The T5 Q&a Thread

[Mavrk]

Front
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus

I have noticed this recommendation for lights a few times in this thread. It is time to change out my lights, and I was looking to get more red for my RBTA.

I have a 90 gallon tank with 4 T5 retrofit with individual reflectors. Last year you suggested: Blue+, UVL Actinic White, Blue+, Blue+

I liked the look with what I had at the time, and still like the general coloring except I feel I need more red. I have 2 RBTA, and some colorful fish. I love how the blues in the fish pop. I plan on a GBTA addition. My corals are in the process of moving to a new home, so I am not concerned about them.

From readings of previous posts, I have been considering the following:

Front:
Blue Plus
Aqua Blue
UVL Super Actinic
Pro Color

OR

Front (not sure of the correct positioning of these bulbs):
Blue Plus
Blue Plus
Pro Color
Blue Plus

But now I see the above suggestion with Fiji lights, so I don't know what to do. I like how the actinic brings out the green base of the RBTA (actually I am not sure that it is the actinics that do that, but I seem to remember reading that somewhere). I have seen some nice Fiji setups too. I recall you doing some testing of Pro Color vs Fiji, but I think that was about Par more than color.

I remember how last year the diffence in bulbs made the rocks stand out less, since then I have seen pictures that seem to do this even more with some of the above combinations. It could be that the colors just stand out more and I am imagining the rest

Your help is greatly appreciated.

BTW, if you ever come across a bulb that helps remove green bubble algae, I will invest heavily in that company :lmao:

 

[Mavrk]

Oh, just to add to the confusion, I saw a 6 fixture T5 with 5 Blue Plus and 1 Fiji that looked cool. How would 3 Blue+ and a Fiji look?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I have noticed this recommendation for lights a few times in this thread. It is time to change out my lights, and I was looking to get more red for my RBTA.

I have a 90 gallon tank with 4 T5 retrofit with individual reflectors. Last year you suggested: Blue+, UVL Actinic White, Blue+, Blue+

I liked the look with what I had at the time, and still like the general coloring except I feel I need more red. I have 2 RBTA, and some colorful fish. I love how the blues in the fish pop. I plan on a GBTA addition. My corals are in the process of moving to a new home, so I am not concerned about them.

From readings of previous posts, I have been considering the following:

Front:
Blue Plus
Aqua Blue
UVL Super Actinic
Pro Color

OR

Front (not sure of the correct positioning of these bulbs):
Blue Plus
Blue Plus
Pro Color
Blue Plus

But now I see the above suggestion with Fiji lights, so I don't know what to do. I like how the actinic brings out the green base of the RBTA (actually I am not sure that it is the actinics that do that, but I seem to remember reading that somewhere). I have seen some nice Fiji setups too. I recall you doing some testing of Pro Color vs Fiji, but I think that was about Par more than color.

I remember how last year the diffence in bulbs made the rocks stand out less, since then I have seen pictures that seem to do this even more with some of the above combinations. It could be that the colors just stand out more and I am imagining the rest

Your help is greatly appreciated.

BTW, if you ever come across a bulb that helps remove green bubble algae, I will invest heavily in that company :lmao:

If you like what you have but want more red try the 3 Blue Plus with a GE 3000K or and ATI Procolor if you can find one.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Oh, just to add to the confusion, I saw a 6 fixture T5 with 5 Blue Plus and 1 Fiji that looked cool. How would 3 Blue+ and a Fiji look?

Look about the same, slight more purple

 

[jimboslice]

Front
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus

TY you so much Grim, I've researched the combo and it looks good. My only question now is where I might find these bulbs on the same site? Or just a general good place to buy bulbs.

 

[cmaxwell39]

Reef Geek carries all of those.

 

[Mavrk]

If you like what you have but want more red try the 3 Blue Plus with a GE 3000K or and ATI Procolor if you can find one.

If I went 3 Blue+ and 1 ProColor, what would I be missing without the actinic? And for that matter, what does the Aqua Blue bring to the table that I might like more than a Blue+?

I know you already really answered what bulbs to get, but the change last time was such an improvement that I wonder if I can improve even more by mixing things up. Or perhaps the Pro Color is mixing it up enough ... sorry babbling now as my mind tries to understand lighting and can't keep up ...

 

[Mavrk]

What is the ATI Purple Plus? Just saw that when I was looking for the Pro Color.

