The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15665282#post15665282 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bawla47
Wanted to ask you guys to recomend what to go with.

will be running 20k radium bulbs, what 2 t5 actinics should i go with?

have 2 bulbs in the fixture so need a recomendation of what 2 to get.

remember liking the new uvl super actinic. so maybe that one, and what else would you go with?

thanks!

ATI Blue Plus with the Super Actinic is nice.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15665601#post15665601 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by austin93
Hi everyone, I have a question. I run a full zeo system with a 6 bulb slr 54w retrofit in a fan cooled canopy. I replace 2 bulbs every 4 months and am up for another change. I have..

1 fiji purple
2 ab special
2 b +
1 AS 22k

The 2 ab specials are due to be replaced. I have to run my 3 white bulbs and 1 as bulb for only about 5 hrs per day due to light colors and was considering replacing the specials with a 6500k and an actinic. Would this balance out to look good with the other lights? Are actinics going to gain me anything over a b+. Would I be able to run the bulbs longer with this setup? Thanks for the advice.

I really don't see any advantage to the Actinic once all the lights are on. I'd try the GE and another Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15665604#post15665604 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IBASSFSH
Is there any certain layout they should be from front to back?

Blue Plus front and rear with the other 2 however you think looks best in the center 2 slots.

 

[nieczy]

I'm looking at adding some lights to upgrade my 135G (72L x 18W x 24H) to a reef tank. I'm considering either 3 x 250 W MH or all T5HO. I'd like to keep SPS, LPS, and Clams (in the sand bed).

How many bulbs would be required (would 6 be enough or would I need 8)?

What are the difference between the SunPower and Powermodule fixtures? (quieter, etc)

Other than the ATI units which other units are worth a look and who sells them?

If I were to consider a retrofit who sells the Reef Geek reflectors?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15668255#post15668255 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nieczy
I'm looking at adding some lights to upgrade my 135G (72L x 18W x 24H) to a reef tank. I'm considering either 3 x 250 W MH or all T5HO. I'd like to keep SPS, LPS, and Clams (in the sand bed).

How many bulbs would be required (would 6 be enough or would I need 8)?

What are the difference between the SunPower and Powermodule fixtures? (quieter, etc)

Other than the ATI units which other units are worth a look and who sells them?

If I were to consider a retrofit who sells the Reef Geek reflectors?

Reekgeek sells the reflectors under the Aquaillumination brand name now. The Powermodule has a little better output than the sunpower. I would use a 8x80 watt Sunpower or the 6 lamp Aqua Illumination retrofit.

 

[nieczy]

Thanks for the reply. I see I left out the length/wattage. I think the Sunpower stop at 6x80 (at least that's all I see at ReefGeek). The Powermodule does show a 8x80 (in fact it shows a 10x80). Also, given the width of my aquarium I think I'm limited to un-supplemented MH or T5. I like the shimmer effect but I'm a little concerned with being able to get good color with the MH alone.

 

[rballz]

I'm looking for lighting options for a 40 breeder.

Mixed reef with one of my main end goals being a few clams. Some SPS/LPS/softies..a mix of everything really.

Looking at about 13-15" from the rim of the tank to the sand bed.

Have a fish need it 4x39w T5 that I broke the legs off of and Simon can't get me any more. I don't fee like hanging this fixture. It has new Giesemann bulbs (2 Actinic+ and 2 aquablue+).

I'm unsure on whether to go 4 or 6 bulb.

I can afford

4 or 6 bulb ATI Sunpower
4 bulb ATI Powermodule
4 or 6 bulb Tek (I know ATI is better, but I can get legs for the Tek, going to be hard to hang an ATI where my tank is, although it's possible)

There's also this odd looking thing:

http://www.fishneedit.com/2-x-150w-mhl-with-2-x-2bulbs-3ft-2150223.html

I also can afford Current Nova Extreme Pros and other cheaper fixtures.

