The T5 Q&a Thread

[CraigsReef]

Grim,

Yes that is also a possible, but i must run a canopy due to cats, also the canaopy for a lumenarc to get the proper spread would need to be at least 18" high.

If i could somehow mount my current mini lumenarcs in the canopy, probably just 2 of the 3, and supplement with t'5 that would look good also.

Ill see if i can do a search for a 36" cube and see how others have went about light.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I think a cube with a tall canopy could look really cool but that is just me.

 

[hahnmeister]

A single 14,000K hamilton in a lumenarc wont quite cut it. Thats what I use over my 60g cube (24x24x24). I doubt it would work for a 36x36x24. I have been looking into my next tank being built to something like 36x36x18 (100g). Before I became so impressed with T5s, I was planning on using 2x250wattDE 14,000K pheonix bulbs...but now...maybe a mix of halide and T5. Maybe just a single pendant in the middle flanked with 6x39wattT5s. Something like this might be a good idea for a 36x36x24 as well. In my planning, I am realizing it would be easier if I expanded my dimensions to 48x48x24...then I could run 48" bulbs, which are the best bang for the buck.

 

[banditfl]

I have been following this thread for a while and it has convinced me that T5HO is the way to go when moving up from Compacts. I currently have 6-55w over my 75g all running on Workhorse5 ballasts. All housed inside a custom wood canopy. I plan to go with T5's when the lamps get a little older and it is near replacement time.
I was just wondering if anybody has any experience with these lamps from Aquaria Canada. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...80004031250&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1 Just looking for some honest feedback from somebody that may have tried them.

Thanks

 

[Yomeister66]

After seeing some people with similar tanks make the move to T5s I decided to follow suit. My reasons for this are fourfold: wattage, heat, aesthetics and access (my oceanic tank has a centerbrace which, combined with the MH hood makes it tough to work in the tank.) I run a PFO 5" hood with 2x400W 65K MH and 2x140W Acitinic VHOs.

Bought my conversion kit from www.reefgeek.com. It was my first time dealing with them and I am very pleased with the service I got from them (Greg). The shipment was delayed a few days so without having to ask, they knocked 50% off the shipping. They also included 2 snack-size "Milky Way" candybars, which was much appreciated during the install process.

Here's the photo journal of switching to a 6x80W T5 set-up, using 3 acitinic, 2aquablue and 1 daylight bulb. I also added 2 4" Icecap variable speed fans. The canopy I still had laying around from when I got started in the hobby using VHO bulbs.

The tank with MH lights:

MH Close-up:

You've got a UPS delivery:

Canopy top:

Light test:

Aquablue / Daylight bulbs only:

Canopy all wired up. A very tight fit. In this shot I have not yet installed the reflectors:

Aquarium with T5s - blues only:

T5s - all on:

T5s -close-up:

I like the color, it's quite crisp. We'll see if it changes any over time. I talked to Greg at Reefgeek.com and he told me I probably shouldn't have to adjust the photo-period since the change in total light received isn't too large. All my corals have polyps extended and appear happy. Since I'm off and home the next few days I'm just going to leave the timers set as they were and keep a close eyes on things.

The only bad part is that there is no room under the canopy for my automatic feeder. Will have to figure out a solution for that one.

 

[Yomeister66]

Here's a 2+ month update.

Was full of good intentions of slowly letting the corals get used to the new lighting by putting some sheets of plexiglass over the tank and removing them as time went by, but you know....the best-laid plans and all that.....

Lucked out and the corals really took to the new lights. No losses. Saw a significant increase in color (specifically a acro from Dr. Mac that had been whitish but finally assumed its advertised purple with neon polyps). Of course, this is probably mainly due to going from 65K on the MH to 10K+ on the T5. Growth in the softies is excellent. Also still getting good growth out of the SPS and LPS. All have excellent polyp extension and coloration.

Noticing less heat in the living room and the chiller doesn't come on as often. Watertemp does not exceed 81o. All-in-all I'm very happy that I made the switch. Also installed two Tunze Streams and a Multi-controller, so the only thing left on my "to-do" list for this year is to add a battery back-up. Now if only I knew how to get rid of those darn hydroids.

