The T5 Q&a Thread

[FranktheTankTx]

I'm not sure what the real answer to this question is, but I'd assume that they can go pretty high since the light loss through the air is minimal compared to water. The only real issue you'd have is the focal point from the reflectors. I'm not sure what they're ballparked at.

I've seen numerous frag tanks with Tek (or similar) fixtures hung 2' or more above the water. I have my retros (tek reflectors and the more narrow ones...ice cap maybe?) about 8-9" above the water and have some LPS hidden under egg crate in my 18" deep tank. I only have a 4 bulb set up.
If height is a concern, just build your canopy 'box' as planned and build braces or a ledge or something into it to hold the lights closer. It would let you keep the ballasts safe from salt creep (mounted above the shelf) or allow you to build cabinets to store stuff if the plans allow for it.
The greater height from the water probably would allow for a better blending of bulb color, up to a certain point.

Thanks for the advice Grim. I'll be following this thread for up to date info as I'm sure my lighting will be evolving over time.

just for poopies and giggles, Grim, what would be your ideal 4 bulb combo? What color temp or MH/actinic combo would you rate it at? Feel free to skip over this one if you're busy as I know this thread has to be like a part time job!

Thanks! If that's the case, I might consider full T5 then. Wasn't certain if 10-12" high T5 would be a problem or not PAR wise.

P.S. Spent quite a bit of time in Edmond, Ok. Great town!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'm not sure what the real answer to this question is, but I'd assume that they can go pretty high since the light loss through the air is minimal compared to water. The only real issue you'd have is the focal point from the reflectors. I'm not sure what they're ballparked at.

I've seen numerous frag tanks with Tek (or similar) fixtures hung 2' or more above the water. I have my retros (tek reflectors and the more narrow ones...ice cap maybe?) about 8-9" above the water and have some LPS hidden under egg crate in my 18" deep tank. I only have a 4 bulb set up.
If height is a concern, just build your canopy 'box' as planned and build braces or a ledge or something into it to hold the lights closer. It would let you keep the ballasts safe from salt creep (mounted above the shelf) or allow you to build cabinets to store stuff if the plans allow for it.
The greater height from the water probably would allow for a better blending of bulb color, up to a certain point.

Thanks for the advice Grim. I'll be following this thread for up to date info as I'm sure my lighting will be evolving over time.

just for poopies and giggles, Grim, what would be your ideal 4 bulb combo? What color temp or MH/actinic combo would you rate it at? Feel free to skip over this one if you're busy as I know this thread has to be like a part time job!

Actually the loss of light through air isn't that much less than through clean water. I seem to remember it being a factor of 1.6 as opposed to 1.5. Theory is the water is denser but also acts as a conductor for the light.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Thanks! If that's the case, I might consider full T5 then. Wasn't certain if 10-12" high T5 would be a problem or not PAR wise.

P.S. Spent quite a bit of time in Edmond, Ok. Great town!

You wouldn't want to be putting maxima clams on the sand but as long as you keep the SPS on the rocks T5's a foot above will give you enough light as long as you overdrive and use good reflectors. Also need to cram as many as will fit in there.

 

[cody6766]

Nice to know. I wasn't aware the loss was even remotely similar.

I have a few acros growing nicely in the middle of my tank, and I have a monti growing well about 3-4" off the sand bed. It's in the center of the tank and not shadowed by anything, but it's pretty low. I've been running 3 ATI blue plus bulbs and an Indigo sun, but recently switched the indigo sun to an actinic white and LOVE the color combo. I may go with 6 bulbs over the tank in a few months and add a Fiji Purple and something..maybe another blue plus to the mix.

I was growing everything under a 250w reeflux 12k with 2x Actinic+ supplements a month ago and have noticed no slacking in growth rate. I think the LPS and zoanthids are actually happier. My evaporation is down considerably too.
I was going to run MH over my frag tank, but found a good deal on a pair of used T5s, so I'll soon be an all T5 reefer (aside from my 14g BC). I'm definitely a believer.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Nice to know. I wasn't aware the loss was even remotely similar.

