The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim, it's really great of you to be giving all of us this advice. Thanks.
I'm going to be ordering an ATI SunPower 8x54w light, but I have no previous experience with T5 lighting and the bulb combo has me totally stumped. What would be a good starting off combo and what extra few bulbs would you recommend buying to play around with? I don't like the really blue looking tanks at all but don't want to have a washed out tank either. Thanks again.

5 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Purple Plus, 2 ATI Aquablue and 1 GE 6500K Daylight

I'd start with 5 Blue Plus, 2 Purple Plus and a Aquablue. It wont be as blue as you'd think because of the purple in the PP lamps. Then just play around from there.

 

[The Punisher]

5 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Purple Plus, 2 ATI Aquablue and 1 GE 6500K Daylight

I'd start with 5 Blue Plus, 2 Purple Plus and a Aquablue. It wont be as blue as you'd think because of the purple in the PP lamps. Then just play around from there.

Awesome, thanks a lot for the help. It must be quite a chore keeping up with all these posts, I really appreciate it.

 

[9thwonder]

grim, i'm setting up a tank that is 48x30x20. it will be 90% sps. i'm still not sure what kind of lighting i'll be using. i was thinking either 2 250 watt radiums or t5's. on the t5's would you recommend a 36” or 48” fixture? 8 or 10 bulbs? thanks

 

[Virtuoso]

6 bulb ATI Sunpower is your best bet IMO

In regards to this reply about a standard 90g. Is a 6 bulb ATI Sunpower enough? I saw someone in another thread say how that doesn't meet the watt per gallon rule of thumb, but I think I remember reading in this thread that that doesn't really matter. Sorry, I am new and digesting a lot of information now. Lights seem like the most straightforward aspect so it has been the topic that I have read about the least. If I get a 6x54w ATI Sunpower with the right bulbs, I should be good to go with even the most picky coral and clams? Thank you.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

grim, i'm setting up a tank that is 48x30x20. it will be 90% sps. i'm still not sure what kind of lighting i'll be using. i was thinking either 2 250 watt radiums or t5's. on the t5's would you recommend a 36" or 48" fixture? 8 or 10 bulbs? thanks

10 lamps. 8 or 10 depending on how you want to stock the tank. 8 will work if you dont place anything on the sand. 36" will work if you don't want to stock end to end.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

In regards to this reply about a standard 90g. Is a 6 bulb ATI Sunpower enough? I saw someone in another thread say how that doesn't meet the watt per gallon rule of thumb, but I think I remember reading in this thread that that doesn't really matter. Sorry, I am new and digesting a lot of information now. Lights seem like the most straightforward aspect so it has been the topic that I have read about the least. If I get a 6x54w ATI Sunpower with the right bulbs, I should be good to go with even the most picky coral and clams? Thank you.

What's per gallon is a best rule of thumb.

What are the dimensions of the tank?

What do you plan to raise?

What kind of lighting system do you plan to use?

In your case the ATI fixture will be great.

 

[Virtuoso]

Sorry, not trying to waste your time. Should have provided that info.

The tank is 48x18x24. I am fairly sure I will be doing a DSB, so I guess you can shave 4-5 inches off the height. As far as raising, I am very new to aquariums in general and reef tanks specifically, so I am trying to keep my options open. I would be willing to spend an extra $200-300 on something that is a bit of overkill so I do not have to worry about it. I would like to use just t5 lighting without any supplemental MH or LED if possible. Do you think the 6x56w or 8x56w ATI Sunpower?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Sorry, not trying to waste your time. Should have provided that info.

The tank is 48x18x24. I am fairly sure I will be doing a DSB, so I guess you can shave 4-5 inches off the height. As far as raising, I am very new to aquariums in general and reef tanks specifically, so I am trying to keep my options open. I would be willing to spend an extra $200-300 on something that is a bit of overkill so I do not have to worry about it. I would like to use just t5 lighting without any supplemental MH or LED if possible. Do you think the 6x56w or 8x56w ATI Sunpower?

