at the same time be able to grow anything.

Thanks in advance.

I would move the frontmost fiji forward a slot just to spread out the spectrum a little but that should be fine,

 

[Leopard Man]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15695458#post15695458 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I would move the frontmost fiji forward a slot just to spread out the spectrum a little but that should be fine,

Wow Grim! Thanks for your quick response.

OK, will try it out. Cheers.

 

[NateDizzle]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15693405#post15693405 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Judging by the pictures I would say they have about 7 weeks usage on them at approx. 8 hours a day....























And If you believe that I have some swamp land in AZ I can get you a great deal on

Look at the lamp ends. This isn't perfect but newer lamps tend to have very little if any black ringing on the glass. You can also look at the metal pins on the ends, they shouldn't be corroded at all.

sorry grim i'm a little thick, are you saying i have to look at them in person or are you saying you are seeing black ringing on the bulbs from the pictures indicating they are not new again thank you for the response

 

[CincyGida]

New to T5

New to T5

Hi. I've been looking to upgrade my extremely cheap lighting to T5 this week so I can step into new growth in my old, stable tank. I started reading this thread - great info - so much to digest.

I'm looking at the following fixture: [36 Inch 4x39 Watt AquaticLife T5 HO Light Fixture w/ 4 Lunar LEDs]. Anyone have good luck with AquaticLife? I have a 65g 36x20x18 tank and wanted to make sure that 4 bulbs would be enough. I did read Grim's web page saying to possibly step up to 6 bulbs if the tank is 20"+ deep. I don't want to spend top dollar at this time but if this is a decent fixture, then what would be a good combo if the bulbs that come with it are cheap?

I only have fish at the moment but I'm getting my flow and lighting upgraded now to prepare for better things.

Thanks!

 

[killagoby]

Here's where I should have posted this. Grim Reefer, please help!

T5 combo needed

 

[Everyones Hero]

It's about time to replace my 4x54w bulbs. I have:
-ATI Blue Plus
-UVL 75/25
-UVL Aquasun
-ATI Blue Plus

I want to focus more on growth & less on the color. I moved the Blue Plus bulbs to spots 1 & 3 & I do like the way it looks. One thing I didn't particularly care for was how "white" everything in the tank looked with the 75/25 & Aquasun in the middle, but if that'll give the best growth I'll take it.

What combination would you recommend for the best growth? Would 4 Blue Plus give the best growth? If so I may go with 3 Blue Plus & 1 AquaSun or similar bulb.

 

[klepto]

Hey all,
Im about to pick up a 4 bulb ATI fixture and I can't decide on my bulb combo.
I want to stick with ATI bulbs for now.. Its down to either 3 Blue+ and one Aquablue Spec. or 2 and 2...
Im planning on keeping mostly SPS along with some select lps and zoanthids. I definitely prefer a cooler color temp.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Grim?? will 3 Blue+ be overload on the blues?
Any help is appreciated..

 

[Everyones Hero]

Lol. That's pretty close to my question. Now lets see if we get two different answers.

 

[818reefer]

Hey grim

I heard icecap has 24 inch t5 bulbs that can handle being overdriven by the IC660 I have fans on the end caps at the moment with giesmann bulbs but one burntout. looking in to IC bulbs any suggestions what bulb combo to go with from IC. I'm looking for the bluer look.....

 

[818reefer]

Forgot... 8 bulbs

Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15696193#post15696193 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NateDizzle
sorry grim i'm a little thick, are you saying i have to look at them in person or are you saying you are seeing black ringing on the bulbs from the pictures indicating they are not new again thank you for the response

You need to look at the lamps with them turned off, you are looking for dark rings near the ends.