The T5 Q&a Thread

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scout12
Grim,

I have a 75 gallon tank (48x18x21) with four T5 bulbs with individual Icecap reflectors and overdriven by an Icecap 660 ballast. I bought this from someone and am not sure exactly what bulbs I have but looks very white and ready to change all four. So far mostly zoos and rics and a few sps. Would like to add more sps in the future.

What bulbs and manufacturer would you suggest. I would prefer a blueish look.


Do I need to add any more bulbs with these four being overdriven? Not sure that I could fit more than one more unless I got a more narrow reflector and of course would rather not add unless really necessary.

Thanks

4 is enough.

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus


Grim,

Thanks for the reply. So three Blue Plus and no Aquablue?

Will this setup be strong enough for an anemone or clam?

Thanks again
 
Gahngoo said:
Grim,

I too, like many other readers, have read though this forum and got really confused. Can I get your opinion about replacement T5 bulbs. Currently, I have a 180gal 6x2x2 with mostly zoanthids, xenia, leathers, with a few LPS and a few SPS that are set higher in the tank. I am currently using two 36" sundial fixtures with the stock bulbs (2 Sunpaq 39w 460 actinic + 2 Sunpaq 39w 10Ks). Its been about 14 months and I need new bulbs. I am ready to buy now, so what would the best 4 bulb set up be for each of the fixtures? Also, where would be the best place to get the bulbs you recommend? (I don't want anything too blue or too yellow, I like the current setup's color) Sorry for being longwinded.

Thanks,
Blake
Click to expand...

Front
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue

This is going to be a little more blue than the current setup when it was new, a lot bluer than it is now, 14 months later but I think you will like it if you like the stock color.
 
Scout12 said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scout12
Grim,

I have a 75 gallon tank (48x18x21) with four T5 bulbs with individual Icecap reflectors and overdriven by an Icecap 660 ballast. I bought this from someone and am not sure exactly what bulbs I have but looks very white and ready to change all four. So far mostly zoos and rics and a few sps. Would like to add more sps in the future.

What bulbs and manufacturer would you suggest. I would prefer a blueish look.


Do I need to add any more bulbs with these four being overdriven? Not sure that I could fit more than one more unless I got a more narrow reflector and of course would rather not add unless really necessary.

Thanks

4 is enough.

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus


Grim,

Thanks for the reply. So three Blue Plus and no Aquablue?

Will this setup be strong enough for an anemone or clam?

Thanks again
Click to expand...

Be plenty. No Aquablue, the Actinic White is what will brighten the look but also give you red and yellow you don't get with blue lamps.
 
cardiffgiant said:
Grim, what do you thin the best bulb combo is for a 6 bulb fixture, and how would you arrange them?
Click to expand...

You have to arrange the lamps to get Blues on the dusk/dawn pair or use the 75/25 with a Blue Plus.

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
 
jhoff said:
Hi guy's

Anyone have any info on this fixture http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=5134
Click to expand...

Ice Cap make good stuff but it doesn't appear they included cooling on that fixture. Unless it is priced lower than a ATI Sunpower I wouldn't buy it but I am also a big fan of active cooling the fixtures. Hopefully there will be a version with active cooling in the future, I would really prefer to recommend stuff made in the USA but at this point the Aquactinics is the only ones made with good reflectors and te cooling.
 
Hi Grim,

I'm currently thinking of upgrading my tank. I have an ATI PM 8x24W. Which option is the best for an sps/clam tank?:

1) 36x36x24
2) 30x30x24

TIA :)
 
Leopard Man said:
Hi Grim,

I'm currently thinking of upgrading my tank. I have an ATI PM 8x24W. Which option is the best for an sps/clam tank?:

1) 36x36x24
2) 30x30x24

TIA :)
Click to expand...

30x30. You will light a larger portion of the footprint with your fixture so it is way better for clams.
 
The Grim Reefer said:
Front
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue

This is going to be a little more blue than the current setup when it was new, a lot bluer than it is now, 14 months later but I think you will like it if you like the stock color.
Click to expand...



Cool, thanks for the quick response. but isn't the GE 6500K a yellowish light? What would a 10K or 12K look like (I'm just curious)? What's the best place to buy them?

Blake
 
Gahngoo said:
Cool, thanks for the quick response. but isn't the GE 6500K a yellowish light? What would a 10K or 12K look like (I'm just curious)? What's the best place to buy them?

Blake
Click to expand...

The GE is yellowish, Ivory color but the Aquablue is a little blue so you will end up with an overall 10K white look from the pair. Reefgeek tends to have the best deals.
 
Grim,

I asked this question of Sonny over on this rimless thread, but I thought I would get another opinon.

I am about ready to order the Constellation for my 120 gal and currently debating to go with the current 7 bulb fixture or wait for the new 6 bulb hybrid with a row of LED. Sonny recommended going with the 7 bulb and not to worry about shimmer effect.

I believe there are add on LED's that I can get the shimmer and there is also a good deal of uncertainty with the new fixture will actually ship.

Any thoughts.
 
milkman55 said:
Grim,

I asked this question of Sonny over on this rimless thread, but I thought I would get another opinon.

I am about ready to order the Constellation for my 120 gal and currently debating to go with the current 7 bulb fixture or wait for the new 6 bulb hybrid with a row of LED. Sonny recommended going with the 7 bulb and not to worry about shimmer effect.

I believe there are add on LED's that I can get the shimmer and there is also a good deal of uncertainty with the new fixture will actually ship.

Any thoughts.
Click to expand...

It is my opinion that there are not bright enough LED's on the market to produce any decent amount of shimmer with 6 T5's running. I am sure you will see some but is it worth it? I dunno. You could remove a reflector and mount LED's above the lamp to shine between the gap between the lamp and the reflector next to it.
 
Ok Grim.....I got my bulbs in yesterday evening so give me your best SPS 8 bulb combo with the following bulbs.


2-GE 6500k
3-ATI AB Special
4-ATI B+
2-ATI Pro Color
 
Hey grim, Im currently using a aquaticnics solar flare 6 bulb fixture, that I moved from my 90 gallon to my current 180 gallon 4' by 3' by 2'. I dont feel like the width of the light as well as the output is enough anymore. Im planning on getting the ATI powermodule 48'' 10 bulb. Is that a better choice or should I stick with the solar flare. If it is a better choice, what bulb combo would you go with for 10 bulbs. ( I dont know what bulbs are on what switch). Ill have to look into that. Thanks again.
 
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