The T5 Q&a Thread

[Bzar]

This is truly an amazing thread...tyvm Grim and co.
Questions I'm needing answered are as followed if someone could help please...

first: Tank size is 48 long, 24 wide, 18 tall with a 1.5" sand bed.
I want to grow SPS primarily.
I've built my own 48" light fixture and can probably fit 8 T5's.

With this tank size and coral desire what's the best here...

1) how many bulbs do I need? How many should I go for?
2) Should then be over driven with Icecap or is normal HO fine?
3) with shallow tank can I get away with cheaper reflectors? or should I go Icecap?
4) what's a good blue/blue bulb config for what's suggested? I can get ATI, Gman, Aqua Science.

Thanks in advance.

 

[WILLIAM2]

Im wiring up my two icecap 660 ballast and have a stupid question that I already now the answer to. But can I wire up both ballast on the same electrical plug? So theres only one coming off the canopy.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim,

Do you have PAR number of Aqua Science lamps? Special 15000K and Blue 22000K. Few people mention AS blue is bluer than ATI blue plus and provide more pop. Have you used special 15000K, is it bright comparing to ATI aquablue?

Thanks.

I have seen and used both the ATI and AS blue lamps and can't see any difference in the color of the lamps nor the resulting colors of the corals under them, or the giesemann which is made by the same company as the AS.

As far as PAR they are about equal to the Giesemann, just slightly lower than the ATI once burned in.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

This is truly an amazing thread...tyvm Grim and co.
Questions I'm needing answered are as followed if someone could help please...

first: Tank size is 48 long, 24 wide, 18 tall with a 1.5" sand bed.
I want to grow SPS primarily.
I've built my own 48" light fixture and can probably fit 8 T5's.

With this tank size and coral desire what's the best here...

1) how many bulbs do I need? How many should I go for?
2) Should then be over driven with Icecap or is normal HO fine?
3) with shallow tank can I get away with cheaper reflectors? or should I go Icecap?
4) what's a good blue/blue bulb config for what's suggested? I can get ATI, Gman, Aqua Science.

Thanks in advance.

6 would work but 8 is better
Normally driven
"Cheaper" reflectors would be the TEK which are too wide to make 8 lamps fit

For lamps do 6 ATI Blue Plus and 2 Giesemann midday

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Im wiring up my two icecap 660 ballast and have a stupid question that I already now the answer to. But can I wire up both ballast on the same electrical plug? So theres only one coming off the canopy.

As long as the cord is rated for the amperage the ballasts can draw, get a cord that can handle 10 amps and you should be fine. On the other hand 2 cords would give you dusk/dawn options so.....

 

[steelcity]

hey Grim, looking to replace the bulbs in my 48" Nova T5 with single reflcetor. I think I saw earlier you recommended going this route:

Front
ATI Blue plu
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Aqua blue
ATI Blue Plus

Am I correct in saying that in this setup there is only one daylight bulb and the other 3 are actinic? Is this enough white light? Also how do UVL bulbs compare with these since I have these available at my LFS.

What configuration would you go with. This is on my 55 with LPS and some softies. No SPS. Run my actinics for 9 hours and daylights for 6 currently. Thanks.

 

[WILLIAM2]

As long as the cord is rated for the amperage the ballasts can draw, get a cord that can handle 10 amps and you should be fine. On the other hand 2 cords would give you dusk/dawn options so.....

Dusk to dawn option I wasnt even thinking about that thanks alot.

 

[steelcity]

Also I picked up my Nova single relector fixture used. Looking to possibly buy a new fixture. Looking at the Tek fixture with leg attachments. Is there a reason to change fixtures or would I be ok with my current Nova and new bulbs? Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

hey Grim, looking to replace the bulbs in my 48" Nova T5 with single reflcetor. I think I saw earlier you recommended going this route:

Front
ATI Blue plu
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Aqua blue
ATI Blue Plus

Am I correct in saying that in this setup there is only one daylight bulb and the other 3 are actinic? Is this enough white light? Also how do UVL bulbs compare with these since I have these available at my LFS.

What configuration would you go with. This is on my 55 with LPS and some softies. No SPS. Run my actinics for 9 hours and daylights for 6 currently. Thanks.

