The T5 Q&a Thread

[brentp]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7588369#post7588369 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HowardW
Has anyone ever done tests on the D&D T5 bulbs using just a single reflector for all the bulbs vs. PC's? I'm wondering if they would be much better watt for watt without the individual reflectors even using the best T5 bulbs?

Why would it matter? The design of PC bulbs prevents an efficient reflector being designed for them.

 

[HowardW]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7588387#post7588387 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brentp
Why would it matter? The design of PC bulbs prevents an efficient reflector being designed for them.

I was just wondering if switching to a fixture using a single reflector for (4) 54W T5 bulbs would be a significant improvement over a 4 X 65W PC fixture, or only marginally better.

 

[brentp]

Probably not. The only benefit would be if you are trying to save a little money now and plan on getting individual reflectors when you move on to keeping higher light animals.

 

[flameangel88]

Thanks for all the replies and off to looking for a T5 HO fixture to supplement the PC for now and possibly replacing it down the road.

 

[Pufferpunk]

I haven't been thru this entire thread yet (working on it), but I need to order soon, as my 90g tank will be ready in a week or so. It will come with a oak canopy. Should I buy the entire fixture or build my own system into it? (I'd like the least amount of work for Hubby.) I have the opportunity to get everything for wholesale from Sunlight Supply. Also, is it a good idea to get the plexi cover to protest the bulbs from salt spray?

I'm thinking that 6 bulbs should be plenty for zoas, (I have tons of them!), softies, LPS & a few clams?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

a six lamp retrofit would be best if you are using a canopy. It really isn;t any more work than trying to figure out how to cram the whole fixture in there.

 

[snaza]

got a 4x2x2, would 6 bulbs be to much for zoas and rics? would it be to much for any corals?

 

[horkn]

a 4x2x2 is a 120g, and 6x54 will do great on that tank.
fwiw, zoos love t5ho lighting. the rics you would want down low in the tank.


and yeah, its relly not that hard to retrofit, if you have the canopy already, why bother with the teklight or other models of fixtures.

 

[snaza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7593451#post7593451 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by horkn
a 4x2x2 is a 120g, and 6x54 will do great on that tank.
fwiw, zoos love t5ho lighting. the rics you would want down low in the tank.


and yeah, its relly not that hard to retrofit, if you have the canopy already, why bother with the teklight or other models of fixtures.

would 4 bulbs do rics and zoos ok?

 

[Toledofishguy]

I got my tek light set up over my 120. Awesome blue tones for the dawn to dust look. Went with the 6 X 54watt fixture from Reef geek. My leathers are lovin it thus far.

Thanks goes out to everyone adding their opinions, especially to Grimm Reafer

 

[snaza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7593612#post7593612 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Toledofishguy
I got my tek light set up over my 120. Awesome blue tones for the dawn to dust look. Went with the 6 X 54watt fixture from Reef geek. My leathers are lovin it thus far.

Thanks goes out to everyone adding their opinions, especially to Grimm Reafer

what 6 bulbs u get?

 

[Justin74]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7593451#post7593451 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by horkn
fwiw, zoos love t5ho lighting. the rics you would want down low in the tank.

I really couldnt disagree more with you horkn, but I think I may have shared this with you before. From my own experience some zoos literally withered away due to the intense light(eagle eyes namely) of the T5's, and my yuma was not happy even on the sandbed till I moved him outta there, now that most of my zoos and shrooms and rics are in under my 175MH, they open much much better, with far superiour coloration in my honest opinion. The only place where I could keep there normal coloration is on or near the bottom. You should see some radio active dragon eyes and what my T5's did to them. Went from a nice neon green w/ green circular centers to highlighter limey yellow with starburst centers. Ive talked to a few of my other club's members and they've experienced similar situations and will sternly tell you that there zoos hate there T5's. So use our experiences as a note of caution in your placements of zoos.

-Justin

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7593501#post7593501 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snaza
would 4 bulbs do rics and zoos ok?

If that is your only stock. 6 lamps give you a better chance to mix and match to get a nice look.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7593850#post7593850 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Justin74
I really couldnt disagree more with you horkn, but I think I may have shared this with you before. From my own experience some zoos literally withered away due to the intense light(eagle eyes namely) of the T5's,

-Justin

My orange and burgandy zoos did equally well under halides and T5's, both spread like knapweed.

 

[Justin74]

Must depend on the morph on its individual tolerance to intense light? My teal w/ purple centers were on the brink of extinction as well till I got them out from under the T5's. My zombie eyes seem indifferent and spread well regardless of what light there under, so it definately depends on something. But still feel that saying zoos and T5's = caution.

-Justin

 

[Pufferpunk]

I am going to have an oak canopy on my new 90g tank. Does someone have a pic of what these lights would look like installed into something like that? What exactally do I need to order (I'm assuming I'll need to order all the components seperately) for this to work as a 6 bulb system? I'm ordering from Sunlight Supply.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Sunlight supply should have retrofits with everything you need included. Basically you need 6 lamps, 12 endcaps, 12 standoffs, 6 reflectors and 3 ballasts (each runs 2 lamps)

 

[20 20]

And 3 power cords.

 

[Pufferpunk]

I found a ready-fit 2-bulb system they sell!

 

[Shawnts106]

What would give a 15Kelvin ISH look

2 Gmann Blue+
1 GE65K
1 UVL(URI) 50/50 T5

or

2 Gmann Blue+
1 GE6500K
1 UVL(URI) T5 Actinic

or

2 Gmann Blue+
2 UVL(URI) T5 50/50


All bulbs in INDVIS REFLECTORS