The T5 Q&a Thread

[daveonbass]

to all the T5 guys (grim if he can find the time)...

it's time to replace bulbs in an ATI 6x39w fixture that's hung from 12-14" ATWL.

currently running:
front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue Plus

the new purple by ati looks promising...AND I prefer a blue 14-20K look to the tank. Also I want as much PAR as possible this time for all my sps that seem to not be quite as colorful. Please advise as to which combo will be a good new start for my tank...

thanks in advance.

 

[officerbogus]

OK, I have been reading these threads since last night.

First I cannot believe how much information Grim and the others on this thread have given out. if it were not for people like you, a lot of us would not be able to hack this hobby.

OK all I am being given a "24, 8 bulb fixture from a friend and want to set up a zoa and paly frag tank with my 20 long. What would be the best bulb set up for growth, then color.

Thanks

 

[bmanzie]

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

on each side.

Thank you for your help with this. I have ordered the bulbs and can't wait for them to get here. I have another question, I went to your site and did some reading. I currently do no have a splash gaurd on my retro kits. Should I make one? If so what do I use?

 

[daveonbass]

a clear acrylic piece cut to size should work just fine. And local hardware store should have some in different sizes. It's just good piece of mind...

 

[reeferlover]

I have been looking into getting a t5 ho fixture. I currently have a 75gal standard size. I am wanting to get a fixture that will last and give me good output. I have been looking at either a TEK or ATI fixture. I do like having active cooling and a hanging kit or legs options. I was wondering what amount of bulbs do i need? I do want to keep clams and sps.


Im thinking 6 bulbs of course ATI, but whats up with the ATI purple its new? Is it like a FIJI purple? What would be the best combo and amount of bulbs. Will the 4 bulb just cut it? 8 too much? Also how good are the TEKs with out the cooling not the elite ones?

Thanks for any help you guys and gals can give me!!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Im currently running a sunpower 6x54 watt (48") on a 48x18x18 with great success and would like to use T5s for my large reef tank.

I just got a 48x48x24 Cube eurobraced with a 36x36 top access hole. My goal is to have a mixed reef where probably soft and lps are gonna be dominating 90% and I will have a few SPS. I want to be able to keep several RBTAs and GBTAs.

I was thinking of getting 2 Sunpower fixtures 6x39 watt (get 36" fixtures) for a total of 12 T5 bulbs for great bulb color combos...

Would 12 T5s on ATI Sunpower fixtures get good coverage, because 468 watts of T5s on a 240g tank sounds awesome for power savings and reduced heat?

Something like
6 ATI Blue Plus
2 ATI Actinic 03
2 ATI Purple Plus
2 ATI Procolor

I want that 20k look with the most coral fluorescence possible.

Drop the procolors for 1 ATI Aquablue and another Blue Plus.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hi Grim I would appreciate your help with my lighting. I have a nova extreme 8 bulb 48" t-5 fixture over my 75g mixed reef, but everyday I have more and more sps corals. I've been noticing my corals colors are not as vibrant as they use to be and thought it may be the lighting because its been about 10 months since i bought these bulbs and also my parameters are good. I favor a blueish tank, but I just want what's right for a healthy tank. I now there are some new bulbs in the market and I would like to buy the correct combination for growth and coloring. The combination i have right now is:

Front:
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
UVL Super Actinic
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus

If you could also help me with the order they should be put in, i'll greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

front
Blue Plus
ATI Purple Plus
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus
Purple Plus
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

 

[zeroc0o0l]

Grim , you have a PM

Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Grim, I've recently setup a 10 bulb t5 retro inside a 48x24in canopy. The bulbs are driven by Icecap ballasts and I have 2x4.5in EcoPlus fans blowing perpendicular to the bulbs on both ends from the back. My question is, can there be too much cooling going on in my canopy and will too much cooling hinder the full potential output of the bulbs? I run a chiller for the system, so heating up of the water isn't really a concern. Getting the most output from my lighting is. What's your take on this?

1 What kind of reflectors are you using? Nothing boost output better than the right reflectors

2 As long as the are blowing on the end of the lamps you should be fine.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

to all the T5 guys (grim if he can find the time)...

it's time to replace bulbs in an ATI 6x39w fixture that's hung from 12-14" ATWL.

currently running:
front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue Plus

the new purple by ati looks promising...AND I prefer a blue 14-20K look to the tank. Also I want as much PAR as possible this time for all my sps that seem to not be quite as colorful. Please advise as to which combo will be a good new start for my tank...

thanks in advance.