I have a few acros growing nicely in the middle of my tank, and I have a monti growing well about 3-4" off the sand bed. It's in the center of the tank and not shadowed by anything, but it's pretty low. I've been running 3 ATI blue plus bulbs and an Indigo sun, but recently switched the indigo sun to an actinic white and LOVE the color combo. I may go with 6 bulbs over the tank in a few months and add a Fiji Purple and something..maybe another blue plus to the mix.

I was growing everything under a 250w reeflux 12k with 2x Actinic+ supplements a month ago and have noticed no slacking in growth rate. I think the LPS and zoanthids are actually happier. My evaporation is down considerably too.
I was going to run MH over my frag tank, but found a good deal on a pair of used T5s, so I'll soon be an all T5 reefer (aside from my 14g BC). I'm definitely a believer.

Adding a Fiji with the blue might be a little more purple than some would like. I'd maybe do aquablue instead but it's hard to say.

 

[eyebedam]

I currently have a outer orbit 72 in 3x250 mh & 8 39 watt t5 bulbs fixture. I'm replacing the mh with 14k Phoenix bulbs but was wondering what replacement bulbs to buy for the t5s. In wanting a crisp but deep bluish purple look. Thanks in advance.

 

[prodman]

Is it really so easy that I just post what I need and get an answer here? i am planning a new tank 44x28x20 peninsula. It will be a mixed reef tank and I am used to the look of 250w radiums on icecaps supplemented with superatinic vhos so thats the color I would like. I was thinking that i would rather use a 2ft fixture as i dont like a tank to have every square inch lit. Any thoughts?
Thanks

 

[Darren neil]

I don't know what your lamp configuration is for Dusk dawn so you may need to tweak around the positions a little for that

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

Having that 75/25 lamp in your dusk/dawn setup is a neat effect you might want to try

Im useing two T12s Actinic 03 about two hours before my T5's Actinic comes on. Then and hour after there on my 10,000k comes on. Set up the same way for dusk. 10,000k off then T5's Actinic off then Actinic 03 off. You tell me what to do with them the way you would do it. Im putting my trust in you. I was told your the one for the right answer. Thanks.

 

[NaClCrocodile]

Grim, you're the man! I'll try out the bulb combo and let you know how it turns out. Thanks!

 

[ricwilli]

Anyone know where I can get the GE Ecolux T5 bulbs?

 

[dcook]

Thanks The Grim Reefer
Q. 1) what brand are the Blue plus?? ATI?
2) Not trying to start WWWIII but what do you or anyone else
think about Aquatraders Odyssea 24" t5 fixture.
Remember reefing on a budget..
Quote:
Originally Posted by dcook
I may have missed this.
I to am replacing my 250watt 14k HQI to t5 lighting with
suplemental powerbrites act lighting. Tank is SPS dominated
tank 25-25-24. How many bulbs and which????

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL super actinic
UVL Actinic White
Blue Plus <<< what brand?
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus <<< what brand ?
ATI Aquablue
Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I currently have a outer orbit 72 in 3x250 mh & 8 39 watt t5 bulbs fixture. I'm replacing the mh with 14k Phoenix bulbs but was wondering what replacement bulbs to buy for the t5s. In wanting a crisp but deep bluish purple look. Thanks in advance.

I would do 6 ATI Blue Plus and 2 UVL Actinic White. It should be just what you are looking for.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Is it really so easy that I just post what I need and get an answer here? i am planning a new tank 44x28x20 peninsula. It will be a mixed reef tank and I am used to the look of 250w radiums on icecaps supplemented with superatinic vhos so thats the color I would like. I was thinking that i would rather use a 2ft fixture as i dont like a tank to have every square inch lit. Any thoughts?
Thanks

A 36" fixture would still offer a fade effect at the ends. I think the 24" one would look funky. The lamps are a couple inches shorter than the advertised length as far as the illumination they provide.

I would do 8 lamps

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

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Im useing two T12s Actinic 03 about two hours before my T5's Actinic comes on. Then and hour after there on my 10,000k comes on. Set up the same way for dusk. 10,000k off then T5's Actinic off then Actinic 03 off. You tell me what to do with them the way you would do it. Im putting my trust in you. I was told your the one for the right answer. Thanks.

