The T5 Q&a Thread

[powdertang05]

ok so if i have t-5 bulbs on a ic i need to replace them every 12 and with a normal fixture i should replace them every 12 also if i have sps's

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Pretty much.

 

[German]

Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits question

Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits question

Hi all,

I have a question, actually more of a warm a fuzzy question. I have a 55 gal long tank, and it is 48 inches long. I have two 96W PC in it already, and I'm planning to buy the Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits from Hellolights to add to it The inside of the canopy is exactly 48 inches long. I want to buy the 48 inch T5s, but I don't have any wiggle room, should I get the 36 inch instead?

Also, the Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits from Hellolights comes with their bulbs, anyone used the TRU bulbs before?

Thanks,
German

 

[plc001]

Used Bulbs?

Used Bulbs?

If you had a chance to save a few $, would you buy used lamps?

From seller:

"they have been fired. but for about a week. there's no black on the ends."

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits question

Re: Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits question

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8907017#post8907017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by German
Hi all,

I have a question, actually more of a warm a fuzzy question. I have a 55 gal long tank, and it is 48 inches long. I have two 96W PC in it already, and I'm planning to buy the Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits from Hellolights to add to it The inside of the canopy is exactly 48 inches long. I want to buy the 48 inch T5s, but I don't have any wiggle room, should I get the 36 inch instead?

Also, the Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits from Hellolights comes with their bulbs, anyone used the TRU bulbs before?

Thanks,
German

Even with endcaps the 48" T5's are a little less than 48"

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits question

Re: Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits question

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8907017#post8907017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by German
Hi all,

I have a question, actually more of a warm a fuzzy question. I have a 55 gal long tank, and it is 48 inches long. I have two 96W PC in it already, and I'm planning to buy the Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits from Hellolights to add to it The inside of the canopy is exactly 48 inches long. I want to buy the 48 inch T5s, but I don't have any wiggle room, should I get the 36 inch instead?

Also, the Tek Light T-5 Retrofit Kits from Hellolights comes with their bulbs, anyone used the TRU bulbs before?

Thanks,
German

Even with endcaps the 48" T5's are a little less than 48"

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Used Bulbs?

Re: Used Bulbs?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8908998#post8908998 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by plc001
If you had a chance to save a few $, would you buy used lamps?

From seller:

"they have been fired. but for about a week. there's no black on the ends."

If you trust the guy.

 

[jond]

I need some advice on T5 lighting. I am soon to be moving my 130 gal. to a new 280 (72X30X30). I have two Icecaps running 6 - 48" VHOs. After checking on the expense of switching my current equipment to T5, it will be more cost effective to go with a new Icecap retro for 8 - 54w and sell the current setup as is.

My main question...will I have any success with SPS on this size tank with 8 - 54w T5s? I know that they will be overdriven to 85w per with fan cooling.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Henry Bowman]

I posted the same question to grim and others and have received many aswers as well as seeing tanks where SPS are grown in tanks with T5's with very positive results. Make sure the unit you are going to use has high quality individual refelctors, like Ice Cap units or similar.

 

[jond]

Thanks. Yes, the kit I am looking at has the SLRs.

 

[sjm817]

I would run doubled up 36" or 60" on a 72" tank

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8910851#post8910851 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jond
I need some advice on T5 lighting. I am soon to be moving my 130 gal. to a new 280 (72X30X30). I have two Icecaps running 6 - 48" VHOs. After checking on the expense of switching my current equipment to T5, it will be more cost effective to go with a new Icecap retro for 8 - 54w and sell the current setup as is.

My main question...will I have any success with SPS on this size tank with 8 - 54w T5s? I know that they will be overdriven to 85w per with fan cooling.

Thanks in advance.

You will do good as long as you keep the higher light items in the top half of the tank.

 

[sprite]

how low could i keep sps in a 29 gallon with 4x24 t5ho with triad ballast and its a tek retro actually 2 retros...thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

to the bottom.

 

[sprite]

cool thanks grim i guess i still hadnt realized how much light these things put out

 

[Splatter]

I am working on getting my 39 gallon (36" long) tank going and am currently researching lighting and would like to get you guys opinions.

From reading this thread and others I am definitely going to be using T-5 only (more than likely a retro mounted in a canopy/hood). I am thinking about putting a 4x39 with individual reflectors.

Would this be overkill for a tank this size with mostly softies, mushrooms, and some LPS (no clams or SPS)? I would rather not put too much light but at the same time dont wont to under light the tank either.

Can I get away with buying an Aquactinics fully assembled hood and mounting this into the canopy (with holes cut out for ventilation)?

Thanks in advance !

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I would probably go with a 4 lamp system with 2 pure actinics, 1 Blue Plus and GE daylight. That shouldn't be too much for the softies and will pop colors pretty cool.

 

[jond]

Thank you Grim. I am thinking also that since the lights will stagger and overlap in the middle that will make for more intense lighting there. What would be your recomendation on bulb selection and order for the two ballasts?

 

[msuzuki126]

Hey Grim/others, I'm running 8x54 watt T5s, could you send me a PM about what bulb combo i should go with? Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8912544#post8912544 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jond
Thank you Grim. I am thinking also that since the lights will stagger and overlap in the middle that will make for more intense lighting there. What would be your recomendation on bulb selection and order for the two ballasts?

Front
Actinic Ballast 1
Blue Plus Ballast 1
GE Ballast 2
Actinic Ballast 2