I already knew the dimensions of your particular tank. 6 lamps will be fine. with 8 you end up lighting the top trim as much as the inside of the tank with the extra two lamps.

 

[bmhilger]

Ati lights

Ati lights

What's per gallon is a best rule of thumb.

What are the dimensions of the tank?

What do you plan to raise?

What kind of lighting system do you plan to use?

In your case the ATI fixture will be great.

Grim, is the ati powermdule that much better and worth the extra $$ or can I save and just stick with the sunpower fixture? Thx

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim, is the ati powermdule that much better and worth the extra $$ or can I save and just stick with the sunpower fixture? Thx

Sunpower should be fine.

 

[Sparatic03]

hey guys just want to say hi! this is my first post. i had to register because ive read almost 200 pages of this thread!

my mixed reef has been running for almost 2 years now. it started off as a 37 gallon tall with CUSA sundial 4xt5 w/ moon lights fixture (came with 2 10k's and 2 460nm actinics)

when i moved the tank i upgraded to a 50-55 gallon tank 48x15x17 that has a 12" wide glass center brace. i set my 30" 4xt5 fixture on that center brace and have been sucessfully growing sps(2 acros and 2 monti's), lps, clams, and softies. only in the center portion of the tank ofcourse

now for the question! haha
for christmas my wife is buying me the 48" aquaticlife 4x54w t5 fixture
i already bought bulbs for it but i am affraid my combo might not be the best.
im looking for a deeper water look( a little on the blue side)
the bulbs i currently have are 2x ati blue+, uvl actinic white, uvl super actinic(all still in the box from reefgeek)
i want reds to pop(red acan, red flowerpot, red monti, red button) because thats the wifes favorite color, have to keep her happy, but also want to make sure the blues look good all while keeping PAR high enough to keep the clams and sps happy

thanks ahead of time for your input and sorry for the long post

 

[The Grim Reefer]

hey guys just want to say hi! this is my first post. i had to register because ive read almost 200 pages of this thread!

my mixed reef has been running for almost 2 years now. it started off as a 37 gallon tall with CUSA sundial 4xt5 w/ moon lights fixture (came with 2 10k's and 2 460nm actinics)

when i moved the tank i upgraded to a 50-55 gallon tank 48x15x17 that has a 12" wide glass center brace. i set my 30" 4xt5 fixture on that center brace and have been sucessfully growing sps(2 acros and 2 monti's), lps, clams, and softies. only in the center portion of the tank ofcourse

now for the question! haha
for christmas my wife is buying me the 48" aquaticlife 4x54w t5 fixture
i already bought bulbs for it but i am affraid my combo might not be the best.
im looking for a deeper water look( a little on the blue side)
the bulbs i currently have are 2x ati blue+, uvl actinic white, uvl super actinic(all still in the box from reefgeek)
i want reds to pop(red acan, red flowerpot, red monti, red button) because thats the wifes favorite color, have to keep her happy, but also want to make sure the blues look good all while keeping PAR high enough to keep the clams and sps happy

thanks ahead of time for your input and sorry for the long post

Only thing I'd change in the future is to get an ATI Purple Plus instead of the Actinic White in the future.

 

[Doma25]

i went with the aquatic life i liked the tek but really like that this fixture had fans on the top, one chords and lunar leds,

AquaticLife™ 24 Inch T5 High Output Lamps with 2 Lunar LEDs

T5 HO Light Fixtures These AquaticLife™ T5 HO fixtures offer 420/460 nm, 700+ nm and Lunar light in one streamlined unit.
Timer controls T5 HO Fluorescent Lamps and Lunar LED`s independently.
Adjustable width Aquarium Frame Mounts support fixture above the aquarium.
Gloss finish front side compliments the matte finish on top and ends of the fixture.
German-made specially angled reflector maximizes light by directing it into the aquarium.
Suspension Ports allow connection to optional cables for various mounting configurations
Four Sleek Fixtures

Lamps Included:
(2) 24" T5 HO 24W 420/460 Lamps
(2) 24" T5 HO 24W 700+ Lamps
(2) 1W Lunar LED`s


am i going to be happy with this, i don't really want sps, maybe a few high up, along with my clam, also should i swap at the bulbs that come with it immediatly?

