The T5 Q&a Thread

[bur01014]

Hey Grim,

Here are the bulbs I have......

(front)
ATI +
Fiji Purple
UVL Super Actinic
ATI aquablue special
ATI +
ATI +
(back)

Now I know I probably shouldn't have gotten the UVL super actinic for par reasons....read this thread too late, but what you think of this setup? Par wise? Its currently over a 55 gallon (tight I know) SPS dominate tank. I don't have a budget to switch out bulbs yet since most are only a month old, so I am looking for advice on the best bulb order, and sticking with what I got for now.... So what is the best bulb order for me for growth and viewing? Keep the Fiji more front center I assumed? Ideas? Thanks!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Hey Grim,

Here are the bulbs I have......

(front)
ATI +
Fiji Purple
UVL Super Actinic
ATI aquablue special
ATI +
ATI +
(back)

Now I know I probably shouldn't have gotten the UVL super actinic for par reasons....read this thread too late, but what you think of this setup? Par wise? Its currently over a 55 gallon (tight I know) SPS dominate tank. I don't have a budget to switch out bulbs yet since most are only a month old, so I am looking for advice on the best bulb order, and sticking with what I got for now.... So what is the best bulb order for me for growth and viewing? Keep the Fiji more front center I assumed? Ideas? Thanks!

Might move the aquablue back a spot if it doesn't mess with the dusk/dawn pair

 

[Furo]

Grim, Thank you Sir. You are the man! :thumbsup:

Front
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

 

[starfish prime]

Ok I only have a 2x39w 36" fixture right now with LPS. What combo would you use for the two bulbs until I get the 4 bulb fixture? What would you recommend I use when I get the 4 bulb fixture.

 

[Paradiddle7]

Thanks Grim. I read your site too, it's a great resource. You really need a paypal donation button. I think people would gladly pay you $5-$10 for the few minutes of your time to do a consultation, especially when you consider that most of us have to order the bulbs online. I was prepared to order extra bulbs just to have ones to play around with. Now that I have your advice, which is similar to where I was going, I feel comfortable only ordering 4.

I am shooting from the hip because I only have experience with the good Cree LED's.

I am thinking 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 GE 6500K Daylight and a UVL Actinic White which is a little pink. Just the T5's are going to be about 14K and I think the LED's will add just a little blue with everything on so it should look pretty good

 

[rtparty]

Ok I only have a 2x39w 36" fixture right now with LPS. What combo would you use for the two bulbs until I get the 4 bulb fixture? What would you recommend I use when I get the 4 bulb fixture.

For the 2 bulb I would get an ATI Blue Plus and a KZ New Generation 14k bulb. Then when you go to a 4 bulb add another Blue Plus and the ATI Purple Plus.

 

[lovetoreef]

At only 14" tall you don't need the punch of the ATI unless you want to mount the fixture really high.

The large footprint makes LED's a bad deal unless you want to build your own. In that case I'd go without optics and space them about 3" apart. For T5's I'd do an 8 lamp Tek.

Thanks grim ... that is good news ... that means a significant savings also

 

[Irish1983]

Thank you for the advise grim.

 

[jkeim1974]

I'm getting a 6 bulb 20 inch nova pro for my nano. I want to change the bulbs to uv bulbs since they seem to be the only other 18 inch bulbs. Any ideas on what UVL bulbs I should use. I use ati bulbs on my other tanks and don't know what uvl bulbs to go with.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'm getting a 6 bulb 20 inch nova pro for my nano. I want to change the bulbs to uv bulbs since they seem to be the only other 18 inch bulbs. Any ideas on what UVL bulbs I should use. I use ati bulbs on my other tanks and don't know what uvl bulbs to go with.

Probably go with 4 454's and 2 Indigo Suns.

 

[jkeim1974]

Probably go with 4 454's and 2 Indigo Suns.

What order would you put them? Also would it benifit to have an actinic white in there? Thanks

 

[Jarob]

Im thinking about using a 3x39w t5 retro over my 40 breeder for now. Would this be enough to keep LPS and softies until I can add DIY cree LED spotlights in a few months? If so what bulbs/combo would give me good color for my blue AND red corals.. A 14k look is preferred but 20k wouldnt be terrible.

Thanks a ton

Jarob

 

[The Grim Reefer]

What order would you put them? Also would it benifit to have an actinic white in there? Thanks

From what I understand the Indigo white is slightly pink. I think I would use those but you could try an actinic white and indigo sun with the 4 454's, might be a little more purple than some would like.

454
IS
454
IS or AW
454
454

 

[mallorieGgator]

Does KZ not make the New Generation bulbs anymore? I can't find any for sale online.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Im thinking about using a 3x39w t5 retro over my 40 breeder for now. Would this be enough to keep LPS and softies until I can add DIY cree LED spotlights in a few months? If so what bulbs/combo would give me good color for my blue AND red corals.. A 14k look is preferred but 20k wouldnt be terrible.

Thanks a ton

Jarob

2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 KZ fiji purple in between. Be real careful where you place LPS. They need to be below the lamps or really close.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Does KZ not make the New Generation bulbs anymore? I can't find any for sale online.

Reefgeek has them

 

[Jarob]

Yes, Ive kept LPS for years, just under a 7bulb fixture over a 22" deep tank. Thank you for the information, and so quickly too! Here my LPS will be in a tank only 16" deep, and on a 2-3in sand bed at that.

 

[lovetoreef]

Thanks grim ... that is good news ... that means a significant savings also

one follow-up question ... is there any significant benefit with going with the tek elite vs. the standard tek?? i noticed the elite has fans, but, is it worth almost double the cost?? will the fans extend the life of the bulbs by very much?

 

[pura vida mi]

Grim, wanted to gauge thoughts on new T5 LED tube lights. In particular SMD5050 LED's. Here are specs for the white lights. These are self contained with power source, ready to plug in 48", 12W 78pcs 5050 SMD LEDs, DC 12V,Bi-pin Socket at both ends, White 6000K-7500K, 1053lm. Also looking at same for blue leds/same specs.

Thinking about adding to existing 6 bulb system.

Thanks in advance.

 

[KevinR840]

Hi everybody,

I just bought a new to me Nova Extreme fixture, it's a 6 bulb, going over a 55 gallon tank that currently has just a 2 bulb fixture above it. My question is what bulbs do y'all recommend for this setup? (I have no idea here, I am absolutely lost so all help is appreciated)