The T5 Q&a Thread

[rtparty]

that is funny then, because I was going with the aquasun, but the icecap said it was more of a 10k look. I think they say the aquasun is a 6k look?

So, I guess I just paid more for a relabeled UVL bulb :crazy1:

When it comes to T5 bulbs, I stopped looking at the kelvin rating a long time ago. None of them match up with each other and none of them really match up with the real kelvin temp.

I think the ReefCrest is the Aquasun but it could also be the Actinic White or possibly the 75/25. I think the only thing they did was beef up the cathodes or phosphors to handle overdriving better. Other than that the UVL and IceCap lineup is identical.

I might have read wrong.

 

[rtparty]

I am looking for T-5 for my tanl 48x24x24. I trying to decide b/t 6-54 ATI SP or a Tek elite 8-54. which one would give me better par, and would a need an 8 buld unit for width of the tank?
thanks

The Sunpower is the better fixture but may not be better for you. On a 24" tank, I would definitely want 8 bulbs for coverage.

I still think ATI should release the Sunpower in all bulb configurations (including 5 and 7). But then the Powermodule would be pretty much pointless.

But hey there is supposed to be a new Powermodule soon enough so maybe they will?

 

[rtparty]

Hi Grim!

I've been thinking of getting a 6 bulb 54 watt combo of
ATI blue plus
KZ new gen
ATI blue plus
KZ coral light
ATI blue plus
KZ Fiji purple

How would this combo be in terms of PAR and Kelvin and how would the PAR an Kelvin compare to this combo?

ATI blue plus
UVL actinic white
ATI blue plus
UVL 75/25
ATI blue plus
GE 6500k

Thanks!

PAR wise the first combo will have more PAR but not by a ton. The first combo will also be bluer. If you go with the first, move the Fiji Purple up to at least the second or third spot and move the Blue Plus to the back.

 

[Falcao]

thanks for the rtparty,
that was what I was thinking. The tank does have a euro brace on it which I would assume would cut on the lighting in the tank

 

[Felixc395]

PAR wise the first combo will have more PAR but not by a ton. The first combo will also be bluer. If you go with the first, move the Fiji Purple up to at least the second or third spot and move the Blue Plus to the back.

Thanks! How blue will the first combo be and will it be enough for a SPS dominated 75 gallon?

 

[LCDRDATA]

Grim -

I have a 75-gallon reef tank with a mix of LPS, SPS, zoas and 'shrooms. My light is an eight-lamp unit (48" 54W) with two switches - the four outside lamps are on one switch and the four center are on the other. However they're all on the same circuit, which means I can only put one set on a timer (by leaving the switch "on" constantly) and the other is effectively manual. I have the outside group set to come on with the timer at 10 am and the inside is manual; unfortunately the second switch often waits until I get home from work at about 6:00 pm and turn it on and then all eight lamps go off together (on the timer) at 10 pm. To make up the difference I leave the outside switch in the "on" position once or twice a week so all eight lamps run the full 12 hours the following day.

Here is my current lighting scheme, which is close to (but not exactly) what you recommended when I discussed this with you previously last December:

[Front to back]
ATI Blue Plus (12 hours/day)
KZ Fiji Purple (12 hours/day)
TRU actinic (4-8 hours/day)
TRU 10k (4-8 hours/day)
TRU actinic (4-8 hours/day)
GE 6500k (4-8 hours/day)
ATI Blue Plus (12 hours/day)
ATI "true actinic" (12 hours/day)

It's time to replace the inner group (4-8 hour/day). Per your previous recommendations, I plan to put the new lamps in the outside positions so the increased PAR doesn't shock the tank, and rotate the four outside bulbs to the center. The one variable in this scheme would be the GE 6500k, which is 6-8 months newer than the other three "interior" bulbs.

I already have one new "true actinic" bulb, so I need to purchase three additional bulbs (or two, if you think I should keep the 6500k, which presumably would remain in the center section). I should probably note that the current setup is a bit too blue, appearance-wise, when only the exerior set is on, although everything in the tank has done well with this lighting scheme. What would you recommend, and what should the final sequence be? Thanks again! :wavehand:

 

[rtparty]

Thanks! How blue will the first combo be and will it be enough for a SPS dominated 75 gallon?

