The T5 Q&a Thread

[kels]

Should i go with the 8x54 tek elite or the 6x54 tek elite and 2 LED strips? my tank is 29 tall
would like to keep sps and lps

 

[polyp02]

Thanks Grim. Now is there any advantage in getting the Very High output retros as opposed to the High output? Their comes a point where a "Deluxe" version is the same as the orignal and may only have minor changes done to it. What I'm trying to say is that are the Very high output lamps way brighter that the High output? I've heard also that the LEDs are not as good which is what Aquailluminations is. Also what brand of bulbs and ballast do you recommend?

 

[Nereaga]

Grim- Can I get away with the ATI sunpower 4x54w setup over my standard 75g? I have SPS up high in the tank, top 1/2. LPS on bottom.

Thanks!

 

[STAF0S]

Hello everyone. Im a T5 newb and really dont know what each bulb color really looks like. Ive been running a 150w sunpod over my 24g and now that im getting into more rare and LE zoas/palys id really like to get the most out of my light. I just purchased a NEP and im planning on switching out the bulbs for the new UVL's. My question is: What bulb combo will give me a nice 20k-22k spectrum. Nothing too rich, but a nice crisp POP.

I plan on ultimately stocking most types of corals but palys being the main focus. Thanks for any help!

 

[kels]

Should i go with the 8x54 tek elite or the 6x54 tek elite and 2 LED strips? my tank is 29 tall
would like to keep sps and lps

I could go with the sunpower too as another option.

 

[reefWW96]

stafos, well a 6,500k and some aquablue specials could do the trick. Need a little more info though. What fixture is it that you are using?

 

[STAF0S]

the Nova Extreme Pro 20" 6x18w 108w

Here are the available options for the new UVL bulbs

http://www.nanotuners.com/index.php?cPath=77

 

[pascal32]

I'm putting together a 20 gallon tall (24" Long x 12" Deep x 16" Tall) frag tank and would like to put some T5s over it - how many bulbs should I be looking at? Predominantly softies and LPS.

BTW - thanks for the previous help on my 72 - it looks great (3xATI Blue+, Fiji, 2xGeissman aquablue 15Ks)

 

[Im Lon 2]

Ok I have been going back and forth on which bulbs to get for my 8 t5 setup. I'm using a The Tek DIY system, and its time to replace my bulbs.

I really like the Super Actinic UVL bulbs. But the bulb I was not quite sure of was the 12000 k IceCap, are these good bulbs at all?

There is a LFS that has this setup on one of there displays and I really like the color. They also have a few other setups with different type lighting so you can get a good idea what different bulbs look like. On this setup they did not have Fiji purple that I do want to add.

My thought was to run 8 x54 over my 180 Note these bulbs with be staggered from side to side, and I'm looking for a 14 k look. I have seen your suggestions but really like the UV SA, that I have now and the comparison you did back in 06 http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=876329&highlight=t5+super+actinic


....------------UV SA------
--------Icecap 12k----......
....------------UV SA------
--------Fiji purple ----......
....--------figi purple ------
------------UV SA------....
....--------Icecap 12k-----
------------UV SA------....


TIA for your help.

 

[kuyatwo]

The T5 Q&a Thread

Here is what I run on my 8 bulb fixture

Front

Ati blue plus
Ati blue plus
Uvl super actinic
Fiji purple
Uvl actinic white
Uvl superactinic
Ati blue plus
Ati blue plus

Back

This gives me a nice crisp white with blue. And the pop in my orange red and purple chalices and acans.

The color reminds me of my old radium 20k bulbs ran on a hqi ballast.

I get great growth

 

[pascal32]

I believe earlier on i read that one fiji is all you need

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Ordered one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JWUT6O/ref=ox_ya_os_product

Should be good.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Grim, I have question for you.
I picked up 40 breeder today and I want to
switch from 250w MH to t5 (I had 46g bow front both 3ft)
I see local guy selling 4x 39w ati powermodule with
2 blue+, aquablue, and fiji purple.
I'm wondering if 4x 39w powermodule is more than enough to cover 18inch width?
I'm planning to go full sps dominated tank.
Thanks

That would give you maybe 12" front to back for high light critters, if that works with your stocking plan be fine.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Should i go with the 8x54 tek elite or the 6x54 tek elite and 2 LED strips? my tank is 29 tall
would like to keep sps and lps

6 should be fine for a 29

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Thanks Grim. Now is there any advantage in getting the Very High output retros as opposed to the High output? Their comes a point where a "Deluxe" version is the same as the orignal and may only have minor changes done to it. What I'm trying to say is that are the Very high output lamps way brighter that the High output? I've heard also that the LEDs are not as good which is what Aquailluminations is. Also what brand of bulbs and ballast do you recommend?

If the tank is over 24" tall or 20" tall and you want high light critters on the sand then overdriving is a consideration. Aquailluminations makes a really good T5 reflector. VS, Advanced, Sylvania and Triad are all good T5 ballasts.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim- Can I get away with the ATI sunpower 4x54w setup over my standard 75g? I have SPS up high in the tank, top 1/2. LPS on bottom.

Thanks!

Be fine, just don't put high light clams on the sand.

 

[kels]

I have been reading and i read that the tek elite ballast arnt to great and i was wonder would a sunpower be better ?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hello everyone. Im a T5 newb and really dont know what each bulb color really looks like. Ive been running a 150w sunpod over my 24g and now that im getting into more rare and LE zoas/palys id really like to get the most out of my light. I just purchased a NEP and im planning on switching out the bulbs for the new UVL's. My question is: What bulb combo will give me a nice 20k-22k spectrum. Nothing too rich, but a nice crisp POP.

I plan on ultimately stocking most types of corals but palys being the main focus. Thanks for any help!

4 454's, 1 UVL 75/25 and a Indigo sun (I think UVL has that) would be nice.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'm putting together a 20 gallon tall (24" Long x 12" Deep x 16" Tall) frag tank and would like to put some T5s over it - how many bulbs should I be looking at? Predominantly softies and LPS.

BTW - thanks for the previous help on my 72 - it looks great (3xATI Blue+, Fiji, 2xGeissman aquablue 15Ks)

4 should be fine.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Ok I have been going back and forth on which bulbs to get for my 8 t5 setup. I'm using a The Tek DIY system, and its time to replace my bulbs.

I really like the Super Actinic UVL bulbs. But the bulb I was not quite sure of was the 12000 k IceCap, are these good bulbs at all?

There is a LFS that has this setup on one of there displays and I really like the color. They also have a few other setups with different type lighting so you can get a good idea what different bulbs look like. On this setup they did not have Fiji purple that I do want to add.

My thought was to run 8 x54 over my 180 Note these bulbs with be staggered from side to side, and I'm looking for a 14 k look. I have seen your suggestions but really like the UV SA, that I have now and the comparison you did back in 06 http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=876329&highlight=t5+super+actinic


....------------UV SA------
--------Icecap 12k----......
....------------UV SA------
--------Fiji purple ----......
....--------figi purple ------
------------UV SA------....
....--------Icecap 12k-----
------------UV SA------....


TIA for your help.

I would run 60" 80 watt lamps over a 6 foot tank and UVL doesn't make lamps that length so......

Running 54 watt lamps staggered just presents too many problems IMHO.