Wondering which of these would be the best bet..I get mixed feedback on whether a six bulb Tek or ATI would be too much light.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15669224#post15669224 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nieczy
Thanks for the reply. I see I left out the length/wattage. I think the Sunpower stop at 6x80 (at least that's all I see at ReefGeek). The Powermodule does show a 8x80 (in fact it shows a 10x80). Also, given the width of my aquarium I think I'm limited to un-supplemented MH or T5. I like the shimmer effect but I'm a little concerned with being able to get good color with the MH alone.

Meant to write Powermodule

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15669627#post15669627 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rballz
I'm looking for lighting options for a 40 breeder.

Mixed reef with one of my main end goals being a few clams. Some SPS/LPS/softies..a mix of everything really.

Looking at about 13-15" from the rim of the tank to the sand bed.

Have a fish need it 4x39w T5 that I broke the legs off of and Simon can't get me any more. I don't fee like hanging this fixture. It has new Giesemann bulbs (2 Actinic+ and 2 aquablue+).

I'm unsure on whether to go 4 or 6 bulb.

I can afford

4 or 6 bulb ATI Sunpower
4 bulb ATI Powermodule
4 or 6 bulb Tek (I know ATI is better, but I can get legs for the Tek, going to be hard to hang an ATI where my tank is, although it's possible)

There's also this odd looking thing:

http://www.fishneedit.com/2-x-150w-mhl-with-2-x-2bulbs-3ft-2150223.html

I also can afford Current Nova Extreme Pros and other cheaper fixtures.

Wondering which of these would be the best bet..I get mixed feedback on whether a six bulb Tek or ATI would be too much light.

I'd do the 6 lamp Sunpower if it were me but the Tek would work too.

 

[Swimwiththefish]

I'm looking for the bulb combo for a TEK 6 bulb over my 75g tank, mostly LPS and softies, maybe a few beginning SPS corals. How high should i place the light above the water? Fans needed? Any other help is appreciated.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15669795#post15669795 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Swimwiththefish
I'm looking for the bulb combo for a TEK 6 bulb over my 75g tank, mostly LPS and softies, maybe a few beginning SPS corals. How high should i place the light above the water? Fans needed? Any other help is appreciated.

4 ATI Blue Plus, 1 UVL Actinic White and a GE 6500K Daylight

4 to 6 inches above the water

Fan isnt needed but will give you a nice boost in PAR. Have it blow across the fixture in the middle from the back a little from above.

 

[cutnup]

Grim I would appreciate it if you could bring some advice to this thread.
Thank you!!
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1695839

 

[bassist6108]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by bassist6108
Hey Grim, you helped me set up my t5 bulb set on my 40breeder. It has an aquactinic 5 bulb fixture. And my light looks way white and like my corals are all washed out looking.

Right now I have:
Geismann Midday 6000k
GM Pure Actinic Plus
Empty
GM Pure Actinic Plus
Nameless MIdday 6000 K

What would you recommend to get a better overall color? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus.

Grim,
Thanks for the help. Will this give me a nice dark blue/purplish actinic color for when only actinics are on? I'm having a crisis between just buying all new bulbs for my Aquactinic fixture, or selling it and getting the 6 bulb tek so that I can even out the color more. Opinions? Thank you!!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15673617#post15673617 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bassist6108
Grim,
Thanks for the help. Will this give me a nice dark blue/purplish actinic color for when only actinics are on? I'm having a crisis between just buying all new bulbs for my Aquactinic fixture, or selling it and getting the 6 bulb tek so that I can even out the color more. Opinions? Thank you!!

You could tweak the positions

Front
Blue Plus
Actinic White
Aquablue
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

The Actinic White/Blue Plus on lamps 2 and 4 would give a purple look. Just the Blue Plus looks nice too. You could use a UVL 75/25 instead of the actinic white if you do that. It will give a nicer look for dusk dawn.