It will have a blue hue to it that's for sure.

You are using an ATI fixture with good, brand name bulbs. You will have to shade some SPS to begin with so you don't fry them.

 

[duastina]

hi all! would a 60" 6 bulb ATI fixture be enough light on a 72" x 29" deep mixed reef?

 

[Quis]

Hi Grime. I have a Maristar 48" fixture with 2x250w Phoenix with 2 T5. I also have a Icecap T5 retro that I will add to the tank. So that's 4 T5 total. I don't have any T5 bulbs yet.
What bulbs should I ues to supplement the Phoenix to get a 17k look with a lot of pop?
Thanks.

 

[SquidHC]

24x14x10.5

24x14x10.5

Hello,

Sorry if this question has been addressed, but seeing as there is over 6k posts on this thread, I figured I'd be much better off just asking.

I have a 24x14x12" tank, with a water depth of about 10.5". I have a 4x24w T5 fixture, with a single reflector. I am seeking suggestions as to a bulb combo which would promote growth, as it is a brand new system. I really dislike the 20k look, but am willing to do what I need.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rtparty]

hi all! would a 60" 6 bulb ATI fixture be enough light on a 72" x 29" deep mixed reef?

With proper placement yes. I wouldn't try anything too demanding on the sand. I would look at the 8 bulb Powermodule if the tank is more than 18" front to back.

 

[rtparty]

Hi Grime. I have a Maristar 48" fixture with 2x250w Phoenix with 2 T5. I also have a Icecap T5 retro that I will add to the tank. So that's 4 T5 total. I don't have any T5 bulbs yet.
What bulbs should I ues to supplement the Phoenix to get a 17k look with a lot of pop?
Thanks.

2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 UVL Super Actinic and 1 KZ Fiji Purple.

Make sure you have the actinic and one blue plus in the non overdriven slots.

 

[Dunky019]

Hey, I have been reading endlessly through this thread, lots of good info here. Thanks Grim for sharing your expertise.

I have a question related to GFCI outlets... I'm ordering the ATI Powermodule and was wondering if there are any issues using them with these circuits? Since it is an electronic ballast (not quite sure how all this stuff works), I've heard they run into problems with nuisance breaking?? Can anyone chime in?

Also, ATI is coming out with a new powermodule with a dimming feature. It's a manual dimmer, so not sure how useful it will be when I get my lights on an automatic timer. Would you guys recommend the old model or is the dimming feature worth it?

Thanks!

Dan

 

[Quis]

One more question Ryan. In what order should I put the T5's. Thanks.

 

[rtparty]

Hello,

Sorry if this question has been addressed, but seeing as there is over 6k posts on this thread, I figured I'd be much better off just asking.

I have a 24x14x12" tank, with a water depth of about 10.5". I have a 4x24w T5 fixture, with a single reflector. I am seeking suggestions as to a bulb combo which would promote growth, as it is a brand new system. I really dislike the 20k look, but am willing to do what I need.

Thanks in advance.

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

 

[rtparty]

One more question Ryan. In what order should I put the T5's. Thanks.

Put a blue in front and back. The other two are up to you. I would put the Fiji Purple in the second slot or however you work it all out. A blue plus and actinic are a sweet dusk to dawn.

 

[Quis]

Thanks a lot Ryan.

 

[Fishingpcola]

I am setting up a new tank. 150 gallon in wall 48x30x25. I will have a 8 bulb setup powered by icecap. Corals will be a mixed tank.....sps, lps, and zao's and softies. What bulbs to you recommend.
Thanks,

 

[The Grim Reefer]

that is funny then, because I was going with the aquasun, but the icecap said it was more of a 10k look. I think they say the aquasun is a 6k look?

So, I guess I just paid more for a relabeled UVL bulb :crazy1:

The Ice Cap lamps supposedly have bigger electrodes to better withstand being overdriven but other than that the same.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I am setting up a new tank. 150 gallon in wall 48x30x25. I will have a 8 bulb setup powered by icecap. Corals will be a mixed tank.....sps, lps, and zao's and softies. What bulbs to you recommend.
Thanks,

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus