The T5 Q&a Thread

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I'm currently running 4x54w 48" t5 bulbs over a 75 gallon tank using TEK Sunlight retrofit kits. I've never had very good growth so i'm wondering if I need to change the bulbs up and it's time to replace them. Currently running the following Giesmann bulbs:

--Front--
actinic+
aquablue+
actinitc+
aquablue+

Also been kicking around the idea of rebuilding my current canopy so I can fit two more bulbs in there. Have mostly softies with a plating monti and a digitata in the mix which are both growing sloooowly and the color just isn't there. Would I be heading in the right direction by adding two additional bulbs and what should they be?

Thanks.
 
reefbat said:
I'm currently running 4x54w 48" t5 bulbs over a 75 gallon tank using TEK Sunlight retrofit kits. I've never had very good growth so i'm wondering if I need to change the bulbs up and it's time to replace them. Currently running the following Giesmann bulbs:

--Front--
actinic+
aquablue+
actinitc+
aquablue+

Also been kicking around the idea of rebuilding my current canopy so I can fit two more bulbs in there. Have mostly softies with a plating monti and a digitata in the mix which are both growing sloooowly and the color just isn't there. Would I be heading in the right direction by adding two additional bulbs and what should they be?

Thanks.
Click to expand...


I have same lights , not tek lights but 4x 54W and I went with

front to back:

Blue +
Fiji Purple
Blue+
Blue+

Nice color and I get a lot of growth.. keeping mostly SPS
 
reefbat said:
I'm currently running 4x54w 48" t5 bulbs over a 75 gallon tank using TEK Sunlight retrofit kits. I've never had very good growth so i'm wondering if I need to change the bulbs up and it's time to replace them. Currently running the following Giesmann bulbs:

--Front--
actinic+
aquablue+
actinitc+
aquablue+

Also been kicking around the idea of rebuilding my current canopy so I can fit two more bulbs in there. Have mostly softies with a plating monti and a digitata in the mix which are both growing sloooowly and the color just isn't there. Would I be heading in the right direction by adding two additional bulbs and what should they be?

Thanks.
Click to expand...


Changing brands of bulbs will help quite a bit with PAR. Giesemann bulbs have pretty low PAR especially when you consider what they charge.

ATI bulbs are the best bang for your buck. TONS of PAR and a great price.

I would look into adding 2 more bulbs. You will be a lot happier with the bulb choices and you will get better light throughout the tank.

Are you actively cooling your bulbs with a fan? If you aren't, you are losing a ton of PAR right there.

I would go with either 3 ATI Blue Plus and 1 ATI Purple Plus or 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Purple Plus and 1 KZ New Generation.

If you are going to add 2 more bulbs then go with 4 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Purple Plus and 1 GE6500k.
 
I modified an aquatraders 48" 4 bulb t-5 to be a 3 bulb - each with a parabolic reflector from hellolights. I assume this will give more output than the standard fixture. Is this correct?
 
rtparty said:
You might be able to get away with 7.5v. Check the air exiting your fixture. Should be around 105-108F.

If you have to run them at 7.5v, I would change the bulbs a month earlier than normal. That is if the air exiting the fixture is above 110F.
Click to expand...

At 9v the air exiting the fixture is 115-116 degrees...ambient room temp 71 degrees.
 
Last edited:
Just in the process of upgrading lighting. I have a 130Ltr nano which currently has 2x24W 50/50 PC built into the hood. I've purchased a 24" 6x24W unit that comes standard with 3 reefblue(13000k) lamps 3 reefwhite(10000k) lamps

I was wondering what people consider the best commotion of tubes, so what should I change from the stock tubes it comes with?

Also once up and running will I be able to get some sps in me tank as I love them currently just got softies mushies and a few lps.
 
Loynzey said:
Just in the process of upgrading lighting. I have a 130Ltr nano which currently has 2x24W 50/50 PC built into the hood. I've purchased a 24" 6x24W unit that comes standard with 3 reefblue(13000k) lamps 3 reefwhite(10000k) lamps

I was wondering what people consider the best commotion of tubes, so what should I change from the stock tubes it comes with?

Also once up and running will I be able to get some sps in me tank as I love them currently just got softies mushies and a few lps.
Click to expand...

Do 4 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Aquablue and 1 ATI Purple Plus. SPS should be safe on the rocks.
 
Any suggestion on this one,I have 72x18x23 tank, using 3 250watts phoenix 14k metal halide fixture and i have 4 slots for t5 80 watts, what t5 combo is good for this? Thanks
 
Do 4 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Aquablue and 1 ATI Purple Plus. SPS should be safe on the rocks.
Click to expand...

in which order would you place the tubes I'll be having the unit length ways across the tank and my rock is place along the bag wall

Thanks For such a quick response appreciated
 
Loynzey said:
in which order would you place the tubes I'll be having the unit length ways across the tank and my rock is place along the bag wall

Thanks For such a quick response appreciated
Click to expand...

Blue Plus front and back. Other than that a blue plus and purple plus in the dusk/dawn slots looks neat
 
Does anyone know how to hook the 2 channel dimming Apex cable up to the banana plugs on a dimmable powermodule?
 
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