Drop the actinics for Blue Plus and use the purple plus instead of the Fiji Purple. Grab an aquablue just in case you want to brighten things up a little more.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

OK, I have been reading these threads since last night.

First I cannot believe how much information Grim and the others on this thread have given out. if it were not for people like you, a lot of us would not be able to hack this hobby.

OK all I am being given a "24, 8 bulb fixture from a friend and want to set up a zoa and paly frag tank with my 20 long. What would be the best bulb set up for growth, then color.

Thanks

8 lamp fixture over a 20? Use 4 of the lamp slots, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 Aquablue and a Purple Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Thank you for your help with this. I have ordered the bulbs and can't wait for them to get here. I have another question, I went to your site and did some reading. I currently do no have a splash gaurd on my retro kits. Should I make one? If so what do I use?

Plexiglass. Unless the lamps are less than about 4 inches from the water I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I have been looking into getting a t5 ho fixture. I currently have a 75gal standard size. I am wanting to get a fixture that will last and give me good output. I have been looking at either a TEK or ATI fixture. I do like having active cooling and a hanging kit or legs options. I was wondering what amount of bulbs do i need? I do want to keep clams and sps.


Im thinking 6 bulbs of course ATI, but whats up with the ATI purple its new? Is it like a FIJI purple? What would be the best combo and amount of bulbs. Will the 4 bulb just cut it? 8 too much? Also how good are the TEKs with out the cooling not the elite ones?

Thanks for any help you guys and gals can give me!!

ATI Sunpower with 4 Blue Plus, 1 Aquablue and a Purple Plus which is the same as a Fiji Purple.

 

[Zach.Attack6]

Have a 6 x 54 sunpower
Im replacing bulbs
Im running these now
Front
ATI Blue +
KZ fiji purple
ATIU Blue +
GE 6500k
ATI Blue +
ATI Aqua blue special

Wanted to switch the GE 6500 out for something else? Do I need it, because its kind of yellow

 

[1tlew0]

Grim, I'm in the process of building a 75g tank. I have an opp. to pick up a 4 bulb Tek light for $100, but I was curious if that will be enough light? I will mostly keep softies but maybe some sps up towards the top of the tank. Or I can get a 4 bulb vho setup. What would you recommend for lighting?

 

[irocz2280]

Change the lamps to 5 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Purple Plus and a GE 6500K Daylight and see what you think.

And how should i place these in the fixture From front to back ?

 

[officerbogus]

8 lamp fixture over a 20? Use 4 of the lamp slots, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 Aquablue and a Purple Plus

I could put the light over my 60 gallon stock tank/fuge, and use that as the frag tank. If I do that could I use all 8 bulbs and which ones.

Thanks for your time:lol2:

 

[MAXreefer]

I have not so much experience with T5's and SPS and looking into several lighting options.

I am going to setup an Elos System 120. (47.24x22.5x19.69). From the dimensions the tank is not very deep and it will be a SPS dominated tank.

I am looking into the ATI dimmable 48" 54W Powermodule T5 High-Output Fixture.
Some questions:

• Should I go for a 6 or 8 bulb fixture?
• I am always a little worried about the light spread around the tank. How high should the fixture be above water level for this kind of tank?
• I am not going to place any corals for about 5 inches at least on each side of the tank. Would I still need a 48" or would a 36" do the trick?

Thanks for any input
Michael

 

[rcranf1]

hey Grim its time for me to get new bulbs I have a 72 inch constalation. Just wondering if any new better bulbs or combos you have tried. Im looking to promote growth, and make my corals pop, with a great overall look when all lights are on.

ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25 -
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus

the above is currently what i have

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Have a 6 x 54 sunpower
Im replacing bulbs
Im running these now
Front
ATI Blue +
KZ fiji purple
ATIU Blue +
GE 6500k
ATI Blue +
ATI Aqua blue special

Wanted to switch the GE 6500 out for something else? Do I need it, because its kind of yellow

No, try whatever you want in place of it. If it looks good is all the matters.