The T5 Q&a Thread

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No it's a type of green hair algae. I can't get rid of it. Phosps, and nitrates are low and I can't get rid of it. I increased my clean up crew and added some nudi snails they are suppose to work. They've only been in for a couple of days so I guess I just need to give them time.
 
No it's a type of green hair algae. I can't get rid of it. Phosps, and nitrates are low and I can't get rid of it. I increased my clean up crew and added some nudi snails they are suppose to work. They've only been in for a couple of days so I guess I just need to give them time.

It was a joke, not the place to discuss other issues but yes, usually diligence, time an patience will reward most efforts in this hobby
 
Lol I know you were. I know it takes time I just figured you might know. Thanks man you've been a great help and saved me probably a lot of trouble and money.
 
Grim - I haven't piled on this thread but took careful notes and used segments of your advice to implement my bulb combo. Running a NEP 48" and, front to back, Aquablue Plus, Fiji Purple, Actinic Plus, Pure Actinic, Aquablue Plus and Actinic Plus. Very similar color tone to the MH 14k setups I've seen.

Just wanted to add my thanks for your input.

[/gratuitous post count pad]
 
No one still has an opinion about this kit from Hellolights?
http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1824
Grim? Anyone?
Just looking for opinions on if it seems to be worth the money?


Opinion hasnt changed since the last time I replied. It isn't "VHO" because that would be about a 35% overdrive so they should make up a new name for it. Other than that I dunno. Right now I am getting the stuff together to set up another tank while at the same time waiting for the other house to sell. If I buy anything for another light test the wife will shoot me :mixed:

If it has a programed start ballast it's probably worth a try.
 
Grim - I haven't piled on this thread but took careful notes and used segments of your advice to implement my bulb combo. Running a NEP 48" and, front to back, Aquablue Plus, Fiji Purple, Actinic Plus, Pure Actinic, Aquablue Plus and Actinic Plus. Very similar color tone to the MH 14k setups I've seen.

Just wanted to add my thanks for your input.

[/gratuitous post count pad]

What!!! No pictures? :D
 
I think it has cheaper reflectors but I am not sure about the ballasts.

Workhorse 7 ballasts. I saw a pic of the reflectors and they looked at least decent, individually curved for the bulbs. Do you think I'd be better off getting this fixture with ATI bulbs, or something else in that price range? Total for this setup with bulbs would be a little under $400. Is there anything else you'd recommend in that area? I'm fine with DIY/retros.

I'm wanting to keep LPS and some SPS. Monti, some easier acro, etc.
 
Anybody have any experience using the white light diffuser stuff (eggcrate) as a cover for their tank (to help keep the jumpers from carpetsurfing). I have a TEK 6-lamp fixture and just retrofitted my 75 with eggcrate on top and am wondering if there would be any significant reduction in PAR by using it? Visually, it doesn't look like it dims at all when I am sliding the eggcrate over the top of the tank and actually after I have it in place it almost looks like it might be brighter...reflection from the white diffuser and then back off the reflectors? I did move the TEK an inch closer to the surface (had it 4" off the surface...it is now 3")
 
Workhorse 7 ballasts. I saw a pic of the reflectors and they looked at least decent, individually curved for the bulbs. Do you think I'd be better off getting this fixture with ATI bulbs, or something else in that price range? Total for this setup with bulbs would be a little under $400. Is there anything else you'd recommend in that area? I'm fine with DIY/retros.

I'm wanting to keep LPS and some SPS. Monti, some easier acro, etc.

If you are going to do a canopy the Ice Cap HO retrofits reefgeek has are a good deal, the ones with the standard T5 ballasts.
 
Anybody have any experience using the white light diffuser stuff (eggcrate) as a cover for their tank (to help keep the jumpers from carpetsurfing). I have a TEK 6-lamp fixture and just retrofitted my 75 with eggcrate on top and am wondering if there would be any significant reduction in PAR by using it? Visually, it doesn't look like it dims at all when I am sliding the eggcrate over the top of the tank and actually after I have it in place it almost looks like it might be brighter...reflection from the white diffuser and then back off the reflectors? I did move the TEK an inch closer to the surface (had it 4" off the surface...it is now 3")

Never tested it but I would assume it has to cut the light some.
 
Hey Grim.

setting up a 50x12x9 SPS frag tank. going to light it with 3 x 54w IC SLR with osram HO ballasts. What 3 bulbs would you suggest?

thanks
]
p.s know anything about the new KZ blue bulb?
 
T5 HELP QUICK!!! Ordering today!

T5 HELP QUICK!!! Ordering today!

I am switching from 3x 250w halide (Icecap ballast XM10K bulb)

I have a standard 125. 72*18*22

I really wanted to order ATI reflectors from reefgeek but I cannot get anyone to answer there so I have moved on.

I have about $700 to spend
My halide fixture is sold and will be picked up this weekend so I need to have the new lights here this week. I can order from premium and have it next day I live in Indiana.

I was wanting a 8 or 9 bulbs setup all powered by Icecap ballasts either 3 660 or 2 660 and a 430

Anyway I need this ASAP So I dont think I have a chioce but to order the TEK II reflectors from Premium. Aquarium Specialties wants $150 to ship 2 day assuming they can get the order out same day. That is unacceptable.

My 125 is 99% SPS with over 70 colonies

Anyway Here is my question:
I can easily fit 6 80W bulbs with the TEK reflectors:
3 ATI AB special
2 ATI Blue +
1 KZ Fiji purple

That will be whit and that's OK I need the PAR.

Would I be better off using 8 bulbs and slightly "squeezing the reflector?
The TEK reflectors are 2.75" If I squeeze them to about 2.3" I can fit 8 over the 125.

I know I will loose a lil output by squeezing the the reflectors but I think it would be overall much more by having the extra 2 bulbs.

The TEK fixtures have 8 bulbs and are only 9 inches including the fixture housing so I have to assume they too are "squeezing" the reflectors?

Thoughts, opinions, suggestions?
I am ordering today for delivery tomorrow.

With 8 bulbs I will have:
4 ATI AB special
2 Blue +
1 KZ Fiji
1 ATI 03 actinic.

I really wanted UV SA but they do not make a 80w bulbs :(
 
Opinion hasnt changed since the last time I replied. It isn't "VHO" because that would be about a 35% overdrive so they should make up a new name for it. Other than that I dunno. Right now I am getting the stuff together to set up another tank while at the same time waiting for the other house to sell. If I buy anything for another light test the wife will shoot me :mixed:

If it has a programed start ballast it's probably worth a try.

Thanks for the help. Maybe it should be called HO.5? I will find out about program start?
I wil probably buy it this week and report back my findings. I dont have anything else to compare it to, but will give my impression anyways...
Thanks for the help. I will be bugging you about lamps later....
 
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