The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim,

What do you think of this combination over a standard 135? All lamps will be over driven with 3 stages using IC ballasts. Also using IC reflectors. By bending in the outer most edge of the reflector I can fit 7-80 watt lamps without affecting the overall shape of the reflector. The two outer reflectors will be tilted slightly to direct the light from the outer lamps more towards the center of the tank. Thanks for taking the time to help us all out. :thumbsup:

1-1st stage-12 hours
2-2nd stage-8 hours
3-3rd stage-6 hours

FRONT
3-blue plus
2-aquablue
1-blue plus
3-GE
3-actinic
1-blue plus
2-aquablue

I would probably grab an extra blue plus just in case but I think it will look good.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

We just got a sunsystem ho t5 24''s.the tank is 24''wide and 15'' deap we wont to do sps with some lps.and there 4 bulbs how high from the water should thay be that have giseman bulbs blue pluse for now.

I would try not to go more than 9" above if you can help it

 

[Reefer08]

Front
Blue Plus
Blue Plus
Fiji Purple
Aquablue
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

It should be OK on a 120 as long as you don't plan clams.

Would you recommend the Powermodule rather than the Sunpower for a 48x24x24 mixed reef? Both will be 6 bulb. Its going to go into a canopy so looks don't matter but im concerned with performance. Thanks!!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Would you recommend the Powermodule rather than the Sunpower for a 48x24x24 mixed reef? Both will be 6 bulb. Its going to go into a canopy so looks don't matter but im concerned with performance. Thanks!!

Not a whole lot of difference. Just make sure you have enough space between the top and side of the fixture and canopy so it gets enough air flow.

 

[kluivertfan2]

I have a 4 bulb fixture and am wondering what bulbs I should use with it. I already have 2x10K and 2x 460nm, but would like to optimize the fixture, any recommendations?

 

[arichschmidt]

hi im setting up a new tank. ive had fish only tanks but now i am going into the coral side mostly sps and some lps. im still pretty new to t5 ho's. my tank is a 30gal, 24" wide by 18" deep and I have a 4 bulb T5 HO fixture. I would like to know your suggestion on what bulbs to use, placement of the bulbs, and how high to mount the fixture from the top of the tank.

thanks for your help

 

[serum153]

Grim - What is your favorite 6 bulb combo and placement. Replacing the bulbs on my other tank which has a nova pro on it with a mix of sps, lps, and a rose bta

 

[mvergas]

You could try a UVL 75/25 or a Fiji purple which would both boost red or a Aquablue if you want no purple look at all.

Perfect! Thanks Grim I really appreciate all your advice.
BTW thanks for the mention of my tank, coming from someone who has seen A LOT of tank pics was really cool.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim - What is your favorite 6 bulb combo and placement. Replacing the bulbs on my other tank which has a nova pro on it with a mix of sps, lps, and a rose bta

Front
Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
Blue Plus
GE Daylight
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I have a 4 bulb fixture and am wondering what bulbs I should use with it. I already have 2x10K and 2x 460nm, but would like to optimize the fixture, any recommendations?

2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Aquablue and a KZ Fiji Purple,

Good color and PAR

 

[The Grim Reefer]

hi im setting up a new tank. ive had fish only tanks but now i am going into the coral side mostly sps and some lps. im still pretty new to t5 ho's. my tank is a 30gal, 24" wide by 18" deep and I have a 4 bulb T5 HO fixture. I would like to know your suggestion on what bulbs to use, placement of the bulbs, and how high to mount the fixture from the top of the tank.

thanks for your help

Front
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Actinic White
ATI Aquablue
Blue Plus

Keep the fixture 4 to 6 inches above the tank/

 

[Big E]

Thank you Grim, it's much appreciated

 

[Baalz]

Thanks Grim

Would this be to much light for just a soft coral tank? The Icecap would be overdriving the bulbs so that would be an 8 month replacement rotation correct?

