The T5 Q&a Thread

[EllisJuan]

Flip a coin, they are all low end lamps. use the 460 and whatever else looks best.

I know they are all crap bulbs. What is the advantage to running a 460 and an actinic as opposed to two actinics? Sorry, I am a complete T5 newb.

Also, I have two fixtures on my tank. The 3x39w in the front and the 2x150 right behind it. Does it matter which T5 bulb is in front/back? Closer or farther from the HQIs?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I know they are all crap bulbs. What is the advantage to running a 460 and an actinic as opposed to two actinics? Sorry, I am a complete T5 newb.

Also, I have two fixtures on my tank. The 3x39w in the front and the 2x150 right behind it. Does it matter which T5 bulb is in front/back? Closer or farther from the HQIs?

Thanks for all your help.

The 460 is blue, the others are violet.

 

[VegasUSP]

Thanks for the quick reply! My tank is 24" front to back the dimensions are 48"x24"x24". Would you still recommend a 6 bulb? I had no clue about the splash guard! I am very new to this so any info you give me is much appreciated!

8, 5 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Purple Plus and a GE 6500K Daylight for lamps.

Ok Grim last time i'm gonna bug you......promise ;-)

I was going through some pictures with my wife and she really wants the lights to look like the following picture:

What bulb combo would you recommend to get a similar look? Would this light combo prevent SPS or LPS growth? And how would my clam fare in these conditions? Like I said no more questions....hahaha:beer:

 

[Koddie Doo]

4 ATI Blue Plus, 1 Purple Plus and a GE 6500K Daylight

Just got these and love the look, thanks!!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Ok Grim last time i'm gonna bug you......promise ;-)

I was going through some pictures with my wife and she really wants the lights to look like the following picture:

What bulb combo would you recommend to get a similar look? Would this light combo prevent SPS or LPS growth? And how would my clam fare in these conditions? Like I said no more questions....hahaha:beer:

What I recommended but grab an ATI Aquablue or etra GE lamp as a spare and to play, might need it in place of a blue plus.

 

[anasteso1454]

Did the IceCap reflector change design?

Did the IceCap reflector change design?

Hey Grim,

I know Ice Cap went out of business not long ago, and the seller at the online store said the T5 ice cap reflector is now sold by a different company (CoralVue) and is the exact same reflector.

After looking at the reflectors I received today they don't look like the ones described the forums. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1112777

they are, however, 2.5 inches wide




I need to decide whether I should send these back for a refund or not. I am wondering if the design was changed for the Ice Cap reflector???

 

[jvschlegel]

Get a 10x39 watt fixture for the 120 and add a second when you upgrade

For bulb replacement, it seems that the 36" bulbs are about the same price as the 60" bulbs. So 20-36" bulbs every year would cost me about $400 compared to 10-60" bulbs which would cost about $200 each year.

I might hold off and get the T5's once I get the larger tank.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Grim,

I know Ice Cap went out of business not long ago, and the seller at the online store said the T5 ice cap reflector is now sold by a different company (CoralVue) and is the exact same reflector.

After looking at the reflectors I received today they don't look like the ones described the forums. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1112777

]

they are, however, 2.5 inches wide




I need to decide whether I should send these back for a refund or not. I am wondering if the design was changed for the Ice Cap reflector???

Who was the online retailer? I am not saying they aren't right but it seems a little soon for the vultures to have swooped in and taken over Ice Caps products so soon. Judging by the description on Coral Vue's website I am skeptical because they don't brag up the fact they are miro aluminum like the Ice Cap reflectors are. The pictures do look about right though.

I would contact chris@coralvue.com and ask him. He used to run Ice Cap and in my experience isn't a douchebag so I would expect a straight answer out of him. I know they are repairing the IC ballasts so maybe.......

Let us know if you find anything out.

 

[fishypets]

First of all Hook'em!

Steve I'm in need of your help sir. Current tank is a 200 gallon 60x30x25 powered by ATI Powermodule 10x54. My current bulb combo is:

5 KZ super blue
3 KZ New gen
2 Fiji

I'm looking to replace all ten bulbs but I'm looking for a new combo. I think I'd like at least one actinic and prefer a 20K look. Can you recommend something front to back please?

P.S. where's my puppy?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

First of all Hook'em!

Steve I'm in need of your help sir. Current tank is a 200 gallon 60x30x25 powered by ATI Powermodule 10x54. My current bulb combo is:

5 KZ super blue
3 KZ New gen
2 Fiji

I'm looking to replace all ten bulbs but I'm looking for a new combo. I think I'd like at least one actinic and prefer a 20K look. Can you recommend something front to back please?

P.S. where's my puppy?

You had your chance for the damn dog, I even moved to Colorado so you wouldn't have to drive so far

I'd try 5 ATI Blue Plus, 2 Purple Plus and a GE 6500K Daylight in the center. You could throw an actinic in instead of a blue plus but once all the lights come on I doubt you will notice a change. The blue Plus really make thing glow.

 

[dudemp52]

Ok I am making a change for power compacts to T5's. I will be purchasing a retofit 6 light 48 inch set up. I am looking for so input on the lamp set up. I am keeping soft and LPS currently. any help would be great.

 

[RocketSurgeon]

Ok I am making a change for power compacts to T5's. I will be purchasing a retofit 6 light 48 inch set up. I am looking for so input on the lamp set up. I am keeping soft and LPS currently. any help would be great.

How deep is the tank?

4 ATI Blue Plus
1 ATI Aquablue
1 ATI Purple Plus

 

[fishypets]

You had your chance for the damn dog, I even moved to Colorado so you wouldn't have to drive so far

I'd try 5 ATI Blue Plus, 2 Purple Plus and a GE 6500K Daylight in the center. You could throw an actinic in instead of a blue plus but once all the lights come on I doubt you will notice a change. The blue Plus really make thing glow.

That's only 8 bulbs, what about the other two?

Good ole Cali education!

 

[RocketSurgeon]

That's only 8 bulbs, what about the other two?

Good ole Cali education!

I call dibs on his answer being another blue plus, and 6500 or aqua blue.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

That's only 8 bulbs, what about the other two?

Good ole Cali education!

LOL! But what does it say about a Texas education that you gotta ask me for help?

Another Blue Plus and GE daylight. If you want to use an Actinic get one of those and instead of the GE get a ATI aquablue.

 

[RocketSurgeon]

LOL! But what does it say about a Texas education that you gotta ask me for help?

Another Blue Plus and GE daylight. If you want to use an Actinic get one of those and instead of the GE get a ATI aquablue.

I'm gonna stay outta this one.

 

[fishypets]

Okay now I'm confused. Ten bulbs, what would you do.

 

[alpinestar]

Hey grim another question just installed all new bulbs and I'm curious about my configuration I think I was expecting more pop.
The order is
Geissman actinic plus
Ati purple plus
2 phoenix 14k 150 de
Ati aqua blue special
Geissman actinic plus

Is this the right order or should I have different bulbs, Color is ok just not as much blue or pop as I expected

Thanks in advance

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'm gonna stay outta this one.

I probably graduated before you guys were house trained. Even a California education was decent back in the old days when they taught you how to think instead of trying to program you.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Okay now I'm confused. Ten bulbs, what would you do.

6 Blue Plus, 2 Purple Plus and 2 GE Daylights is what I'd do. If you want a actinic in the mix swap out a GE for one. If you use an actinic put it in the front dusk/dawn slot.