The T5 Q&a Thread

[epicfish]

I'd prefer it if there weren't waterproof endcaps! These lights are going to be mounted over a tank that's shorter than the bulbs so there won't be any water spray actually.

And the systems that are just under 48", does that include any enclosure, or just the bulbs plus regular twist-lock end caps?


edit: Something like these endcaps.

 

[thebicyclecafe]

At what wattage will an IC 660 drive 4x24" bulbs at?

 

[Abengochea]

hey grim, I asked a question wondering what kinda look each bulb gave off and remember seeing a pic of it before. I finally found where. Maybe u can use it as reference in case anyone ever asks u about bulb color comparison. here the link for the thread I saw it on T5 bulb color comparison

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8182217#post8182217 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thebicyclecafe
At what wattage will an IC 660 drive 4x24" bulbs at?

50 watts according to IC

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8181928#post8181928 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by epicfish
I'd prefer it if there weren't waterproof endcaps! These lights are going to be mounted over a tank that's shorter than the bulbs so there won't be any water spray actually.

And the systems that are just under 48", does that include any enclosure, or just the bulbs plus regular twist-lock end caps?

jUST A TAD OVER 46"

 

[epicfish]

You rock. If I assume it's 46.5", I can build an enclosure with 1/4" wood on either side of the endcaps to have it 47"....Hahaha, I hope it fits.

 

[thebicyclecafe]

Grim,
Have you heard of a way to "retro" an IC 660 on an existing 24x4 teklight fixture? Could that be done and is it worth it? I know the ballast will have to be mounted externally but that's not a problem at all.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8182585#post8182585 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by epicfish
You rock. If I assume it's 46.5", I can build an enclosure with 1/4" wood on either side of the endcaps to have it 47"....Hahaha, I hope it fits.

It really just a tad over 46 so you will have enough room, just keep an eye on those endcaps lest they corrode and cause problems, take a good look at them every 6 months or so.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8182587#post8182587 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thebicyclecafe
Grim,
Have you heard of a way to "retro" an IC 660 on an existing 24x4 teklight fixture? Could that be done and is it worth it? I know the ballast will have to be mounted externally but that's not a problem at all.

There was a thread in the IC forum by Fragler I think, but yeah, remote mount the ballast. You will need to figure out a way to run a fan or 2 across the lamps to keep them from overheating. The IC ballast will in theory nearly double the output. Not sure if that will be the case in the real world but they are going to be bright.

 

[dmazz_63]

Well, I opened my T-5 retro kit today. They sure don't burden you with alot of instructions! Any tips from people who have put a retro kit in their existing hoods? It's a 6 bulb 48" kit (3 ballasts).
Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The wires from the ballasts will stab into the holes under the endcaps. If you should need to remove a wire push a needle in the hole with the wire and you can pull the wire back out.

What you need to do is assemble two endcaps to the standoffs. Insert a lamp and use that as a templet to mark your screw holes. Make sure the lamp is fit tightly between the two endcaps. Once you get all your holes drilled remove the endcaps from the standoffs. Mount the standoffs and fish the ballast wires through the hole in the standoffs and stab them into the indcaps and remount the endcaps to the standoffs.

 

[alkataz]

I am looking into replacing my current Metal Halide/actinic setup with a strictly T5 setup. I keep clams, sps, some brains, zoo & shroons. I'm not a DIY kind of person. I wanted a hood to fit my setup, but I don't see any that are long enough they don't seem to go upto a full 72". My tank is 72x42x42. Any suggestions on hoods?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I assume your tank is 72x24x24 if it is a 180?

Aquactinics makes a 72" T5 hood. www.aquactinics.com

 

[alkataz]

Yes sorry. I'm at work trying to multitask. And failing obviously.

 

[alkataz]

Wow that looks like a real serious setup. Very impressed 14 bulbs is a lot. I have a T5 setup on my 55 and love it, but when I purchased my MH/Actinic combo T5's weren't as popular and metal halide was the way to go especailly with what I wanted to keep. But I have since fallen in love with T5's and I now have some extra money so I'm looking into upgrading my other tank. I don't have any experience with this manufacturer would I be better off just waiting for sunlight supply or say icecap to come out with a hood for my needs. Or heaven forbid even building it myself

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Aquactinics is the company building the Ice Cap fixture. Don't know if or when they will do a 72" IC hood.

 

[dmazz_63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8186812#post8186812 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
The wires from the ballasts will stab into the holes under the endcaps. If you should need to remove a wire push a needle in the hole with the wire and you can pull the wire back out.

What you need to do is assemble two endcaps to the standoffs. Insert a lamp and use that as a templet to mark your screw holes. Make sure the lamp is fit tightly between the two endcaps. Once you get all your holes drilled remove the endcaps from the standoffs. Mount the standoffs and fish the ballast wires through the hole in the standoffs and stab them into the indcaps and remount the endcaps to the standoffs.

Thank for the response Grim, I'll try that.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

You strip the wire insulation back about 1/2" and shove them into the holes under the endcap. Look inside the square channel of the endcap and you should see one or two holes on each side.

 

[hlama]

hi everyone. i posted this on its own thread but think i will get more/better feedback here. well i have been playing with and playing with the bulbs and found a configuration i really like. just not sure if its enough light. here is what i have.
6x80watt T5's running on 2x660 icecap ballast. bulbs are as follows;
front
blue+
Ge 6500k sun
03 atinic
bue+
aquablue
03 atinic

with these bulbs will sps do well inder them. the tank is 72x18x20H. with about 2" sandbed. lights are, from the bulb, 4.5 inches off the top. so anyone know if this will support sps dominated tank????

 

[hng]

HI everyone, I hope you can help me. I have a 30 gal tank (18 in deep with a sand bed) and currently have 3 VHO bulbs driven by an icecap 660. I have some monti caps and digitatas at the top of the tank that have pretty much browned out. I learned that I can do a combination of VHO and T5 off the same ballast and have decided to start to slowly switch to T5 to improve the sps situation. I plan to order one T5 bulb and an icecap reflector now. My bulbs right now are URL actinic day in front and back, super actinic in middle. For the best effect, where should I place the new T5 (front, middle, or back - all the montis are in the back)? And is there a particular bulb that you would recommend? Thanks for any help. Also, do you feel that T5's run cooler than VHOs?