That is still fine, I'd do those for like and hour before and after the T5 dusk/dawn. Use blue plus and maybe 1 75/25 for the 2nd stage of dusk/dawn.

D-D 1 T12 Actinics on 10 am off at 11 am (they wont do anything with the T5's on, might as well save the power and get longs use out of the lamps. Maybe leave them on during D-D 2 as well if they still make a difference). Back on at 9 PM and off at 10. Times are just approximate. You can run them longer at night if you enjoy the effect.


D-D 2 On 11 AM Off 9 PM Use either 1 Blue Plus and 1 75/25 or 2 Blue Plus and like I said, maybe the T-12 actinics if you still see the difference.

Then run the rest of the lights 5 to 8 hours a day for your midday lighting.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Anyone know where I can get the GE Ecolux T5 bulbs?

Reefgeek should have them. A lot of horticulture stores carry them too.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Thanks The Grim Reefer
Q. 1) what brand are the Blue plus?? ATI?
2) Not trying to start WWWIII but what do you or anyone else
think about Aquatraders Odyssea 24" t5 fixture.
Remember reefing on a budget..
Quote:
Originally Posted by dcook
I may have missed this.
I to am replacing my 250watt 14k HQI to t5 lighting with
suplemental powerbrites act lighting. Tank is SPS dominated
tank 25-25-24. How many bulbs and which????

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL super actinic
UVL Actinic White
Blue Plus <<< what brand?
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus <<< what brand ?
ATI Aquablue
Blue Plus

What brand? ATI, like the first one in the mix

 

[silenthoofbeats]

Grim
I bought a 24w 8 bulb fixture for my 54g corner tank.
With that said can you give me your recommendation on bulb combinations?
Thank you

 

[FranktheTankTx]

You wouldn't want to be putting maxima clams on the sand but as long as you keep the SPS on the rocks T5's a foot above will give you enough light as long as you overdrive and use good reflectors. Also need to cram as many as will fit in there.

How would you feel about 8-10 T5 Ice Caps overdriven 10-12" high over a 48"x30"x19" tank? Landscape would be minimilastic - very shallow. SPS dominant.

I can fit 10 bulbs in the canopy.

Hell, I could always use some wood & build a hanging roof that puts them closer to the water. IDK, I would love to avoid a chiller, but that may not be possible in Texas.

 

[sandstorm1221]

Lighting for 180 Gallon (even the wife agrees)

Lighting for 180 Gallon (even the wife agrees)

Hey all,

It's been a while since I've posted as I had to get out of the hobby for a while due to budgetary concerns and general life. I started a few years back with a 46 gallon bow with moderate success. Since then I have purchased a home, got married and all that good stuff, even got the two dogs. I recently told my wife that I am interested in getting back into the hobby but if I do I'm going big or going home. I believe I have sold her on a 180 gallon tank, 72"x24"x24".

I have narrowed my search for t-5 lighting between ATI 6x80w 60" and either the 6x80w 60" Tek or 8x80w 60" Tek after doing much research. I was going to go with the Nova Extreme Pro especialy since I could get it 30% off, though replacing 12 bulbs wouldn't help me at all money wise over time.

I am looking at keeping a mixed reef, mostly sps and softies. Judging from my research 6x80w should be fine, or even 8x80w. Which brand and am I in the ball park?

Thanks alot,

Jim

 

[jrp1588]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I just pulled the trigger and bought myself an ATI sunpower. I got the 6x54watt unit. I went ahead and purchased a new net of bulbs for it as well.

This is the configuration I selected based on Grim's advice to another person somewhere above.
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
Blue Plus
aquablue
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

Should be a lot better than my current setup which is
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Actinic white
UVL Aquasun
UVL Aquasun
UVL Actinic White
UVL Super Actinic

I looked up some par values, and my new bulb combo would give me more than 200 more PAR on my TEK unit. I'm going to have some crazy par with ATI's reflectors and active cooling combined with these higher par bulbs. Can't wait!