The T5 Q&a Thread

[rob020880]

Also how high above the water should a power module be installed on a 28" deep tank?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Gonna real hard to place a T5 unit where it will cover the rocks. A couple of AI LED modules might be a better idea. Call reefgeek ans see what the dimensions of the AI modules are and see if you can use those.

 

[rob020880]

But I have already measured everything fairly carefully the 8x24 plus my two tek t5 24's will basically put 10 t5's above every section of the rock. I am concerned about the 28" depth of the tank though. What would you say is a good ten bulb combo?

 

[rustyjames]

General consensus on a 4 bulb combo is, from what I've read, 2 blue plus, 1 aqua blue and 1 purple plus or KZ figi pink. Just like to ask how would 3 blue plus and 1 aqua blue look?

BTW, I've read many pages of this thread but never posted, thanks guys for answering sooo many questions.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

But I have already measured everything fairly carefully the 8x24 plus my two tek t5 24's will basically put 10 t5's above every section of the rock. I am concerned about the 28" depth of the tank though. What would you say is a good ten bulb combo?

At 28" tall as long as the high light stuff is under the lamps it should be fine as low as half way down or so I would think.

6 ATI Blue Plus, 2 Aquablues and 2 Purple Plus for lamps.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

General consensus on a 4 bulb combo is, from what I've read, 2 blue plus, 1 aqua blue and 1 purple plus or KZ figi pink. Just like to ask how would 3 blue plus and 1 aqua blue look?

BTW, I've read many pages of this thread but never posted, thanks guys for answering sooo many questions.

3 Blue Plus and a Purple Plus would look better. The blue plus/Aquablue combo just misses some colors but still looks OK.

 

[Carrera75]

Mr. Grim,

I am thinking about switching my metal halide fixture for a 6 bulb ATI Sunpower or 6 bulb Tek Elite. My tank is packed with LPS, Zoas and Rics. Would the ATI be too much for my set up? I ask you this because I have read some threads where people claim that this fixture was too strong and their corals were not too happy with the switch.

There is an online store that sells the 6 bulb ATI Sunpower w/b for $599 and the 6 Bulb Tek Elite w/b for $379. The only downside of the ATI is that it does not have legs and I really don't want to hang the fixture from the ceiling. A friend of mine told me that he would build legs for it so it could work.

Could you also help me choose the right bulbs for this 6 bulb light fixture.

Thanks in advance

 

[rob020880]

Is there a t5 retrofit kit that might match or come close to the output of a powermodule?

 

[nikesb]

let reflectors would be your best bet

 

[rodneyri]

After some thoughts, my tank is 30" deep and 56" long, currently running a giesemann infinity with 2x250w MH and 4 T5HO. Am building a new tank in the next few months same length but 22" deep, Looking to put a ATI Powermodule over the new tank. I have a chance to sell my current light now and get the ATI now.

looking at the 8x54 or 8x80, would this be ok for my current tank?

have SPS in the top half and clams / zoos on the bottom.

 

[WT_JayJay]

getting a 24'' 8 bulb ATI fixture for my 30/30/25 cube. whats a good bulb combo??

oh and its an lps/softy dominated tank.

 

[BigRedNole]

I have settled on the ATI Sunpower 48" 6x54W with the recommended bulbs. I am placing my order this morning. My question is about mounting this fixture.

Are there legs or a mounting system that will attach to the aquarium to keep the lights at the right height? If not, I have to design something to come off the wall to do this and it won't be pretty. I probably cannot hang it from the ceiling because it is too high (~15' and angled). I am trying to find the best option without costing a fortune.

 

[rtparty]

I have settled on the ATI Sunpower 48" 6x54W with the recommended bulbs. I am placing my order this morning. My question is about mounting this fixture.

Are there legs or a mounting system that will attach to the aquarium to keep the lights at the right height? If not, I have to design something to come off the wall to do this and it won't be pretty. I probably cannot hang it from the ceiling because it is too high (~15' and angled). I am trying to find the best option without costing a fortune.

There are no legs for ATI fixtures.

You will have to come up with a way to hang it or have a local acrylic shop make you some brackets to hold the fixture.

 

[rob020880]

Do the LET retrofits compare in PAR output to the powermodule? Are they overdriven or something?

 

[njw26]

thanks guys for the recommendations on lighting for my aquarium i appreciate all the help

 

[BigRedNole]

Well, I just purchased a 48" 6x54W ATI Powermodule. ReefGeek had 2nds that were in the price range I was looking. I am not sure if it is better than the Sunpower. I was recommended to get that version over the Sunpower if I could swing it.

All ATI bulbs: 4x Blue +, 1x Aquablue Special, 1x Purple Plus

Now to find a wall system I can hang it from.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Mr. Grim,

I am thinking about switching my metal halide fixture for a 6 bulb ATI Sunpower or 6 bulb Tek Elite. My tank is packed with LPS, Zoas and Rics. Would the ATI be too much for my set up? I ask you this because I have read some threads where people claim that this fixture was too strong and their corals were not too happy with the switch.

There is an online store that sells the 6 bulb ATI Sunpower w/b for $599 and the 6 Bulb Tek Elite w/b for $379. The only downside of the ATI is that it does not have legs and I really don't want to hang the fixture from the ceiling. A friend of mine told me that he would build legs for it so it could work.

Could you also help me choose the right bulbs for this 6 bulb light fixture.

Thanks in advance

4 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Aquablue and 1 ATI Purple Plus. The Tek should be fine for what you are growing

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Is there a t5 retrofit kit that might match or come close to the output of a powermodule?

LET retros with some kind of duct work for cooling that hits the very end of the lamps.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

After some thoughts, my tank is 30" deep and 56" long, currently running a giesemann infinity with 2x250w MH and 4 T5HO. Am building a new tank in the next few months same length but 22" deep, Looking to put a ATI Powermodule over the new tank. I have a chance to sell my current light now and get the ATI now.

looking at the 8x54 or 8x80, would this be ok for my current tank?

have SPS in the top half and clams / zoos on the bottom.

get the 54 watt fixture. SHould be fine for that tank, just kee the fixture close to the top of the tank.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

getting a 24'' 8 bulb ATI fixture for my 30/30/25 cube. whats a good bulb combo??

oh and its an lps/softy dominated tank.

5 ATI Blue Plus, 2 Purple Plus and 1 Aquablue.