Here are some updated pics:

 

[CraigsReef]

Another question for Grim or anyone else who happens to know.
What is the amp draw on an Icecap 660 for 4x39w?

Thanks, Craig

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Dunno. 4x54 is 303 watts with apparent amp draw of 4 or so.

 

[s3aL]

Nice upgrade Yomeister66.

Looks much brighter then your old setup.

 

[Yomeister66]

Thanks, S3L. It is a lot brighter. I was amazed how much light 480 watts of T5 put out compared to 1080 watt of MH and VHO (2x400 and 2x140)

 

[R33f3r]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7720070#post7720070 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Yomeister66
Thanks, S3L. It is a lot brighter. I was amazed how much light 480 watts of T5 put out compared to 1080 watt of MH and VHO (2x400 and 2x140)

So was I. I was shocked that 6 T5's outdid my 250 watt halides.

 

[MJAnderson]

Since I complained in an earlier post, only fair that I update. Called Reefgeek Monday at 3 EST. He hadn't looked at emails yet so I told him my whole sad story. Greg is 2-daying the bulbs to me. I should have them Wednesday. My fingers are crossed.

 

[lbear]

My tank is Oceanic 90 gal bow front (48"Wx18"Dx29"H). I have 5x54w T5HO. Two of them are SLS retro. Three of them are driven by icecap 660 and with icecap reflectors. Bulbs are 2.5" above water surface.

Can I keep LPS at the bottom of the tank? There is 1" sand bed. How many inches below water surface can I keep SPS? Any chance of keeping clam?

Thanks!

 

[jjoos99]

overdriven t-5's

overdriven t-5's

I was just curious what the life expectancy would be on overdriven t-5 ho bulbs. My bulbs are going on 8 months old and I have 2 pieces of acro that have tissue recession and another is starting to lose some color on the tips. Everything else seems good. Do acros need more current then other corals?
Thanks
Jeff

 

[R33f3r]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7723052#post7723052 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lbear

Can I keep LPS at the bottom of the tank? There is 1" sand bed. How many inches below water surface can I keep SPS? Any chance of keeping clam?

Thanks!

You can keep LPS on the bottom but be careful with the brains, as they can easily bleach. T5's are very potent! You can keep clams, anemones (except giganteas and some haddoni's), and most SPS.

 

[horkn]

jjoos, do you have any fans on that retrofit?

if you dont that might explain the recession.

yes, acros need a lot of flow compared to other softies and lps

lbear, you should be fine with lps down low in the tank.
what bulbs are you running and which ones are overdriven by the IC?

 

[Freds]

Anyone bleach all their Acros when they went to T5? With the exception of one, all mine went white. Great polyp extension but they are the finest white acros you've seen.

 

[horkn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7702158#post7702158 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by banditfl
I have been following this thread for a while and it has convinced me that T5HO is the way to go when moving up from Compacts. I currently have 6-55w over my 75g all running on Workhorse5 ballasts. All housed inside a custom wood canopy. I plan to go with T5's when the lamps get a little older and it is near replacement time.
I was just wondering if anybody has any experience with these lamps from Aquaria Canada. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...80004031250&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1 Just looking for some honest feedback from somebody that may have tried them.

Thanks

never seen those before.

the SA and actinic + sound like the bulbs we are used to.

my advice is to try them out, and reprt to us how they work

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7723052#post7723052 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lbear
My tank is Oceanic 90 gal bow front (48"Wx18"Dx29"H). I have 5x54w T5HO. Two of them are SLS retro. Three of them are driven by icecap 660 and with icecap reflectors. Bulbs are 2.5" above water surface.

Can I keep LPS at the bottom of the tank? There is 1" sand bed. How many inches below water surface can I keep SPS? Any chance of keeping clam?

Thanks!

I think I'd bumb up to 4x54 on the IC. with 6 lamps you will be fine for LPS on the sand and larger clams. I'd keep the SPS in the upper half of the tank.

 

[brentp]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7723434#post7723434 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Freds
Anyone bleach all their Acros when they went to T5? With the exception of one, all mine went white. Great polyp extension but they are the finest white acros you've seen.

Yes, I have a Cali tort that was under a 400 watt XM 20k that lightened up a lot when I went to overdriven T5's.