The T5 Q&a Thread
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The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Why not buy a tek retro from reefgeek and have him upgrade the reflectors to the Ice Caps, he charges 2 bux per lamp extra.
Well, heard it was a problem, I guess I misunderstood.
The name of the place is Aquauniverse.com...
I placed my order over the phone and the customer service was pretty good. I was surprised at the quality of the fixture because it was some much cheaper. I have seen Nova and TEK and this fucture falls on the higher end, not as seemless as TEK.
In fact UPS did there usual job of destroying whatever I mail order, and even though the fixture was packed well, a small crack was visible on one of the ends. I called them and they mailed me the replacement part, no charge.
Keep in mind the bulbs do come with the fixture as an added savings, and you can always upgrade on your own to higher quality bulbs.
Two switches, LED lights, and a mounted fan.
The name of the place is Aquauniverse.com...
I placed my order over the phone and the customer service was pretty good. I was surprised at the quality of the fixture because it was some much cheaper. I have seen Nova and TEK and this fucture falls on the higher end, not as seemless as TEK.
In fact UPS did there usual job of destroying whatever I mail order, and even though the fixture was packed well, a small crack was visible on one of the ends. I called them and they mailed me the replacement part, no charge.
Keep in mind the bulbs do come with the fixture as an added savings, and you can always upgrade on your own to higher quality bulbs.
Two switches, LED lights, and a mounted fan.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
The reflectors are not very good either. Who knows what they use for ballasts.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
You ever see a tek or Ice Cap reflector? The AU setup I saw was blown up so I couldn't measure PAR but the reflectors looked pretty cheesey to me, just a simple bend at each side. I know a guy on another board who put Ice Cap reflectors on his unit and couldn't believe the difference, then he changed out one of the ballasts and really couldn't belive the difference. Not all the T5 ballasts perform the same. I have a couple I wouldn't even give away they are so bad.
I have seen the TEK...and the IceCap...
I guess, I first assumed that the fixture wouldnt even come w/individual reflectors, I had planned on adding some, I asked them if they did individuals and they told me not usually, but the fixture came with the reflectors. So I was really happy about that.
It looks like there is plenty of room to add Tek type reflectors, ICE CAP relectors are wider if I remember right. Most people down here with T5's have them as supplements to
I am changing the lights first, then probably looking at IC or TEK reflectors. IT is really bright now, and once I get the blue right I may be satisfied without IC reflectors. I guess it depends on if I can do clams, that will determine my upgrades.
I guess, I first assumed that the fixture wouldnt even come w/individual reflectors, I had planned on adding some, I asked them if they did individuals and they told me not usually, but the fixture came with the reflectors. So I was really happy about that.
It looks like there is plenty of room to add Tek type reflectors, ICE CAP relectors are wider if I remember right. Most people down here with T5's have them as supplements to
I am changing the lights first, then probably looking at IC or TEK reflectors. IT is really bright now, and once I get the blue right I may be satisfied without IC reflectors. I guess it depends on if I can do clams, that will determine my upgrades.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
yes
Justin74
New member
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/ if they're the same unit they use workhorse ballasts. The three Ive been using for over 2 years have been working like a charm without any issues. Although I dont stretch my bulbs out to there so called max potential of 18-24 and swap em out every year.Speaking of, I am soo loving the UVL superactinic bulb! It's exactly what Ive been waiting for!
-Justin
-Justin
Avast Marine
.Registered Member
Ok guy's I could use a little help. I am setting up a raceway prop system with two 36x8x6 tanks. Only 24" needs to be lit on each one. I can diy everything so am just looking for a little direction here. Please recomend the best lamps,ballast,reflectors for me. I would like to only have to run 1 lamp for each tank. I could run 2 but, my budget is like $250 for lighting both tanks.
Justin74
New member
Are these tanks going to be adjacent to each other at all?
Depending on the ballast you use you can fire potentially up to 4 bulbs, with a mere 25-40$ ballast.Even if there not touching but still close you can split it up to light both props. I know once you start splitting them up distance does become a factor.If you r set on just running one bulb my first suggestion without knowing what your growing would be the D&D aquablue lamp rated @15k. And for best efficiency especially since your down to one bulb( if you chose to go that rout) would be to definately use an IceCap reflector, as they are the best.
-Justin
Depending on the ballast you use you can fire potentially up to 4 bulbs, with a mere 25-40$ ballast.Even if there not touching but still close you can split it up to light both props. I know once you start splitting them up distance does become a factor.If you r set on just running one bulb my first suggestion without knowing what your growing would be the D&D aquablue lamp rated @15k. And for best efficiency especially since your down to one bulb( if you chose to go that rout) would be to definately use an IceCap reflector, as they are the best.
-Justin
Justin74
New member
http://innovativelights.com/ret-t5-439.html
Great vendor and its a 4bulb tek retro under budget on sale @229 and that can run the whole lenth of your tanks! Or if you only need the 24" like you said they have the IceCap 2bulb kit for 238$, or the 4 bulb tek kit for 219$!
-Justin
Great vendor and its a 4bulb tek retro under budget on sale @229 and that can run the whole lenth of your tanks! Or if you only need the 24" like you said they have the IceCap 2bulb kit for 238$, or the 4 bulb tek kit for 219$!
-Justin
kmacartney
New member
Thanks Grim!
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
I'd probably go with the aquactinics because it can sit right on the tank.
I apologize if this has been asked before - I have read most of this thread.
I have a DIY canopy on my 125 gal reef. Inside width dimension is 71".
Can I fit two 36" bulbs with non-waterproof endcaps end to end? (I know that 36" bulbs are not actually 36", but don't know the actual length.)
Thanks!
I have a DIY canopy on my 125 gal reef. Inside width dimension is 71".
Can I fit two 36" bulbs with non-waterproof endcaps end to end? (I know that 36" bulbs are not actually 36", but don't know the actual length.)
Thanks!
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