The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

I would get an exact measurement on the 36" with endcaps. Reefgeek probably has that number. You could just use the 80 watt lamps which are 58" long. Staggered a few inches either way they will cover a 6 foot tank fine.

 

[banditfl]

Just adding my $0.02 I am in the process of setting up my 75g. I started w/4x55w 2-10,000k and 2-Actinic03 from Premium Aquatics. I am in the process of converting to 6x54w T5ho. So far I have added a GE 6500k and a D&D Actinic+. I must say the colors of my corals have been improving almost daily. The Green Acropora I added from my nano (10g 96w quad) and my Frag tank (metal halide) have never looked this good. This system is a mixed reef with mostly Zoos and SPS and some Mushrooms in the caves. I must say again the colors of all my corals just POP compared to all the other lighting I have used. I hopefully will be replacing the compacts in the next couple of weeks with the other 4 T5's.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8056038#post8056038 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cwal
Will the 5 bulbs be enough light to grow clams or even SPS. Also, I had looked at a Current USA Sunpod with 2 x 150w 14k bulbs, would the aquactinics have similar performance (other than the shimmer)? and what is your opinion of the Sunpod?

Thanks

on a 21" tall tank the 5 lamp fixture will be fine. I would stick to Higher output lamps though. Something like an Aquablue, UVL Aquasun and 3 ATI bluepluses would give you enough light.

The sunpod is a OK fixture, I just aint a fan of 150 watt halides. If you stick to 10K lamps you would be OK.

 

[BusterDog]

You could just use the 80 watt lamps which are 58" long. Staggered a few inches either way they will cover a 6 foot tank fine.

Thanks Grim,
One bulb doing the same work as two - I like that. It looks like I will need to use a Tek reflector - don't think Ice Cap makes one for 80w.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Thats the only downside.

 

[newreefbishop]

Grim, Have been reading the thread and there is so much info to suck in.....

Anyway I have a question that I know you have probably answered before. Currently on my 65 I have a PC fixture with a 50/50 bulb and a actinic bulb, I am planing on upgrading the lighting system and wanted to know if its worth it to keep the PC and add 2-4 t-5s.

Basically I am trying to grow softies, LPS, and a few hardy SPS. I want a good balance between growth and color as I am not a big fan of yellow light. Also, if I do keep the PC's, what bulbs should I run on the t-5s.

Oh the tank is 36" long, 24" deep...


Thanks in advance

 

[prance1520]

While your getting pummelled with questions, I'll add another! I'm upgrading to a 48x30x16 tank (deep with, but shallow height).
My plan is to do an 8x54w tek fixture hanging from the ceiling. I want to do the 8 bulb because witht he 30inch width, I don't
want to light up only part of the tank. The 8 bulb is 19 inches wide, so this should get my close to lighting the whole tank.
I'm worried that 400+watts of t5 is going to be too much for only 16inches of height since I keep a mixed reef. Any input/comments
would be much appriciated. Thanks!

Also, just want to be clear, the Blue+ is the bulb that looks blue when you look at it, the Actinic 03 (or equiv) is the one that looks purple. Correct?

Matt

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8056762#post8056762 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by newreefbishop
Grim, Have been reading the thread and there is so much info to suck in.....

Anyway I have a question that I know you have probably answered before. Currently on my 65 I have a PC fixture with a 50/50 bulb and a actinic bulb, I am planing on upgrading the lighting system and wanted to know if its worth it to keep the PC and add 2-4 t-5s.

Basically I am trying to grow softies, LPS, and a few hardy SPS. I want a good balance between growth and color as I am not a big fan of yellow light. Also, if I do keep the PC's, what bulbs should I run on the t-5s.

Oh the tank is 36" long, 24" deep...


Thanks in advance

I would go straight T5's and never look back. 4 lamps will do it but I would go 6 if possible, that gives you more options as far as mixing lamps to get just the look you want.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8056899#post8056899 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by prance1520
While your getting pummelled with questions, I'll add another! I'm upgrading to a 48x30x16 tank (deep with, but shallow height).
My plan is to do an 8x54w tek fixture hanging from the ceiling. I want to do the 8 bulb because witht he 30inch width, I don't
want to light up only part of the tank. The 8 bulb is 19 inches wide, so this should get my close to lighting the whole tank.
I'm worried that 400+watts of t5 is going to be too much for only 16inches of height since I keep a mixed reef. Any input/comments
would be much appriciated. Thanks!

Also, just want to be clear, the Blue+ is the bulb that looks blue when you look at it, the Actinic 03 (or equiv) is the one that looks purple. Correct?

Matt

You are right about the Blue Plus vs. Actinic.

Any chance you could use a retrofit on that tank? You could spread 6 lamps out a bit to cover the tank. If you go with the 8 lamp unit just keep it a little higher above the tank and you will be fine.

 

[prance1520]

Thanks much TGR,
I thought about getting a hood like the Tek fabricated for me, and using retros so I could spread them out, but I think its going to be more hastle/cost than its worth. I definately want to hang a fixture because the tank is going to be trimless/braceless and I want to show it off. I am building the stand myself, so I'll make sure the tank sits low enough so that I can keep the light a bit higher up and it won't be in peoples eyes. Thanks so much.

Matt

 

[dmazz_63]

Replacing existing lights

Replacing existing lights

Hi Grim, I've been following this thread for some time and since you're the resident expert, I have a question for you. I just picked up a 90 gal AGA with custom stand and hood (see pics). The lighting is currently 6 NO fluorescents and I'd like to change it to something better before I set the tank up. Do you think a T-5 retro-kit will work? I've also included a couple of links to reefgeek kits.

I will be keeping a clam, some LPS and softies with some hardy SPS a possibility in the future. The tank is 48 x 18 x 25 high.

T-5 Retrokit

T-5 Retrokit with Ice Cap

 

[dmazz_63]

I forgot to add in that I currently have a 48" lunar aqualight fixture with 2 x 65w 10K bulbs and 2 x 65w actinics I could use in the interim or this be enough light for the new tank?

 

[prance1520]

I'm sure t5s would do what your looking for. I would guess 6 would do it, but Grim is the master at that, so see what he has to say.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

What ^^^ Said. 6 lamps is about all that will fit. I would do the 6 lamp Ice Cap if that is 25" tall. That would give you enough light for anything you want to raise.

 

[Dorado13]

I've read that when you first put T-5s over your tank, you should acclimate the tank to the new lighting using the screen method for several weeks. After that how do you acclimate new corals additions to this lighting? Start them at the bottom and move them up or screen them?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Depends what you were using before. Most of the corals you buy have been under halides so it shouldn't be a big deal but you could screen if need be.

 

[Dorado13]

also do icecap ballasts automatically overdrive your lamps or can you choose? I've heard both and am just wondering which is true.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The IC automatically overdrives.

 

[noahfor]

When you're talking about swapping Tek reflectors for IC reflectors, are you talking about retro kits only, or can this be done with the Tek fixtures. Also, does the Tek fixture have fans?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Talking retrofits for reflector swap. The Tek doesn't use fans.