The T5 Q&a Thread

[reefsic]

Sorry, typo, 30%

So I decided to go with a 7 bulb Constellation. The current setup that I had in my 8 bulb CA Solar Fixture was (as you had recommended)...

1x UVL Actinic White
1x KZ Fiji Purp
2x ATI-AB Spc.
4x ATI B+

Since I now only need 7 bulbs, which one should I remove to keep that 20K look and feel? I was thinking of removing the UVL Actinic White...any ideas?

 

[rtparty]

I am going to swap out the MHs on my 210 with a new TEK 60" 8 bulb fixture. No SPS anymore, just LPS and zoas. The tank is standard dimension 210. Was running three 250W MH and VHO actinic. Would like to get a bit more pop out of my zoas and looking at the following bulb combinations.

Front
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue Special
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus.


Didn't know if I should add one or two GE 65000K or Geisman Midday sun to the middle section.

thanks for the help!

With no SPS, I would run 2 actinics. You don't need the PAR and they will POP the colors a little better for you.

I would be inclined to try 4 Blue Plus, 1 UVL Super Actinic, 1 UVL 75/25 and 2 Aquablue.

 

[rtparty]

Hi Grim, I am considering to buy new lamps for my old T5 fixtures with 8x54W lamps combination. The problem here is the only bulb selection available locally is from ATI such as ABS, AB+, ATI PRO and Actinic Blue. Can you please help provide the best combination for those bulbs ?

note: I may consider Giesemann Powerchrome series, KZ Fiji Purple and KZ Coral Light which available overseas (need to buy those online) if you think they may give better result.

Thanks !

5 Blue Plus, 2 Aquablue and 1 Pro Color.

 

[rtparty]

I'm running 2 X 250w Phoenix 14k HQIs with VHO UVL 454 and actinic plus for supplemental lighting. The supplemental lighting is really dim for sun up/sun down and I was thinking about adding a 2 X 54 watt retrofit kit. What T5 bulbs would go well to run along side the VHO for sun up/sun down to help brighten it up and make it look more normal (not so much under a black light).

ATI Blue Plus and Fiji Purple. The actinic is what gives you that black light look.

 

[rtparty]

Grimm the light setup i have on my solana is a ATI Sunpower and the bulbs are:
(front)
Blueplus
UV Super Actinic
Aqua Blue Special
Aqua Blue Special
ATI Blue plus
Aqua Blue Special

Too much white IMO. The Aquablue bulbs really wash out color.

On a 6 bulb combo I run 4 ATI Blue Plus, 1 KZ Fiji Purple and 1 GE 6500K.

 

[rtparty]

So I decided to go with a 7 bulb Constellation. The current setup that I had in my 8 bulb CA Solar Fixture was (as you had recommended)...

1x UVL Actinic White
1x KZ Fiji Purp
2x ATI-AB Spc.
4x ATI B+

Since I now only need 7 bulbs, which one should I remove to keep that 20K look and feel? I was thinking of removing the UVL Actinic White...any ideas?

That is what I would pull.

 

[Nexenn]

ATI Blue Plus and Fiji Purple. The actinic is what gives you that black light look.

That would give me the same look as the VHOs, I'm alrdy running VHO 454 and super actinic. I was looking for something to ballance out the blue/purple look and the lack of brightness. I was thinking one blue plus and one 12k?

 

[Nexenn]

isnt a fiji purple a black like look or rather an actinic?

 

[rtparty]

That would give me the same look as the VHOs, I'm alrdy running VHO 454 and super actinic. I was looking for something to ballance out the blue/purple look and the lack of brightness. I was thinking one blue plus and one 12k?

A Fiji Purple doesn't look like an actinic at all to me. It boosts your reds up nicely and is a bright bulb.

Throw in 2 Aquablue Special if you want brightness. You will just lose color.

 

[reefsic]

That is what I would pull.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[quickgray02]

Hey grim

I have a 72" t-5ho light that as 12 39w bulbs in it and I need to replace them. I want to get a good 12-14k look so what bulbs do you thank I should go with and what brand.

