The T5 Q&a Thread

[Dorado13]

I've pretty much decided that I am going to go with T-5s on my 120(4'x2'x2'), but the way my canopy is set up, I would only be able to fit 6 reflectors in it. Would this be enough light if I wanted SPS on the top half and LPS on the bottom, or would you suggest upgrading to icecap reflectors and ballasts? Cost is a factor but if I have to, i'll upgrade. Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

If you use a 6 lamp Ice Cap system you will be fine.

 

[jamal-188]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8037561#post8037561 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I wouldn't bother with IC ballasts for a 75. Grab a 6 lamp Tek unit upgraded to IC reflectors, 2 bux a reflector last I heard.

I'm assuming the IC reflectors are a bit better since your recomending to get them....I thought the tek reflectors were really good?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The IC's are a little better.

 

[johnfaas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8038506#post8038506 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dorado13
I've pretty much decided that I am going to go with T-5s on my 120(4'x2'x2'), but the way my canopy is set up, I would only be able to fit 6 reflectors in it. Would this be enough light if I wanted SPS on the top half and LPS on the bottom, or would you suggest upgrading to icecap reflectors and ballasts? Cost is a factor but if I have to, i'll upgrade. Thanks

I just recieved my Tek 4ft 8 bulb light and it fits on my 120 with the AGA canopy.I will try to get a pic. if you need it.

 

[atvdave]

I guess this is the place for T-5 info.

I just ordered the Aquactinics T5 HO 72" Fixture with 14 39W bulbs.

I'm really confused about bulb selection.

I want a bulb selection that will make my corals look great, mostly zoa and hammer. But I also want something that will make them grow.

I'm kinda looking for a whitish/bluish look.

Any help on my 14 bulb selection?

Grim.. you seem to be the man on bulb output.

I have a 125g 72x18x22 tank

Thanks

Dave

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I would go with 2 rows of ATI blueplus lamps, 2 rows of UVL super actinics, 1 row of ATI aquablues and 2 rows of either UVL aquasuns or D&D midday.

 

[Abengochea]

Hey grim I was wondering what would be the best bulb combo for the system Im planning on getting. Its going to be a 4 x 54 tek retro with the ice cap reflector upgrade. The tank has mainly zoos, leather, a frogspawn, and recently was given a monti digit. Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'd do one Sun or midday, 2 blueplus and a UVL super actinic. Should get you nice color.

 

[Abengochea]

does it matter which bulb gets placed where? Is the Sun and midday the same type of bulb?

 

[Abengochea]

and would this bulb combination be blueish or more towards white?

 

[Abengochea]

sorry to bother, but I figure I could ask since u might know. I remember seeing a post where each bulb was shown over a couple of tanks to show the color of each bulb. Do u happen to know where I could find that? I cant seem to find it again

 

[The Grim Reefer]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=876329

This is just to show what the corals look like, all of those lamps will have a blue or purple cast to the tank in person.

The combo I listed will be a little bluish. I would run a blue lamp at the front and just arrange them for looks from there. With the sun in the second slot you will get a little more white look than if you put it in the 3rd.

 

[Abengochea]

so it doesnt matter where to put the actinic?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I would try the actinic in the 2 or 3rd slot. You want it to hit the front of the corals as much as possible so you can see the effect.

 

[Abengochea]

so then blue+, uvl super actinic, sun, and blue+ ? Whats the difference between the ATI sun pro, GE daylight, and Giessmann daylight?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

ATI is changing the Sun Pro but if you can get one it is a nice lamp. The D&D Midday is a little lower in output but not bad. GE changed their daylight around to where I see no reason to run them any more.

 

[horkn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8039028#post8039028 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
The IC's are a little better.

for now



20% better for a few dollars difference is a big deal. the bigger deal in my mind is that the teks stain really easily, and i am certain that cuts down a lot of light reflectivity.

however, rumor has it that SLS is changing their material for tek reflectors to a better grade of aluminum. hopefully they have more output and do not stain like other brands

 

[stereomandan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8036978#post8036978 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I'd go with 1 48" VHO Actinic, 2 ATI blue plus T5's and a UVL Aquasun or ATI sun pro. You can run 4 54 watt T5's on the 660.

Are you saying that I should ditch one of my two VHO's, and go with three T5's and one VHO actinic?

I think that's what you are saying:

1 - 48" UVL VHO Actinic
2 - 54W ATI blue plus
1 - 54W Aquasun or ATI sun Pro.

Is that right?

This would be in addition to my 8k 96W PC which has it's own electronic ballast.

Dan

 

[The Grim Reefer]

You got the idea. I would only keep the PC to run an actinic for dusk/dawn, you wont need it with 3 T5's and the VHO.