 

[tor101898]

how many bulbs would i need for a 45 gallon tank.
measurements are 24L x 24W x 18H.

would six be a good choice? and which ones?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

What is the ATI Purple Plus? Just saw that when I was looking for the Pro Color.

Supposed to be a pro color with actinic in it. Haven't seen it yet.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

how many bulbs would i need for a 45 gallon tank.
measurements are 24L x 24W x 18H.

would six be a good choice? and which ones?

Depends. If you want clams on the sand 8 might be a better idea.

for 6 I'd do 4 Blue Plus, 1 Actinic White and 1 GE 6500K Daylight.

 

[Salty Scott]

hey, my bro is setting up a 75g (48x18x20) and he wants to built his own 6 bulb t-5 retro, but do to canopy issues he cant fit the 54w bulbs in it with the endcaps and all so he is going to have to go with 39w and stagger them. anyway im not sure of what kind of bulbs he should use, any suggestions? also would this lighting be ok for easy sps?

 

[Mavrk]

hey, my bro is setting up a 75g (48x18x20) and he wants to built his own 6 bulb t-5 retro, but do to canopy issues he cant fit the 54w bulbs in it with the endcaps and all so he is going to have to go with 39w and stagger them. anyway im not sure of what kind of bulbs he should use, any suggestions? also would this lighting be ok for easy sps?

Are you sure the 54w won't fit? I have a 90g (which is a tall 75), with a canopy and the retro's fit in there with space left over. The 54w are desiged to fit 4' tanks (75g and 90g). The bulbs are only 45.8". I would say measure again... doesn't sound right to me considering all the people with 75g & 90g tanks using retros in their canopys.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

hey, my bro is setting up a 75g (48x18x20) and he wants to built his own 6 bulb t-5 retro, but do to canopy issues he cant fit the 54w bulbs in it with the endcaps and all so he is going to have to go with 39w and stagger them. anyway im not sure of what kind of bulbs he should use, any suggestions? also would this lighting be ok for easy sps?

I wouldn't even stagger them. You will notice slightly darker areas right at the ends at the top but it looks pretty cool.

I would use 4 ATI Blue Plus, 1 UVL Actinic White and 1 GE 6500K Daylight or Giesemann Midday. With good reflectors it will support any SPS that are at least part way up the rocks.

 

[Hemlock71]

Hey Grim, I want to set up a frag tank with t5 since I ended up getting 2 ice cap 430s that someone was throwing out (moving). I have a 29g but was thinking about picking up a 40g breeder. Do you think I should use the two 430s or one 660 would be better? I'm going to have softies and some lps in there. Also should I use 24" or 36" bulbs? Thanks in advance

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Grim, I want to set up a frag tank with t5 since I ended up getting 2 ice cap 430s that someone was throwing out (moving). I have a 29g but was thinking about picking up a 40g breeder. Do you think I should use the two 430s or one 660 would be better? I'm going to have softies and some lps in there. Also should I use 24" or 36" bulbs? Thanks in advance

Using the 2 430's to run a total of 4 lamps would be good.

 

[Hemlock71]

Thanks Grim

 

[Neoz]

Hello Grim,

Total noobie with T5's and this will be my first time using them. I just purchased a 48" 6 bulb Tek fixture to use on my new standard size 90 gallon tank. The fixture will be going in a canopy. The tank will be a mixed reef with some SPS throw in and 2 clams. I believe the clams are both maxi's. What would you recommend for growth and color pop. Would like to have a Zoa/ Paly garden on the bottom somewere if possible. Thanks....

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hello Grim,

Total noobie with T5's and this will be my first time using them. I just purchased a 48" 6 bulb Tek fixture to use on my new standard size 90 gallon tank. The fixture will be going in a canopy. The tank will be a mixed reef with some SPS throw in and 2 clams. I believe the clams are both maxi's. What would you recommend for growth and color pop. Would like to have a Zoa/ Paly garden on the bottom somewere if possible. Thanks....

Standard 6 lamp mix, 4 Blue Plus, 1 UVL Actinic White and a GE 6500k Daylight

Also be a good idea to mount a couple fans on the back feeding fresh air into the canopy.

 

[Neoz]

Thanks Grim! Can the bulbs go in any slot or should they be in a certain order from front to back?

Hey Grim the site were I order from (BRS) doesn't carry the GE 6500K daylight bulb. Is a "54W - 48IN Midday Giesemann D&D Powerchrome T5 Bulb" a good substitute or should I just find the GE 6500K daylight bulb? Thanks again for all the help...