Thanks

 

[rtparty]

Hey grim

I have a 72" t-5ho light that as 12 39w bulbs in it and I need to replace them. I want to get a good 12-14k look so what bulbs do you thank I should go with and what brand.

Thanks

Found on page 209.

Quote:
Originally Posted by quickgray02
Hey grim I have question for you? I have a 72" 12-39w bulb set up on my 125g and I need to replace the bulbs but I am looking for a good 12k look. So what bulbs and brands should I go with.

Thanks
Chris

What Grim had to say.


Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue

 

[cham]

I just replaced my bulbs, was going for a nice mid range 15k look and I LOVE what I tripped over. I've had to spend a lot of cash on different bulbs and I've changed them out a dozen times but I'm finally very happy.

Back
Blue+
ATI Aquablue 12k
Kz Fiji
Blue+
Blue+
ATI Aquablue 12k
KZ Fiji
Blue+
Front

Awesome coloration of the tank. Any issues with the lamps like that?

I've also forgotten what side to put the stickers of the lamp on. I think its the side farthest from the fans correct? The side closest to the fans has a gap in the reflectors of about an inch and a half before the end of the fixture. I would think you'd want the labels over top of the reflector gap.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I am going to swap out the MHs on my 210 with a new TEK 60" 8 bulb fixture. No SPS anymore, just LPS and zoas. The tank is standard dimension 210. Was running three 250W MH and VHO actinic. Would like to get a bit more pop out of my zoas and looking at the following bulb combinations.

Front
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue Special
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus.


Didn't know if I should add one or two GE 65000K or Geisman Midday sun to the middle section.

thanks for the help!

Front
Blue Plus
Fiji Purple
Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus
Fiji Purple
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

is what I would try. You could throw an actinic in slot 7 for dusk/dawn. Wont make much difference with everything on but dusk/dawn will look a little cooler.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hi Grim, I am considering to buy new lamps for my old T5 fixtures with 8x54W lamps combination. The problem here is the only bulb selection available locally is from ATI such as ABS, AB+, ATI PRO and Actinic Blue. Can you please help provide the best combination for those bulbs ?

note: I may consider Giesemann Powerchrome series, KZ Fiji Purple and KZ Coral Light which available overseas (need to buy those online) if you think they may give better result.

Thanks !

Try 5 Blue Plus 2 Aquablues and a Pro Color. Get a spare Aquablue in case you think the look is too blue

 

[The Grim Reefer]

isnt a fiji purple a black like look or rather an actinic?

More like an Aquablue with the green spectrum removed, basically blue and red mix which causes minor fluorescence but it's real strength is bringing out red colors and half tones with red in them./

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I just replaced my bulbs, was going for a nice mid range 15k look and I LOVE what I tripped over. I've had to spend a lot of cash on different bulbs and I've changed them out a dozen times but I'm finally very happy.

Back
Blue+
ATI Aquablue 12k
Kz Fiji
Blue+
Blue+
ATI Aquablue 12k
KZ Fiji
Blue+
Front

Awesome coloration of the tank. Any issues with the lamps like that?

I've also forgotten what side to put the stickers of the lamp on. I think its the side farthest from the fans correct? The side closest to the fans has a gap in the reflectors of about an inch and a half before the end of the fixture. I would think you'd want the labels over top of the reflector gap.

Nope, labels where the gap is. If you look there are cooling ducts there.

 

[sean A.]

Hey Grim how can you tell if it's time to replace your bulbs?

 

[ReefBlazer]

Grimm the light setup i have on my solana is a ATI Sunpower and the bulbs are:
(front)
Blueplus
UV Super Actinic
Aqua Blue Special
Aqua Blue Special
ATI Blue plus
Aqua Blue Special

Please let me know how to get better coloration!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Grim how can you tell if it's time to replace your bulbs?

Hold the lamp in line with magnetic north and place your tongue on the pins on the label end. If it tastes salty you are gullible.






I kill me





Unless you've tracked output with some sort of light meter the only way I know is to put a new lamp in the fixture next to the old one and see if there is a major difference in the look.