The T5 Q&a Thread

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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8567878#post8567878 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hahnmeister
Geeez... that posted 3x?!?!?!

I dont remember the exact numbers but the 3000K had signifigantly higher PAR.
 
I'd appreciate a bit of advice as I complete my T-5 setup.

Current state/hardware. Standard 75 Gallon with a 660 and 3 x 48" icecap reflectors/caps, etc in the hood. Air handling by 3" fans in a push/pull config at either end of the back of the hood.

The tank has been in the setup-cycling phase for a while now, and I'm ready to order and install the final lighting config.

It's going to be a LPS/Softy tank, with the only demanding inhabitants possibly being a nem and clam in the distant future.

So, here are my thoughts for the final config:

Option 1 - 660 running 3 bulbs, and adding a newly acquired non-overdriven ballast and reflectors running 2 more bulbs for dusk/dawn

Option 2 - 660 running 2 bulbs, and adding non-overdriven ballast running 2 more for dusk/dawn

Option 3 - 660 running 4 bulbs, no dusk/dawn

Opinions on the best option to run, and am I crazy running x3 or x4 660 overdrivens plus 2 non-overdriven on a LPS/Softy 75 Gallon? (I picked up the 660 used as a great deal, so it wasn't a "planned" overdriven tank)

If I'm only running 2 or 3 bulbs on the 660, does that cut it's draw?

Now that I've gotten you thinking about that, bulb selection (with the overdriven/non-overdriven mismatches considered) would be appreciated.

Current Stock is ATI B+, UVL Aquasun, D&D Pure Act.

Thanks,
K
 
How many 3ft. t5's can be run using the Icecap 660 or 430 ballast? can I run all 5 on one ballast what is the difference between the two ballasts? Thanks.
 
Hey hahnmeister, you said your buddy ran 6 t5s on a 55g? With my CSS and Hob fuge which takes a couple inches out of my surface space...I never even thought it possible to fit that many in, I actually was thinking 4 will be tough. But you say it is definitely a possibility? I just find it hard to believe, but I would love it. Each reflector is 2.5" so four would be 10 inches. 6 would be 15". My 55 is only 12" from the back glass to the front...
 
I'm thinking of setting up a 20 gallon SPS tank. 24"L x 12" W x 16" H. I was leaning towards T5's because I already have an IC 660 ballast laying around and I wanted a hood so MH might cause too much heat. I was wondering how many bulbs I should run? What kind of reflectors? How high from the water should I have them? Thanks
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8574619#post8574619 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by grandp10
How many 3ft. t5's can be run using the Icecap 660 or 430 ballast? can I run all 5 on one ballast what is the difference between the two ballasts? Thanks.
a 430 can run 3 36" bulbs and a 660 can run 4 36" bulbs
 
I asked a few questions many pages ago, but i thought i was due for another. I placed an order for an Oceanic 156 with a euro-brace today, and i'm trying to confirm my lighting decision. I intend to run bare-bottom with mostly SPS corals. I have two icecap 660's on my 58 gallon running 6 39w bulbs. I was planning on running 7 54w bulbs in SLR reflectors in the new 156 (which is 24" deep). 2 questions;

In terms of available light, would there be a limit to what i could keep in this tank?

I like the look of 14k metal halide systems. What bulb pattern would be a good immitation of this?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8574431#post8574431 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by seawandrr
I'd appreciate a bit of advice as I complete my T-5 setup.

Current state/hardware. Standard 75 Gallon with a 660 and 3 x 48" icecap reflectors/caps, etc in the hood. Air handling by 3" fans in a push/pull config at either end of the back of the hood.

The tank has been in the setup-cycling phase for a while now, and I'm ready to order and install the final lighting config.

It's going to be a LPS/Softy tank, with the only demanding inhabitants possibly being a nem and clam in the distant future.

So, here are my thoughts for the final config:

Option 1 - 660 running 3 bulbs, and adding a newly acquired non-overdriven ballast and reflectors running 2 more bulbs for dusk/dawn

Option 2 - 660 running 2 bulbs, and adding non-overdriven ballast running 2 more for dusk/dawn

Option 3 - 660 running 4 bulbs, no dusk/dawn

Opinions on the best option to run, and am I crazy running x3 or x4 660 overdrivens plus 2 non-overdriven on a LPS/Softy 75 Gallon? (I picked up the 660 used as a great deal, so it wasn't a "planned" overdriven tank)

If I'm only running 2 or 3 bulbs on the 660, does that cut it's draw?

Now that I've gotten you thinking about that, bulb selection (with the overdriven/non-overdriven mismatches considered) would be appreciated.

Current Stock is ATI B+, UVL Aquasun, D&D Pure Act.

Thanks,
K

I'd OD 4 lamps if you want a clam like a Crocea or Maxima.

Running 3 OD plus 2 would be fine for a mixed reef with a lower light clam.

I would overdrive a Blue Plus, Aquasun and Aquablue and use a pure actinic and blue plus normally driven.
 
hey grim, ifirst bought a 2x24 retro with aqua blue+ and pure actinc(sp?)..i recently bought a used reto that came with the same bulbs..in your opinion should i mix the bulbs with something else or leave them for sps..ie take out 1 blue+ and actinc and relpace with other bulbs
 
Here is the canopy for my 180 with 6x60" T5s. I'm using doubled up Ice Cap 33" SLRs and a pair of 660 ballasts. I have (4) 92mm fans blowing in from the rear.

DSC_0900.jpg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8576134#post8576134 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sprite
hey grim, ifirst bought a 2x24 retro with aqua blue+ and pure actinc(sp?)..i recently bought a used reto that came with the same bulbs..in your opinion should i mix the bulbs with something else or leave them for sps..ie take out 1 blue+ and actinc and relpace with other bulbs

Is that your only lighting.
 
Opinions please. I am setting up a frag tank for my sps and lps. Tank dimensions are 48x30x12. Very shallow tank. I am planning to use 6 x 54w over the central area of the tank. A little front and back will not be covered. I plan to use this area to acclimate new pieces until they are ready to blasted under the full light. Do you guys think 6 x 54w bulbs are too much for a tank this shallow? I plan on having the bulbs 3-4" above the water.

Also want to run Actinic+, super actinic, Aquasun, Actinic+, Aquasun, and actinic white in that order from front to back. Thoughts?
 
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