The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

I am setting up a 120G, 48"X24"X24". I would like to keep mostly LPS and softies. I am not new to SW, but I am new to this big of tank and getting into anything other than fish.

I think I have my mind set on the Tek 5 Elite 48". Should I go with the 6 bulb or the 8 bulb and what light confiuration should I go with.

Thanks
Eric

I'd go with 8 lamps, 5 ATI Blue Plus, 2 UVL Actinic White and a GE 6500K Daylight.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim,

For a 48" tank would you recommend the 48" or 36" ATI fixture?

I was all set on getting the 48" but people are saying get the 36" because of light spillover at the ends?

A 48" fixture only has a illuminated area about 45" long, shouldn't be an issue unless the fixture is more than like 8 inches above the tank.

 

[JG1]

A 48" fixture only has a illuminated area about 45" long, shouldn't be an issue unless the fixture is more than like 8 inches above the tank.

Thx grim, I will get the 48" then.

Would you definitely go with a 8 bulb PM over a 6 bulb SP.....I really want to be able to keep anything in the tank, but at the same time don't want LPS to be unhappy. Tank is 48x24x18. I

 

[clownfreak]

Grim what bulbs should I use in a 24in light over a 16in tall tank and I'd like to keep an bta. It's a 2 bulb fixture. Also what reflectors would you recommend? Thanks!

 

[C-21 USAF]

Grim,

I added the LET reflectors and 60" ATI Blue plus on the front and back of my halides per your suggestion and they look like crap....just kidding, everything looks great and thanks for the advice.

I'm running them on an Icecap 660 and am concerned about the overdriving...I spoke with George at reef geek and he said they sell a lot of 660s for T-5 applications and also that they were about to start carrying ATI T-5 spec ballasts...I'm considering switching as my T-5s are only supplemental.

Am I just over thinking this overdriving thing? My tank is an open-top with fans blowing over the top. I can grab and hold onto the label end of the bulb.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[jwilliams860]

Ok so I figured Id ask here since the ATI thread doesnt get much traffic, I just bought a used power module, and I was wondering is the end piece that has the air vents supposed to be opposite the side of the intakes that are under the bulbs?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Thx grim, I will get the 48" then.

Would you definitely go with a 8 bulb PM over a 6 bulb SP.....I really want to be able to keep anything in the tank, but at the same time don't want LPS to be unhappy. Tank is 48x24x18. I

If you are willing to leave the sandbed for lower light LPS and softies 6 will work.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim what bulbs should I use in a 24in light over a 16in tall tank and I'd like to keep an bta. It's a 2 bulb fixture. Also what reflectors would you recommend? Thanks!

Any of the decent reflectors will be fine, one ATI Blue Plus and a ATI Aquablue.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim,

I added the LET reflectors and 60" ATI Blue plus on the front and back of my halides per your suggestion and they look like crap....just kidding, everything looks great and thanks for the advice.

I'm running them on an Icecap 660 and am concerned about the overdriving...I spoke with George at reef geek and he said they sell a lot of 660s for T-5 applications and also that they were about to start carrying ATI T-5 spec ballasts...I'm considering switching as my T-5s are only supplemental.

Am I just over thinking this overdriving thing? My tank is an open-top with fans blowing over the top. I can grab and hold onto the label end of the bulb.

Thanks,
Jason

I'd stick with the 660. If it dies or you have another use for it then go with a standard ballast.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Ok so I figured Id ask here since the ATI thread doesnt get much traffic, I just bought a used power module, and I was wondering is the end piece that has the air vents supposed to be opposite the side of the intakes that are under the bulbs?

Yep, makes the air come out the vent holes then travel down the lenght of the lamp and out the end.

 

[jwilliams860]

Yep, makes the air come out the vent holes then travel down the lenght of the lamp and out the end.

Thanks grim, thats what I figured, mine some how was on the same side as the vents under the bulbs

 

[clownfreak]

Thanks Grim! I'd be lost without ya

 

[cmaxwell39]

Hey Grim et al,

My question is does the workhorse ballast overdrive 39W T5ho bulbs? I am dealing with a used fixture with workhorse ballasts in it, and I am not getting the color out of Blue + bulbs that I am used to. Maybe it is just my eye, but it seems whiter to me. Thanks.

 

[C-21 USAF]

I'd stick with the 660. If it dies or you have another use for it then go with a standard ballast.

Thanks a million Grim!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Grim et al,

My question is does the workhorse ballast overdrive 39W T5ho bulbs? I am dealing with a used fixture with workhorse ballasts in it, and I am not getting the color out of Blue + bulbs that I am used to. Maybe it is just my eye, but it seems whiter to me. Thanks.

It CAN overdrive. You would have to look at how it's wired. The yellow wire coming from the ballast should go to one end of all lamps connected to the ballast. One the other end there should be one red wire from the ballast connected to other end. If two red wires are connected to the other end of a lamp it is overdriven, I wouldn't suggest overdriving with a workhorse.

The correct way to wire them is a single red wire to one end split so it is connected to both pins at that end.

 

[harana]

Ok... I'm thinking about upgrading my lighting. Tank is 60 long x 24 high x 18 wide. I currently have an outer orbit fixture with 2 250w MH bulbs (electronic ballasts) , no name provided and 4 x HO strips (48" bulbs) (2 x 460nm blue slimpaq superbright blue and 2 x 420nm actinitc blue softer purple). Would there be any benefit in upgrading either the MH or HO bulbs? If so what brands/models would work well? I am intent on keeping a mix of corals - soft, lps and sps. Thanks in advance!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Ok... I'm thinking about upgrading my lighting. Tank is 60 long x 24 high x 18 wide. I currently have an outer orbit fixture with 2 250w MH bulbs (electronic ballasts) , no name provided and 4 x HO strips (48" bulbs) (2 x 460nm blue slimpaq superbright blue and 2 x 420nm actinitc blue softer purple). Would there be any benefit in upgrading either the MH or HO bulbs? If so what brands/models would work well? I am intent on keeping a mix of corals - soft, lps and sps. Thanks in advance!

Good lamps are never a bad idea. I'd do 3 ATI blue Plus and a KZ Fiji Purple for the T5's and when it's time for new halides get 12 to 14K lamps.

 

[cmaxwell39]

Thanks Grim. I will check it out.

 

[nikesb]

i just purchased a used sunpower and was wondering what parts were included in the hanging kit.

i think im missing the two smaller parts of the coiled metal. is it a necessary part?

 

[chark]

Time to change the lights on my 10 bulb ATI Powermodule. 24" deep with SPS on top half and softies on the bottom. Wanting a 14K-20k look but also growth. Here is what I was thinking about ordering.

Front
ATI Blue+
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue+
UVL Super Actinic
KZ Fiji Purple
UVL Super Actinic
GE 6500
ATI Blue+
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue+

Suggestions please. Also suggestions for 1 or 2 additional bulbs to change out.