The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

Hi Grim/everyone...

In reading through part of this thread, it seems there are a number of options offered for SPS bulb combos. So much so, it's pretty hard to figure out which one is best. I'd love to get some opinions/ideas on what combo would be ideal for an SPS dominate, full Zeo tank, using an 8 bulb ATI Powermodule.

Looking for the best color, pop and growth, with an emphasis on color and pop!

I'm grateful for any ideas. I was thinking some combination of ATI Blue Special and Blue Plus, but I also have a number of other bulbs to play with, like Fiji Purple, KZ New Gen, etc...

Thanks!
L3

I would do 5 Blue Plus and then a combination of the others. I would try 2 Fiji Purple and a Aquablue if you like a more blue look.

 

[tahiriqbal]

ATi inthe UK

ATi inthe UK

Hey Grim, im going to buy a 4x39w fixture soon, what are some good Giesemann bulbs to put in for growing a little of everything... Both lps and sps ?
The reason i ask for giesemann is that i cant find ATI bulbs anywhere here in Denmark or Europe for that matter....

Hi there,
If you could bare the postal charges then this site sell ATi bulbs in the UK.
http://www.miniocean.co.uk/category/ati-t5-lamps

Germany is the home for the ATi bulbs and you shouldn't have any problem finding them from there too.

good luck

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Okay so you can't recommend a T5 light for my tank?

You really have to consider the shape and dimensions of the tank. There might be a way to make them work but is something You have to figure out looking at the tank. I gave you the length dimensions. With the reflectors you need about 2 1/2 inches of space front to back per lamp. They will work if you can figure out a way to get the lamps over it.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

For what it's worth, I had a 24" Powermodule over my 54g Corner tank that worked great. I would double check your dimensions, but you might be able to use a 36" unit as well...

There ya go, can't beat practical experience.

 

[Pike614]

Hey Grim,
What is the difference between running VHO's and T5'S? VHO seem to be a lot higher wattage compared to the T5 for the same length bulbs...does this mean better PAR also?

 

[layer3switchguy]

I would do 5 Blue Plus and then a combination of the others. I would try 2 Fiji Purple and a Aquablue if you like a more blue look.

Thanks Grim... What do you think of the following?

Front -to- Back

KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue+
KZ New Generation
ATI Blue+
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue+

Or do you think it might be too white?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Grim,
What is the difference between running VHO's and T5'S? VHO seem to be a lot higher wattage compared to the T5 for the same length bulbs...does this mean better PAR also?

Nope, T5's can have a reflector place on each lamp which makes them put more light in the water, a whole lot more using less watts.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Thanks Grim... What do you think of the following?

Front -to- Back

KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue+
KZ New Generation
ATI Blue+
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue+

Or do you think it might be too white?

Swap the position of the first 2 lamps, you don't want the Fiji as the front lamp

 

[tonyespinoza]

hey grim - how do the T12 VHO and T5 versions of the UV Actinic White compare? how bout Super Actinic? are the T5's brighter and cooler? (assuming icecaps in both cases)

 

[The Grim Reefer]

hey grim - how do the T12 VHO and T5 versions of the UV Actinic White compare? how bout Super Actinic? are the T5's brighter and cooler? (assuming icecaps in both cases)

If you run T5's on an Ice Cap ballast they are overdriving and have an even bigger advantage over the VHO's.

The Actinic White is about the same. The VHO actinic is better but that is to be expected, it creates less light you can see so the fluorescent effect is more apparent.

 

[mempho reefer]

What a great thread!!! It looks like this has turned into a full time job for you Grim.
Thanks for all the knowledgable info and advice.
Here's my bulb combo question:
I just got a 68g half cylindar tank. 41x22x25. Wanted to use a 36" Tec fixture but it won't fit in the canopy also read where you advised that it's not a good idea to use it in a canopy anyway. So, I plan to use my 24" Nova Extreme, which has fans, up front and a 36" 2xSLR attached to the back of the canopy. I will also have an additional 4" temp controlled fan for extra ventilation. Pros/Cons? And what bulb suggestions would you suggest with this set up for an LPS/SPS tank? I would also like to have a clam if possible.
Thanks in advance and again I really appreciate the advice you offer and the time you take to dispense it. Merry Christmas!
~Mempho

