The T5 Q&a Thread

[r33fcrazy]

I'm in the process of setting up a 40breeder and it's going to be SPS dominated/only tank. I plan on buying an ATI PM 6 bulb. What bulb combinations would you recommend? I want a 20k look, comparable to those Radium Halides I've been reading about.

Thank you

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15452339#post15452339 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PGUY1
Yes, but what about electrocution? I have always been told to make sure everything runs through a GFCI? And I have them plugged into a filtered powerstrip now.

If the filtered power strip doesn't work you could maybe try a different GFCI. If you have the skill to change the outlet yourself it's a lot cheaper than buying new ballasts which is your only other option unless you don't use a GFCI on the lights. I am not going to tell you not to use a GFCI on the lighting but of all the electrical components involved in a tank the lights in a retrofit are the least likely to see water unless you have the ballasts mounted in the stand.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15452807#post15452807 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dubin
Thanks Grim,
How many fans should I put in my canopy to keep the bulbs cool?

I would do one blowing in from the back at each end.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15452916#post15452916 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by r33fcrazy
I'm in the process of setting up a 40breeder and it's going to be SPS dominated/only tank. I plan on buying an ATI PM. What bulb combinations would you recommend? I want a 20k look, comparable to those Radium Halides I've been reading about.

Thank you

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus

 

[r33fcrazy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15452943#post15452943 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus

Cool thanks Grim!

One more question would I be able to place my SPS anywhere in my 40 breeder, including on the sand bed?

 

[rezaktp]

Grim,
Setting up my 180 mixed reef and am planning on using 6-60" T5's overdriven on Icecaps and 2-72" VHO's. Here is my plan for bulbs.

ATI Blue Plus
VHO UVL Super Actinic
ATI Pro Color
ATI Blue Plus
VHO UVL 50/50
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

I am using the 72" 50/50 since i have 3 of them already will eventually like to go to 2-VHO actinics.

Your thoughts?

 

[tanktoyman]

Grim,

Currently running a 225 gallon tall (6'x2'x3' LxWxD) full acro setup. Right now I am running four 6' vho's (icecap 660 ballast) and three 400watt MH's. What would your recommend (ballast and bulb combination) for me to switch this to T5's.

Thanks, Andy

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15452968#post15452968 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by r33fcrazy
Cool thanks Grim!

One more question would I be able to place my SPS anywhere in my 40 breeder, including on the sand bed?

Oh hell yeah.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15453098#post15453098 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rezaktp
Grim,
Setting up my 180 mixed reef and am planning on using 6-60" T5's overdriven on Icecaps and 2-72" VHO's. Here is my plan for bulbs.

ATI Blue Plus
VHO UVL Super Actinic
ATI Pro Color
ATI Blue Plus
VHO UVL 50/50
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

I am using the 72" 50/50 since i have 3 of them already will eventually like to go to 2-VHO actinics.

Your thoughts?

Same as when I responded to you 10 posts above this one

I might do a KZ fiji Purple instead of the pro color to tone down the red a little but if you like a warmer color it will be fine/.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15453140#post15453140 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tanktoyman
Grim,

Currently running a 225 gallon tall (6'x2'x3' LxWxD) full acro setup. Right now I am running four 6' vho's (icecap 660 ballast) and three 400watt MH's. What would your recommend (ballast and bulb combination) for me to switch this to T5's.

Thanks, Andy

8x80 Aqua Illumination retro from reefgeek or a 10 x 60 watt ATI Powemodule. I think I would go for the PM sitting right on top of the tank.

 

[818reefer]

Grim

I had installed fans blowing at the end caps in my canopy. I have the 24inch t5s over driven on IC660 should I have the fans on to cool the lights down after the lights go off or should I just let them cool on their own..

 

[snaza]

Hi Grim,

After a good bulb combo for my 10 bulb PM. SPS tank.

thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15453801#post15453801 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 818reefer
Grim

I had installed fans blowing at the end caps in my canopy. I have the 24inch t5s over driven on IC660 should I have the fans on to cool the lights down after the lights go off or should I just let them cool on their own..

If it isn;t a hastle I would leave them one after lights out just to get the hot air out of the canopy but it isn't something you have to do.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15453982#post15453982 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snaza
Hi Grim,

After a good bulb combo for my 10 bulb PM. SPS tank.

thanks

I would start with 6 blue plus, 2 GE 6500K or Giesemann Middays and 2 UVL Actinic White or KZ Fiji Purple and see what you think.

 

[chercm]

i am using 2xBLV 14k 250w DE with 1x ATI actinic and 1x aquablue special

is it too bright ?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15454554#post15454554 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chercm
i am using 2xBLV 14k 250w DE with 1x ATI actinic and 1x aquablue special

is it too bright ?

Personally I woud use the blue plus instead of Aquablue but as far as too bright? That is up to you to decide.

 

[aquaman05]

Hello,

Anyone have a comment on the new nova extreme SLR 216 watt fixture.
Good/bad/ok I didnt know how good the new SLR help this. The only thing is i wish it was more watts.

Thanks

 

[ngn8dogg]

I have a tx5 and I am never satisfied with my bulb combo. currently I have
aquablue
blue plus
actinic white
blue plus
blue plys I tired mixing the bulbs in different slots and still dont have that pop I have been looking for. Someone had said they tried this combo and love it . How do you think this would look?

Blue plus
fiji
blue plus
GE
Blue plus ( not sure the exact order they had it)

 

[bjhubb]

Grim, I am needing a couple of six bulb configurations. I have lps, zoes, and some softies but would like to start getting some sps. I will be getting a T5 fixture in the near future. What would be a good 6 bulb configuration that wouldn't be too much blue but not washing out the colors and something that I would get good growth. I saw a config. that you have recommended:
Front
ATI Blue +
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue +
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue +
ATI Aquablue

Would this be ok and what would be an extra bulb or two that I should buy to try out a second configuration if I don't like this one? Thanks for your help.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15455432#post15455432 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ngn8dogg
I have a tx5 and I am never satisfied with my bulb combo. currently I have
aquablue
blue plus
actinic white
blue plus
blue plys I tired mixing the bulbs in different slots and still dont have that pop I have been looking for. Someone had said they tried this combo and love it . How do you think this would look?

Blue plus
fiji
blue plus
GE
Blue plus ( not sure the exact order they had it)

It will look nice but that doesn't mean it will be the look you are after. 14K halide with actinics is probably the look you will get. Bright but no doubt about the fact it is blue.