The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

It should be a good start at least. I think it will look good but opinions vary depending on taste. You might want to pick up a GE 6500K daylight as a spare so you can play with different combinations of light.

 

[Coraline2020]

Hey Grim...

Any thoughts? I will NOT be using a canopy, so fixture must mount on tank.

Thanks,
Liz

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8692600#post8692600 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Coraline2020
OK...I've been following along and trying to sort out my new lighting for a 120RR project I am starting, but alas, I'm still confused...I know that I want to go T5's (probably Tek light), but can't figure out if I NEED 8 bulb or if 6 bulb will suffice. Dimensions of new tank will be 4'x2'x2' with a deep sand bed. I would like to keep softies, LPS, and Crocea Clams (up in the rockwork).

Would you guys recommend 6 bulb or 8 bulb? (I haven't purchased lighting yet, so can do either.)

What bulb combination and in what order to give the appearance of Current USA 14K Halide? (Which is what I'm using now on Aquapod and like.)

Do I need (or want) to purchase the acrylic shield for light? (Will it improve, impead, or have no effect on light output?)

Thanks,
Liz

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8698893#post8698893 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Coraline2020
Hey Grim...

Any thoughts? I will NOT be using a canopy, so fixture must mount on tank.

Thanks,
Liz

a 6 lamp fixture would work

Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
Aquablue
UVL Aquasun
Aquablue
Blue Plus

If you want to set the fixture right on the tank get a shield, otherwise keep the fixture at least 4" above the water and you will be fine.

 

[Coraline2020]

THANKS Grim....

I know you have heard it before, but ....YOU ROCK!! Thanks also to everyone on this thread who have provided the much needed info to people like me. I know you guys have invested much time and effort into testing all these bulbs, fixtures, and combinations, and want you to know it's appreciated!

Liz

 

[TekCat]

Allow me to also extend my graditude to all the T5 gurus, and especially to Grim.

...We have lots of kings: King of Rock'n'roll, King of Pop, let me suggest that Grim's title from now on should be "The King of T5" Or just "the king"

 

[sprayin70]

Thanks for the help Grim!!! I will order a spare also 6500K.

 

[sprayin70]

Thanks for the help Grim!!! I will order a spare also 6500K.

 

[kslick]

Where can you pick up the 3000k bulbs?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Reefgeek.com has the 3K's but I am not sure if they are on the website. If not phone in the order.

 

[TekCat]

I asked Reefgeek.com and this is what they told me:

I have the GE 54W 3000K in stock. You can simply give us a call on the toll-free at 866-295-9230 to place your order or if you'd prefer to place your order on-line simply order the GE 6500K Daylight bulb and make a note in the 'Product/Bulb Options' box below the shopping cart that you would like to swap it for a 3000K.

Greg Morgan

 

[AquaPython]

ok my situation was that i already own an icecap 660 running vho t-12s, so my plan was to lose the T-12, and switch over to T-5, and then get a second IC 660 with the same set up. originally i was thinking of just doing the 3 x 60"(80w?) for each IC 660, but maybe its better to have 4 x 39w on each side ?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'd lean towards the dual 4x39 in IC reflectors.

 

[AquaPython]

ok if i do that, then A) i cant get more than 4 per, right?
and B) to get the dawn/dusk effect, i would need to have on IC control bulbs on both sides of the tank, and the other one filling in the gaps on both sides of the tank, as opposed to having one control the left, and the other the right. - right?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Yes, 4 lamps per ballast. Just wire them so each ballast runs 2 lamps on each side.

 

[AquaPython]

do you have a suggestion as for the 8 bulbs i should use and placement? should i have a total of 2 actinic bulbs, or 4 actinic -type bulbs? is 4 overkill, when i could more 10ks for gowth? and then the other set of 4 all daylight 14ks or something?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Front

UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue
GE daylight
ATI Blue Plus

The Aquablue and Daylight have good PAR and the Blue Plus ain't half bad. The Super Actinic even has decent PAR.

 

[AquaPython]

ok and mirror that on the other side, right?
is there any choice of K with those bulbs?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Yes, mirrored. K ratings are a real joke and just thrown out for marketing purposes for the most part. Go by the lamp names.

 

[dg13]

Newbie needs help........

Newbie needs help........

Hi - I am going to be changing tanks and want to change my lighting too. I am going from a 70 gallon cube to a 54 gallon corner tank. I am currently running a 250W MH pendant (because of the depth of the 70 - 31") and I can't keep the temp down where I'd like it (seahorse tank). It was recommended that I go with a T5 fixture. I was told it would use less electricity and not run nearly as hot. My question is I think I would use a 24" fixture that would sit on top of the 54. I read that Tek Lights are the best T5's around - is this true? (I've now heard this may not be ture) The 24" fixture has 4 24w bulbs - is this enough? I have mostly softies - zoas, shrooms, leathers, but have a couple of candy canes. Will the total 96w be enough for growth? If so, what combination of bulbs should I go with for the best color and growth? What fixture would you recommend if not Tek?

Thanks.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

You should be fine with the Tek but I would contact www.aquactinics.com and see when their 24" 5 lamp T5 fixture will be available. It is a better value.