 

[The Grim Reefer]

What a great thread!!! It looks like this has turned into a full time job for you Grim.
Thanks for all the knowledgable info and advice.
Here's my bulb combo question:
I just got a 68g half cylindar tank. 41x22x25. Wanted to use a 36" Tec fixture but it won't fit in the canopy also read where you advised that it's not a good idea to use it in a canopy anyway. So, I plan to use my 24" Nova Extreme, which has fans, up front and a 36" 2xSLR attached to the back of the canopy. I will also have an additional 4" temp controlled fan for extra ventilation. Pros/Cons? And what bulb suggestions would you suggest with this set up for an LPS/SPS tank? I would also like to have a clam if possible.
Thanks in advance and again I really appreciate the advice you offer and the time you take to dispense it. Merry Christmas!
~Mempho

If you can do a retrofit that would be best. On a 25" tall tank you can forget clams on the bottom using a Nova system.

You would need 10" front to rear for a 4 lamp Ice Cap retro. I would run one of those with another 2 attched for your dusk/dawn

 

[tonyespinoza]

If you run T5's on an Ice Cap ballast they are overdriving and have an even bigger advantage over the VHO's.

The Actinic White is about the same. The VHO actinic is better but that is to be expected, it creates less light you can see so the fluorescent effect is more apparent.

thanks grim - as always - what would we do without you!

in the case of the Actinic White, do the VHO's perform better when cooled like the T5's?

and am I correct that the VHO's have built-in reflectors (and they work worth a darn... ?

 

[mempho reefer]

If you can do a retrofit that would be best. On a 25" tall tank you can forget clams on the bottom using a Nova system.

You would need 10" front to rear for a 4 lamp Ice Cap retro. I would run one of those with another 2 attched for your dusk/dawn

So, a 24" 4 bulb SLR retro up front with 2 36" retro in the back.
What about bulbs? I'd like a nice blue tone. Back glass is painted blue if that matters.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

thanks grim - as always - what would we do without you!

in the case of the Actinic White, do the VHO's perform better when cooled like the T5's?

and am I correct that the VHO's have built-in reflectors (and they work worth a darn... ?

I've never played with VHO's so I don't know. The T5 lamps with the reflector built in don't hold a candle to one with an external reflector.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

So, a 24" 4 bulb SLR retro up front with 2 36" retro in the back.
What about bulbs? I'd like a nice blue tone. Back glass is painted blue if that matters.

I'd do 36" Ice Cap retro if you can, even if it means only having one additional lamp

Front
Single
ATI Blue Plus
Ice Cap
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic WHite
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue

The lok will be whiter than you would think going by the lamp names.

 

[mempho reefer]

I'd do 36" Ice Cap retro if you can, even if it means only having one additional lamp

Front
Single
ATI Blue Plus
Ice Cap
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic WHite
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue

The lok will be whiter than you would think going by the lamp names

Thanks Grim.

 

[GrampaDon]

Grim......Just wanted to say Thank You !
You have helped me out twice in this thread. Plus you give endlessly to all who ask for your help.
Here's to you Grim...:beer:
Don

 

[kc350twin]

Grim I am researching lights for my next tank and I am thinking of doing T5. My tank will be 48x24x16. Mixed reef. Some SPS on top with LPS and zoa's near the bottom.

Some lights I'm considering
ATI PM 6 or 8 x 54
ATI SP 6x54
Aquatinics 48" constellation 7x54

My concern was that the 6 bulb units are so narrow will I have to worry about. Par drop off on the edges. It will be a pennisula tank with corals on both sides of the long sides. Most of the rock structure will be down the center.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim I am researching lights for my next tank and I am thinking of doing T5. My tank will be 48x24x16. Mixed reef. Some SPS on top with LPS and zoa's near the bottom.

Some lights I'm considering
ATI PM 6 or 8 x 54
ATI SP 6x54
Aquatinics 48" constellation 7x54

My concern was that the 6 bulb units are so narrow will I have to worry about. Par drop off on the edges. It will be a pennisula tank with corals on both sides of the long sides. Most of the rock structure will be down the center.

6 lamp Sunpower or a Constellation either one will be fine.