The bulbs would be about 6-8" off the surface. Would a regular T5 ballast suffice still giving me good color and more light then the 4 110w VHOs?

I can stick with the 660 and just get end caps, reflectors and bulbs to upgrade. That would be cheaper initially

Bob

Running 4 T5's on the Ice Cap ballasts will use less power, down to just over 300 watts. It would be a whole lot more light making it into the tank

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

 

[steevareno2002]

Grim, What is the difference in PAR and appearance in these two combo's?
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
OR
ATI Blue PLus
KZ Fiji Purple
GE 6500K
ATI Blue Plus?
I can't make up my mind...Thank you!

 

[A.T.T.R]

i am switching out my icecap ballast system to a workhorse ( 3 bulbs on 1 and 4 ont he otehr) the 3 bulbs always burn out while the 4 bulbs last longer
these 7 bulbs are on a 65 gallon ( 3 ft by 18 inch)
what is your thought on this? ill be lowering light output by half currently at the tank brace with all bulbs on and working i get 900 par. at 6 inches about 600

will i see a large drop if switching to workhorse ballast? sps still be ok under them?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Thanks Grim

Would this be to much light for just a soft coral tank? The Icecap would be overdriving the bulbs so that would be an 8 month replacement rotation correct?

The bulbs would be about 6-8" off the surface. Would a regular T5 ballast suffice still giving me good color and more light then the 4 110w VHOs?

I can stick with the 660 and just get end caps, reflectors and bulbs to upgrade. That would be cheaper initially

Bob

If you are only doing softies don't overdrive. Sell off the Ice Cap and grab a couple 2x54 watt ballasts.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grim, What is the difference in PAR and appearance in these two combo's?
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
OR
ATI Blue PLus
KZ Fiji Purple
GE 6500K
ATI Blue Plus?
I can't make up my mind...Thank you!

Going to ba about even on PAR. Lower one will be slightly less blue.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

i am switching out my icecap ballast system to a workhorse ( 3 bulbs on 1 and 4 ont he otehr) the 3 bulbs always burn out while the 4 bulbs last longer
these 7 bulbs are on a 65 gallon ( 3 ft by 18 inch)
what is your thought on this? ill be lowering light output by half currently at the tank brace with all bulbs on and working i get 900 par. at 6 inches about 600

will i see a large drop if switching to workhorse ballast? sps still be ok under them?

around 35% decrease in PAR, what are you doing now to cool the lamps.

 

[-Pixie-]

At the moment im running a 3 Bulb t5 fixture on my 55g reef DT, is there a need for my dull coloured 10k sun globe.

Note i will be adding alot of Softies and LPS.

I am currently using a 460 nm blue actinic, a sylvania aquastar 10k bulb(i beleive this is a coral and plant growth bulb has a small red and a small blue hue to it) and a standard el cheapo 10k sun globe.

So what would be the best replacement for the sun globe in regards to looks and effect on my corals?

By that i mean another actinic blue? or actinic? or even a fiji purple? or anything else, other than that is there anything wrong with the bulb set up other than the 10k sun globe.

Thanks in advance pixie

 

[The Grim Reefer]

At the moment im running a 3 Bulb t5 fixture on my 55g reef DT, is there a need for my dull coloured 10k sun globe.

Note i will be adding alot of Softies and LPS.

I am currently using a 460 nm blue actinic, a sylvania aquastar 10k bulb(i beleive this is a coral and plant growth bulb has a small red and a small blue hue to it) and a standard el cheapo 10k sun globe.

So what would be the best replacement for the sun globe in regards to looks and effect on my corals?

By that i mean another actinic blue? or actinic? or even a fiji purple? or anything else, other than that is there anything wrong with the bulb set up other than the 10k sun globe.

Thanks in advance pixie

With only 3 lamps I would buy well known brands so your corals will get enough light. Running 2 Blues and 1 50/50 type lamp would be good. Personally I would do 2 ATI Blue Plus and a KZ Fiji Purple, I think both brands are available down under but I could be wrong.