The T5 Q&a Thread

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Thanks grim, the ATI is just under 14" wide so I'm going to get it.

Whats the difference between the powermodule and sunpower?


Kinda like the difference between a loaded chevy and a Cadillac, They chevy uses about the same parts, does about the same thing but the caddy is just a little bit ahead of the game.

The PM is built with as more solid housing, has a slightly better cooling system and slightly better performance.
 
I have been reading the thread I correct me if I am wrong. I have a 30” wide and 24” tall tank, I then would need 10 bulbs? Say like the ATI 60” 10x80W Powermodule T5 High Output Fixture, if I wanted to keep both clams and SPS? Tank is 60" long.
 
Hey Grim,

I'll keep it short. Thanks very much for all your advice on this thread.

I'm currently running a Phoenix 250 and an Icecap 430 w/ two 454 bulbs. I planned on going full T5 and already have an Icecap 660 and was going to buy the additional 4 reflectors, bulbs, and endcaps for 6 bulbs total over a 90 gallon. I'm worried that I won't have the proper cooling and don't like the splashing that happens (damn tangs) on the bulbs/reflectors.

Is the ATI Sunpower a much better choice over an Icecap retro kit due to the active cooling and splash shield? I have a hood over my 90 gallon so aesthetics don't matter. I'd rather make the switch to T5s right the first time. I have no problem selling the Icecap ballasts.

Thanks,
Pete
 
I have been reading the thread I correct me if I am wrong. I have a 30" wide and 24" tall tank, I then would need 10 bulbs? Say like the ATI 60" 10x80W Powermodule T5 High Output Fixture, if I wanted to keep both clams and SPS? Tank is 60" long.

You could do a 48" fixture if you want but yes, 10 lamps.
 
Sorry I don't understand with the 48" fixture, I shouldn't have been more clear on my dimensions. The tank is 60"x30"x24". But non the less, thank you for the answer.

Yes, I got that. Just saying A 48" fixture would work over that tank if you dont stock high light stuff to the ends. The advantage is the availability of some lamps, such as UVL that aren't made in the 60" length.
 
Grim... I just checked out the aqua illumination reflectors on reefgeek. It says they increase out put by 300%. I want to mainly do shrooms, zoas,and some softies. This will all be in a 48"x 18"x 23H" tank. I was figuring for my low light requirments that I could get away with running 4 48" T5 bulbs. But if the reflectors do what they say they do, should I still run 4, or maybe 2? Also, what do you think is a good quality low cost ballast to use. I saw that the aqua illumintations had a whole kit, 2 bulbs, ballast, wiring, reflectors, and sockets for $159. Is this a good kit? I'm not trying to get the best quality stuff, but I don't want to buy crap either. I can't see spending too much because with tuition, mortgage and the cost of lowriding (building classic Chevys gets expensive), there isn't much left at the end of the month. I also found a ballast at my LFS. It's by a company called GLO http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19811 that consist of a completely wired ballast for 2 bulbs. It goes for $48 and seems like a great deal. But if it's crap, I'll stay away from it. Thanks for the help Grim. It's much appreciated.
 
Grim,

I am about to purchase a 72"x40"x18" rimless peninsula style tank. I want to keep various types of corals.

I'm trying to decide on my lighting solution. The plan is to run two fixtures next to each other along the length. I'd like your thoughts on these fixtures and how they will fill out and produce light for the entire tank.

There are basically two sizes I'm considering, 60" and 72". What are your opinions on filling out the tank and will I see bleed over from the 72"?

2 x 60" 8x80W ATI Powermodule
58.1" x 17.5" x 2.3"
This leaves me roughly 5 inches to spread out

2 x 60" 6x80W ATI Powermodule
58.1" x 13.5" x 2.3"
This leaves roughly 13 inches to spread out

2 x Aquactinics T5 Constellation 72" Series
72"L x 14"W x 3"H
This leaves me roughly 12 inches to spread out
Will I see much bleed over with it being the entire tank length?


How would you lay out the bulbs for your recommendation?
 
Grim,
I've got an 18'' wide tank with 2 vho super actinics. I have a icecap 660 that will power 4 t5's. what t5 bulb combo do you recommend for this setup? Thanks for the great advice you've given all of us over the years.
 
Wow great thread it's helped me pick the fixture for over my 75g. I'm going with ATI Sunpower 48" 6x54w or should I get an 8 bulb fixture?

Bulb choice has me brain all scrambled though.:hmm4:

I currently have a OuterOrbit fixture with 2x150 Phoenix 14k MH and 2x130w PC dual blue 420nm/460nm bulbs. I like the color but need more to get my SPS to color up. I have some SPS that the very tips get a great purple color but the rest of the colony is just a cream color.

What bulbs and in what order would you recommend?
 
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