The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7512809#post7512809 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Alque01
Okay, after 2 dys I have been through almost all the post, including the old thread.

I have decided on T5s for my 90 gallon tank 48X18 it is 24"tall.

I understand that the t5s will supply enough life if I equip them with reflectors. I like the aqualux (sp) reflectors.

Now my questions.

I really like the Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...&N=2004+113175.

I want to add reflectors from Aqualux. I have been looking but i cant find anything on wheather this fixture will/can be modified with reflectors.

Can reflectors be added?

I like this fixture because it has a fan and the lunar lights as well as the mutiple plugs for timered lighting.

I plan on doing LR, a few fish, soft corals, and maybe just maybe SPS, LPS if the lighting can be right?

Can I get buy with reflectors on a 4bulb set up. It is only 216 watts, but I am hearing that the T5s make more light than anything
Just to add, after reading all the post, I feel like I lost a freind "Grim" and then got him back. Man that was some drama. Good to have you back Grim.

Only option would be Tek reflectors. I know the Finnex can be taken apart and re assembled with reflectors but by the time you pay for everything you are better off getting the Tek. You really need the good reflectors at 24" tall;

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: GTG

Re: GTG

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7512836#post7512836 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PrangeWay
What do you think of the Aquactinics fixture for that use than? Would be 5-39W.

Thanks again G.

PW

That would be fine.

 

[Alque01]

But otherwise the 4 bulb set up would be okay?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Yeah, either one.

 

[joeyf]

I hate to bug ya'll again but I am going to have to bite the bullet very soon. My PC's took a sh** on me, as the bulbs are a little over a year old they have been in major decline in the last 2 months. Everything is just barely hanging on. I have an extra current USA 80w fixture over one side to try and help.

Anyways, enough rambling...

To recap what I know/want-

I have a 90g (48x18x24) and want to keep mushrooms at the bottom, zoos low to mid, LPS mid to high, SPS and clams mid to high.

I am looking at either a 4x54w IceCap retro, or for now getting a 4x54w Tek retro, and if needed add an aditional 2x54w Tek later. Or another thought is to get the 4x Tek and add an IceCap 2x later.

My bulb configuration for the IC setup would be-
aquablue
blue+
aquablue
blue+

Or the Tek 4x would be
aquablue
blue+
daylight
blue+

Which route would you folks suggest? For now budget only permits for one 4x setup.

Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Grab a 4x54 watt Tek with the Ice Cap reflector upgrade from reefgeek. Then if you decide you need more punch down the road you can grab a couple more lamps or even watch for a 660 ballast to come up used.

 

[joeyf]

Thanks Grim

I have never seen the upgrade to IC reflectors. Is there a page where they list the upgrade or do I have to buy the extra reflectors at $20something each? If the later is the case, I may as well start off with the IC setup for $60 more than the standard Tek.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

It was the price of the Tek kit plus 5 bux a lamp for the reflector upgrade. Just call Greg and ask him if he is still doing it.

 

[joeyf]

Sweet, thanks. But still, wouldn't I just be better off starting with the IC, or are you thinking that it may be too much?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Can't say for sure if it would be too much. If I had a choice between 4 on a 660 or 6 on Tek ballasts I'd go 6 cause you can get a better look with more lamps.

 

[joeyf]

Makes sense. I'll give reefgeek a call and ask about the upgrade.

I have one more question and I'll leave ya alone for right now

I have to ghetto rig up a temporary hood till I can build my canopy. I want to get this done ASAP cause I really don't want to kill my corals that are barely hanging on. My question- If I were to mount a 4x setup and ballasts to a single board (assuming ballasts can't be wired remotely) what is the minimum dimensions that that board would have to be? Length x width for a 54w setup?

 

[horkn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7507957#post7507957 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
As long as your careful about coral placement 4 lamps will likely do the trick.

snaza, I was going to say exctly what grim recommended.


if it isnt enough light, you can always add another 2 bulbs if needed.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7513447#post7513447 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by joeyf
Makes sense. I'll give reefgeek a call and ask about the upgrade.

I have one more question and I'll leave ya alone for right now

I have to ghetto rig up a temporary hood till I can build my canopy. I want to get this done ASAP cause I really don't want to kill my corals that are barely hanging on. My question- If I were to mount a 4x setup and ballasts to a single board (assuming ballasts can't be wired remotely) what is the minimum dimensions that that board would have to be? Length x width for a 54w setup?

48x10" and mount the ballasts on the back side of the board.

 

[joeyf]

Awesome! Thanks

Off to Lowes to get the 12" planks to build a ghetto hood

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Dont forget the duct tape

 

[joeyf]

Not that ghetto I finished it in about 30 mins. and it looks like it will work perfectly! The wood was only $15, but since the rest of my tools are in storage, I ended up spending $60, although that included a new 18v cordless drill, which I don't have at all.

 

[gary greguire]

Hello all I need to get rid of the halides on my 75gallon sps frag tank I have racks that come very high in the tank the front 6 inches at the bottom of the tank is used for zoos and other lower light corals.

I am thinking that a 4x54 icecap set up would be more than enough light...

If in agreement what bulb config would give good growth and color? I want to try the UV bulbs but am not shure what to run all 50/50 or a mix..

 

[The Grim Reefer]

At this point I think 1 UV SA, 1 D&D actinic plus, 1 GE and 1 Aquablue is what I'd reco until I actually see the lamps and measure PAR on them.

 

[gary greguire]

I am going to order from reefgeek what is the = to the D&D actinic plus..

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7522920#post7522920 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gary greguire
I am going to order from reefgeek what is the = to the D&D actinic plus..

Super Actinic will be close to actinic plus

Actinic white will be close to the Aquablue.