The T5 Q&a Thread

[ronhjr]

Just got my Powermodule 6 bulb 60"

Just got my Powermodule 6 bulb 60"

Is it normal for the fixture to get really warm when all 6 bulbs are fired up.
( and yes all 3 fans are running at 4.5)- should I change this??

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Ok Grim, I'm gonna change it up a bit cause I still cant loose the shimmer from the halide... I know I'll miss it and I'm anal like that. So on the 40g breeder, I want to keep my 150w Phoenix 14K in the center. Problem is, it's kinda like a spotlight now. I'd like to add a 4 bulb T5 retro under the hood I'm building to go with the 150w halide. Should I stick with the GE/UVL and just 2 ATI Blue+'s?

Also... any idea what the total length is for a 39w T5 including endcaps? I think I saw somewhere that it was 35.1" but I can't remember.

A couple of Blue Plus should be fine with the halide, you could throw in a 3rd lamp, Fiji purple or a UVL 75/25 would be my choice. Length is like 35.4 with the water proof endcaps

 

[The Grim Reefer]

grim, i just got my bulbs, took what ai could get from my local store, what order front to back shouldi place these? giessemen actinic plus, giesseman pure actinic, uvl actinic white, giesemen midday sun, he said if i wanted to swap one of the giess actinin bulbs i could swap with him when i see which i like better, should i swap? ok so what order please thanks you!!!!

I'd dump the pure actinic for another actinic plus and maybe the midday for an Aquablue which is more white. The Actinic White is kinda pink so you want a lot of blue with it.

Front
Actinic Plus
Midday
Actinic White
Actinic Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hi Grim,

Love this thread :love2:

I am looking to setup a 40br mixed reef with a clam or two. I was thinking of building a canopy and using a retro kit. I saw where someone thought of using one of their actinic PC bulb and am thinking of doing the same except mine is 420/460. I am looking to use 2 2x39w retros from Reefgeek. I have shrooms, zoos, an open brain, a stylo and some LPS that are supposed to be more light loving. Will probably add some Acros and chalices. I am thinking of a Maxima and/or Crocea clams. Thoughts, bulb selection and locations for bulbs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your service.:artist:

Do the 4 lamp Ice Cap with the standard T5 ballast, the HO version

Front
PC
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic WHite
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Is it normal for the fixture to get really warm when all 6 bulbs are fired up.
( and yes all 3 fans are running at 4.5)- should I change this??

Turn your fans up one step but yes, it is normal for the fixture to produce heat.

 

[2in10]

Thanks for the reco.

 

[Fireworm]

Grim,

I am running 4x39w T5s on IC660 ballast. Today, i just got a 2 bulb retro to install as well. I am running 2 ATI blue plus and 2 ATI aquablue specials. What should I do to get a good look in the tank with 6 bulbs? I am liking the lights now, but a little bit bluer should be ok. it is on a 57g tank- same as a 50 breeder, just taller.

I have SPS high in the tank, and clams on the bottom. Some LPS - acans and chalices.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim,

I am running 4x39w T5s on IC660 ballast. Today, i just got a 2 bulb retro to install as well. I am running 2 ATI blue plus and 2 ATI aquablue specials. What should I do to get a good look in the tank with 6 bulbs? I am liking the lights now, but a little bit bluer should be ok. it is on a 57g tank- same as a 50 breeder, just taller.

I have SPS high in the tank, and clams on the bottom. Some LPS - acans and chalices.

I'd do a UVL Actinic White and another Blue Plus. Maybe swap a Aquablue for a 4th Blue Plus

 

[Jared J]

A couple of Blue Plus should be fine with the halide, you could throw in a 3rd lamp, Fiji purple or a UVL 75/25 would be my choice. Length is like 35.4 with the water proof endcaps

So if I pick up a 4 bulb retrofit I can just wire it for 3 bulbs?

 

[apt220]

Grim,
I want to light a 120g - 48x24x24. I want to go all T5. The tank will be 100% SPS and I want to be able to grow medium light needing SPS at the sandbed. I was looking at the 48" Powermodule, but don't know if I need to go 10 bulbs or 8. Also, is there another brand fixture (less expensive) that I can go with to achieve the same result (SPS on bottom)?
Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

So if I pick up a 4 bulb retrofit I can just wire it for 3 bulbs or can I just use 4 bulbs anyway?

Then I would do 3 Blue Plus and a UVL Actinic White.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim,
I want to light a 120g - 48x24x24. I want to go all T5. The tank will be 100% SPS and I want to be able to grow medium light needing SPS at the sandbed. I was looking at the 48" Powermodule, but don't know if I need to go 10 bulbs or 8. Also, is there another brand fixture (less expensive) that I can go with to achieve the same result (SPS on bottom)?
Thanks

8 will do it. 7 lamp Constellation would also work but that would be about the minimum I would try.

 

[Fireworm]

What can i use, if anything, to put a new shine on my reflectors?

 

[Jared J]

Then I would do 3 Blue Plus and a UVL Actinic White.

Ok, thanks Grim. I'll probably just do the three bulbs. Is the 75/25 a white bulb?

 

[mcclandy]

I am going to follow up on apt220's post about the 120gal ... I have a 150gallon tank that is the same as the 120 but taller (48wX24dX30H). Is this going to be too deep for t5's? I am going to keep sps and some lps. I have 2 400w halides i am going to put up otherwise. I was thinking that two 400 lamps w/ 2 t5 actinics would be more cost effective at the end of the year when it comes to lamp replacement over 8 to 10 t5's. Looking for some advice/dirrection.

 

[Whattup32526]

Hey grim, I got a prop system im setting up, the tank is 39"x12x9, im running 4x39watt t5s. its a shallllllow tank what bulb combo should i run for good color and growth ?? The ballast are Advanced Centurion(sp)

 

[The Grim Reefer]

What can i use, if anything, to put a new shine on my reflectors?

If they are mirro aluminum there is nothing you can do but clean them. If they are really scuzzy you could try Mothers wheel polish.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Ok, thanks Grim. I'll probably just do the three bulbs. Is the 75/25 a white bulb?

Basically, it will look pink in the tank but it's pretty subtle.

 

[Fireworm]

I know that the 4 of them are IC reflectors and the 2 are tek. I might just look at getting new ones from DIY reef since they have them on clearance.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I am going to follow up on apt220's post about the 120gal ... I have a 150gallon tank that is the same as the 120 but taller (48wX24dX30H). Is this going to be too deep for t5's? I am going to keep sps and some lps. I have 2 400w halides i am going to put up otherwise. I was thinking that two 400 lamps w/ 2 t5 actinics would be more cost effective at the end of the year when it comes to lamp replacement over 8 to 10 t5's. Looking for some advice/dirrection.

I would do either a 8 or 10 lamp Powermodule or halides.

8 lamp T5 fixture is going to burn 450 watts or so with fans. Halides will be somewhere above 800 watts plus whatever you draw for supplemental which will be another 110 watts or so for 2 T5's. You gotta figure 2 halide lamps and 2 T5's per year vs 8 T5 lamps squared by the energy savings and decide which lighting you would rather have. I suspect in the long haul the T5's are going to be cheaper because of the power savings but you still have the wild card to consider, SSHHIIMMEERR