Fiji Purple is also a daylight lamp, just spiked with actinic like the aquablue. The UVL lamps look nice but don't have as much PAR as the Giesemann and ATI ones.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Also I picked up my Nova single relector fixture used. Looking to possibly buy a new fixture. Looking at the Tek fixture with leg attachments. Is there a reason to change fixtures or would I be ok with my current Nova and new bulbs? Thanks

Depends on the tank. If it is over 18" tall you should look at a better fixture

 

[steelcity]

Thanks. It's a standard 55 so it is 20" high.

 

[freeswimmingfis]

CROSS POSTED FROM A SEPERATE THREAD:

Well, I picked up a 90g RR tank/stand/canopy a few days ago, so now I need lights. Long story, but I had an IC660 T5 setup, but no longer....
Anyway, I found this setup from Hellolights, what are the opinions?

This setup comes with a VHO ballast (says it will overdrive 15%), endcaps with standoffs, individual refelectors AND lamps for $200.
Kit Includes:
* Four Parabolic clip on reflectors (42.5" x 2" x 1")
* One Hellolights Very High Output T5 ballast (15% overdrive)
* Four Pairs Moisture Resistant German End-caps
* Four Pair End cap Stand-Offs
* Two 48" (HO,T5) 10,000K 54W - TRU
* Two 48" (HO,T5) Actinic 03 54W - TRU

The lamps will get me through the first year while I get the tank up and running & cycled. After I get stocked and have an idea what I will be keeping, then I will make differant lamp choices if needed.
So, is this a decent setup and worth buying? Or what else should I be looking at for the same amout of money. I only have about a $200 budget. I need a retro/DIY fit kit, as it will be attached to the top lid of my canopy.
Here is the link:
http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1824

Thanks for you opinions
Joe

 

[Dtronic]

I bought this 225 tank two weeks ago. 72x24x30.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1639265

If I use lumen pendants I need to cut holes in the canopy since it's only 14" high.

Can I use T5 in a 30" deep tank for SPS and clams, or do I need to break out the saw?

 

[Bzar]

6 would work but 8 is better
Normally driven
"Cheaper" reflectors would be the TEK which are too wide to make 8 lamps fit

For lamps do 6 ATI Blue Plus and 2 Giesemann midday

Awesome Grim. Thank you.....You really do help.

And before I buy stuff, Just couple more questions I forgot (wife was rushing me out the door while I was trying to post my previous questions :mad2

1) for a normal output ballast which would be best....workhorse, or advance?
2) normal end caps ok to use? or is water proof totally needed?
3) in fixture fans still encouraged for normal output lighting?
4) I live by SWC and they have their own brand of reflectors. The owner says they are made from anadolum (or something like that), and are 98% reflective. They are 2.75 wide, and I can fit 8 in my fixture with my curved design....kind of like a Aquatinics TX. Would these be plenty for sps?

and that's it
Thanks again.

 

[bayareaquarist]

Thanks Again Grim Reefer~!! Ive been battling with sellecting bulbs for quit some time so I apperciate your input~!! The bulbs look great~! I hadnt really considered the UV's but the color addition is awesome~!!

Cheers,
Matt

 

[black_ice_pc]

I too am interested in the retro from hellolights that freeswimmingfis posted. His link was broken, lights are located here

 

[GrantMeThePower]

I recently replaced my bulbs. Its a 60 gallon tank with 4x 54watt bulbs.

I have:

Blue Plus
75/25
1200K Actinic White
Blue Plus

I love the looks of the tank with just the blue plus on, but when the others come on it is very washed out and loses all florescence. What is wrong with this set up?

 

[rtparty]

I recently replaced my bulbs. Its a 60 gallon tank with 4x 54watt bulbs.

I have:

Blue Plus
75/25
1200K Actinic White
Blue Plus

I love the looks of the tank with just the blue plus on, but when the others come on it is very washed out and loses all florescence. What is wrong with this set up?

Too much red from the 75/25 and Actinic White. Go buy either an ATI Aquablue or an ATI Blue Plus and play with them.

I would try this first:

ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

 

[clockman]

Just to let evertbody know......Dr. Fosters & Smith has t5's on sale. Most of the 54 watt bulbs are around $15.00 a piece with reasonable shipping fee's. I got 4 UVL 54 watt 10k bulbs for $66.75 shipped!

 

[freeswimmingfis]

I too am interested in the retro from hellolights that freeswimmingfis posted. His link was broken, lights are located here

Yer right..broken link:hammer:
try this 48" T5 setup