The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Grim, I was suggested to get an idea off you.

I have a new tank 48x21x19 which I need to light. I was leaning towards the 8x54w Powermodule, to keep sps up top and lps on the bottom. Should I go with the 6 bulb version?

I shouldn't have a problem with bulb selection, it is the unit that I am worried about. I actually have the 8x54w Tek light, but it runs too warm for my taste. Thoughts?

6x54 would be enough for that tank

 

[The Grim Reefer]

How long should I go before replacing bulbs? Also replace one bulb per week to not overpower corals or just replace them all at once?

10 to 12 months. Doing a lamp or two every few days isn't a bad idea

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Also on my reflectors I am getting some salt creep. What's the best way to clean them without damaging them?

Don't let them get dirty. If they do you can clean them with vinegar but thats about it.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Upgraded light from a single bulb T8 fixture to a 2x39w 36" Nova Extreme T5 fixture. Not the best light but a upgrade from what I had. Plus it was only 30bucks.

Question: Can I grow any corals under this light? Tank is 36" long and 21" deep.

Maybe some Mushrooms.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I am upgrading from my 75 mixed reef to a 120 mixed reef.

I have the aquactinics tx5 and like it. Would I get enough par with adding two reefbrite leds strips as I upgrade to the 120 and keep the tx5?
I was going to add a blue and a 50/50 strip.

Would I be better of to sell the aquactinics tx5 and buy a sunpower 6 or 8 bulb unit?


I can not hang fixture.

thanks

The two LED strips with the TX 5 would work. Not as good as a Sunpower but better than a Tek.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim,

Which ATI bulbs would you suggest on a 4 x 54w fixture over a frag tank for SPS?

Thanks so much!

3 Blue Plus and a purple plus

 

[rodneyri]

this is the config im thinking to start with - 8x54w

Front
B+
ABS
B+
ABS
B+
Purple+
B+
ABS

 

[The Grim Reefer]

this is the config im thinking to start with - 8x54w

Front
B+
ABS
B+
ABS
B+
Purple+
B+
ABS

Move the purple plus to where the center Aquablue is or better yet change out that one for a second Purple plus

 

[rodneyri]

thanks Grim, what is the reasoning behind a 2nd purple plus and removing a ABS?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Bettercolor. ABS tends to wash out certain colors

 

[alpinestar]

Hey grim quick question on my 90g I have a marineland pro light with 2 150 de hqi bulbs and 4 t5 it's a 48 inch fixture I'm keeping mostly lps and zoas with some montis and it's bulb change time would I be better off upgrading to a tek elite or ati sunpower instead of my current light or just change the bulbs out. If I would be better off replacing bulbs what would you recommend for replacing all the lights for great color/fluorescence and par/growth.
Thanks in advance

 

[rodneyri]

thanks for the tip, ive just ordered 4 B+, 4 ABS and 2 PP will put the 2 PP in as you suggested with some spares to adjust color so personal liking.

still bit worried about losing the punch my MH has, but ill find out in a few days

 

[kody72]

grim i have a ati pm 8x54. i have ati 6 b+, 2abs, 2p+, 2 atinic all new what would you use and what order

 

[kody72]

sorry but this might help here is the specs on my tank 54"L/24"W'/27"H, sps, lps, & zoas. i also have the bulbs it came with that are around 6months old. 3-geis atinic+, 2-uvl super atinic, 1-ati abs, 1- aquasun, & ecolux 3000. whats a good height to hang it above the tank. thanks a headed of time.

 

[alpinestar]

Go USC

 

[EllisJuan]

Can somone tell me what T5 bulb adds the post florecent pop? I am looking to suppliment my MHs.

 

[alpinestar]

No expert on lighting but purple plus and true actinics is what I would probably use.
But I'm still waiting on a bulb combo and recommendation for my mh/t5 fixture

 

[alpinestar]

Any help? Grim

 

[lcf425]

Hi just got a 8 x 39w T5,hoping to keep a full blown sps tank any idea what light tube combo should i get or suggest^^?

 

[blkg35]

I have a 24"x24"x18"high tank. I'm going to run 24" 4x24watt T5HO.
I'm mostly going to keep zoas and bta. Im planning on getting all UVL bulbs.
What 4 bulb combo do you recommend?
* V-HOR Indigo Sun (50% Triband blue 50% Triband White)
* V-HO 75.25 14K
* V-HOR 454 Ultra Blue (85% Triband blue 15% 420nm)
* V-HO actinic white bulb 12K
* V-HO Super actinic bulb 420nm
Thanks for all the help!!