 

[Reefer SF]

Hey Grim,

Thanks for taking your time to direct all of us T5 noobs in the right direction... and Im even more greatful that youre doing it free!
Heres my issue:
I currently have VHOs over my tank and am looking to upgrade to T5s before years end. I have been looking at the aquaillumination and the Icecap prewired retro kit.

My coral stocking plan is about 65% SPS and 35% LPS/zoos. However, my goal is to keep SPS and clams anywhere in the tank with good coloration and growth rates, but considering some SPS rather less light then others I do not want an exaggerated amount of light on the sandbed but still enough for SPS.

I also am not running a chiller, so if its possible to still achieve a thriving SPS habitat everywhere in my tank without having to keep my AC at 70 all day (I have an AC duct hitting my tank directly) it would be nice. However, having enough lighting is more important to me than leaving my AC on all day... Ill do whatever needed.

Also, if you suggest the Aquaillumination retro over IC, would you suggest HO or VHO 48"? And if VHO... whats the life of the bulbs when overdriven?

Im open to suggestions even from other T5s not listed.

Almost forgot! Can you give me a good bulb combo for the 4x54? Im currently using (all UVL) Actinic White/ Super Actinic/Super Actinic/ Actinic White, and the lighting is lacking a little blue/purple for my taste. I was thinking maybe including a fiji pink in the T5 mix to help bring out the red/pink colors, but then again Im not the expert and might be better off without the bulb included.

Thanks again!

 

[eric@tampa]

Hey Grim, what's your thoughts on t-5 for my 34gal Solana? was thinking about a Tekfrom reefgeek,what bulbs do you recommend thanks,eric

 

[Reefer SF]

I am also willing to go with a fixture if you think its worth it. (in that case Id guess ATI?)

 

[Mike in CA]

I have an 8x54w t-5 fixture. I'm mainly sps with a few clams at the bottom of the tank. Is this combo and order okay:

ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75-25 14000K Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
UVL 75-25 14000K Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

I'm also thinkng about picking up an ATI 12000k aquablue to switch with teh 6500k daylight if it's too white or switch with a blueplus if it's too blue.

All suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance!

Mike

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15674160#post15674160 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefer SF
Hey Grim,

Thanks for taking your time to direct all of us T5 noobs in the right direction... and Im even more greatful that youre doing it free!
Heres my issue:
I currently have VHOs over my tank and am looking to upgrade to T5s before years end. I have been looking at the aquaillumination and the Icecap prewired retro kit.

My coral stocking plan is about 65% SPS and 35% LPS/zoos. However, my goal is to keep SPS and clams anywhere in the tank with good coloration and growth rates, but considering some SPS rather less light then others I do not want an exaggerated amount of light on the sandbed but still enough for SPS.

I also am not running a chiller, so if its possible to still achieve a thriving SPS habitat everywhere in my tank without having to keep my AC at 70 all day (I have an AC duct hitting my tank directly) it would be nice. However, having enough lighting is more important to me than leaving my AC on all day... Ill do whatever needed.

Also, if you suggest the Aquaillumination retro over IC, would you suggest HO or VHO 48"? And if VHO... whats the life of the bulbs when overdriven?

Im open to suggestions even from other T5s not listed.

Almost forgot! Can you give me a good bulb combo for the 4x54? Im currently using (all UVL) Actinic White/ Super Actinic/Super Actinic/ Actinic White, and the lighting is lacking a little blue/purple for my taste. I was thinking maybe including a fiji pink in the T5 mix to help bring out the red/pink colors, but then again Im not the expert and might be better off without the bulb included.

Thanks again!

I would do the HO Aqua Illumination retro. For lamps do 2 ATI Aquablue, I uvl Actinic White and 1 ATI Aquablue.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15674512#post15674512 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eric@tampa
Hey Grim, what's your thoughts on t-5 for my 34gal Solana? was thinking about a Tekfrom reefgeek,what bulbs do you recommend thanks,eric

2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Aquablue and a UVL Actinic White.