 

[Doma25]

Lamps Included:
(2) 48" T5 HO 54W 420/460 Lamps
(2) 48" T5 HO 54W 700+ Lamps
(4) 1W Lunar LED`s

 

[The Grim Reefer]

i went with the aquatic life i liked the tek but really like that this fixture had fans on the top, one chords and lunar leds,

AquaticLifeâ„¢ 24 Inch T5 High Output Lamps with 2 Lunar LEDs

T5 HO Light Fixtures These AquaticLifeâ„¢ T5 HO fixtures offer 420/460 nm, 700+ nm and Lunar light in one streamlined unit.
Timer controls T5 HO Fluorescent Lamps and Lunar LED`s independently.
Adjustable width Aquarium Frame Mounts support fixture above the aquarium.
Gloss finish front side compliments the matte finish on top and ends of the fixture.
German-made specially angled reflector maximizes light by directing it into the aquarium.
Suspension Ports allow connection to optional cables for various mounting configurations
Four Sleek Fixtures

Lamps Included:
(2) 24" T5 HO 24W 420/460 Lamps
(2) 24" T5 HO 24W 700+ Lamps
(2) 1W Lunar LED`s


am i going to be happy with this, i don't really want sps, maybe a few high up, along with my clam, also should i swap at the bulbs that come with it immediatly?

You'll be happy, not sure about the clams. Not using the correct reflector material makes a big difference. I wont recommend any fixture that doesn't advertise mirro reflectors.

Lamps should be fine for a few months.

 

[Projectx]

Wholly cow!! information overload.
I started to read this post from the first page but ended up skipping to the end. So I appologize if this has been asked and or answered already.

Which is the better way to go? Get the full housing or a retro kit? (I am looking at the Sunlight Tek either way)
I have a 90Gallon tank that at some point i am going to attempt to do SPS, clams etc.
I will be running a 6 bulb setup (not sure of the combo yet)
I would like to do the Dusk-Dawn config with them as well as have Moonlighting

Thanks in advance any information is much appriciated

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Wholly cow!! information overload.
I started to read this post from the first page but ended up skipping to the end. So I appologize if this has been asked and or answered already.

Which is the better way to go? Get the full housing or a retro kit? (I am looking at the Sunlight Tek either way)
I have a 90Gallon tank that at some point i am going to attempt to do SPS, clams etc.
I will be running a 6 bulb setup (not sure of the combo yet)
I would like to do the Dusk-Dawn config with them as well as have Moonlighting

Thanks in advance any information is much appriciated

You think this is bad you should see the 40 thread splits before they changed the system:wildone:

I'd get a 6 lamp ATI Sunpower. It makes adding moonlights harder because they can't mount in the fixture but it can be done.

 

[Projectx]

Thanks for the Info Grim,
40 splits, now I am glad i jumped to the end hahaha.

 

[williamsrt]

I need a little help please...

I need a little help please...

Hi Grim,

Sorry to bug you, I have a quick question.

I have a 96 long X 30 inches wide X 30 Inches Tall. I am looking at going T5 and get away from my 4 MH 150 each and 6 PC combo lamps. I want to keep a little of everything down to the bottom of the tank LPS, SPS, Clams and such. What light fixtures would you recommend brand and size to cover entire tank? Which blubs combination would you go with for the best possible results? I do have a budget of 1,000.00 to 2,000.00 dollars.

Thanks For your time,

Randall

 

[lindenfish88]

Hello Grim
I have a 36" aquatinic x5 fixture, this fixture will be used on a 45g ADA tank. Whats the best way to configure the bulbs??? I will be keeping mainly softies, Zoas, lps and some anemones.

thanks in advance