The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

Workhorse ballast.

These are not T5 ballasts. They will run T5 lamps but they are hard start which hurts the life of the lamps, to what extent is debatable. They do not have end of life protection, Probably not a big deal if you use good endcaps and make good wiring connections. They are also not quite as efficient as the real T5 ballasts, using slightly more power to create slightly less light. You can make them overdrive T5 lamps but I know of nobody who has done it long term so it is hard to say what will happen with ballast and lamp life.

 

[Roland Jacques]

Hey Grim,
What does end of life protection mean?

 

[Robert Patterso]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9085887#post9085887 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Roland Jacques
Hey Grim,
What does end of life protection mean?

When bulb goes out the ballast doesn't try to keep firing it.

I know I'm not Grim...

 

[Roland Jacques]

Thanks Robert,

 

[hahnmeister]

Sorry, no idea on the controller for the dimmer on the Sylvania ballast. I havent bothered because I dont use them, just know about them. I would call Sylvania, their phone support is great.

 

[rugger08]

i have 72" 125 gallon with a full range of animals, sps, softies, lps, etc.
I'm currently using a 48inch coralife aqualight pro 2 175 MH and blue actinics, pushed all the way to one side and am now in a position to lose the coralife and upgrade.. what do you think of the MH and T% combos? what is your favorite? or do you ahve another suggestion?

 

[MstgKillr]

I currently have an Oceanic 58RR with (4) 39W T5 TEK lights and IceCap reflectors.

I know I have room for (6) T5's but can I fit (8)?

Which bulb selection would you pick?

Thanks for the help!

 

[MstgKillr]

I am also thinking of upgrading from my 58 to a 75 or 90.

Could I use the 36" T5's on the 75 or 90, or would it be better to sell the 36" lights and buy the 48" ?

Would it look ok?

How many bulbs should I use 4, 6, or 8?

Thanks

 

[kobes]

MstgKillr,

i would just get an icecap 660 ballast and overdrive your four now if you want more light. it will also serve you well if you upgrade to a longer tank since the ballast can handle 4 foot lights.

 

[jdellman]

I am setting up a 120 gallon tank, and want to be able to have anything eventually. I think I finally decided on the solar flare, but am wondering if it will work in a canopy. The dimensions on the solar flare are 48" wide, and it will fit within the canopy, but the fan output will be close to the side of the canopy.

Will that work? If so, which bulbs should I get with it?

I know I can do a retro, but I am not very handy, I liked the idea of having everything packaged, and finally, there are just way too many options/choices on the retro components.

I would ppreciate any thoughts.

Thanks,

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9087085#post9087085 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rugger08
i have 72" 125 gallon with a full range of animals, sps, softies, lps, etc.
I'm currently using a 48inch coralife aqualight pro 2 175 MH and blue actinics, pushed all the way to one side and am now in a position to lose the coralife and upgrade.. what do you think of the MH and T% combos? what is your favorite? or do you ahve another suggestion?

Take a look at aquactinics T5/halide fixtures, they are designed to sit right on the tank without causing heat issues.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9088508#post9088508 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kobes
MstgKillr,

i would just get an icecap 660 ballast and overdrive your four now if you want more light. it will also serve you well if you upgrade to a longer tank since the ballast can handle 4 foot lights.

Excellent!!!

 

[revclyburn]

Hey everyone,

what is a good height to have my Tek 6x54 above the water. I currently have it inside my canopy, resting on the tank. I need to make some more alterations, but it's working. I'm goiung to install a fan later today, so that things don't get to hot.

Also, what light do you have on your current tank. I was thinking to just run my lights a total of 10-14 hours, if that. I don't need the lights on basically when no one's home, but the few coral I have need some light. I thought about having them come on in the morning, around 7:30, go off at 1. Then back on at say 4pm till 12pm. That way the family gets to enjoy the tank and I don't wear my lights out so fast. What do you think? What is the best light cycle for T5's?

revclyburn

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9089008#post9089008 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jdellman
I am setting up a 120 gallon tank, and want to be able to have anything eventually. I think I finally decided on the solar flare, but am wondering if it will work in a canopy. The dimensions on the solar flare are 48" wide, and it will fit within the canopy, but the fan output will be close to the side of the canopy.

Will that work? If so, which bulbs should I get with it?

I know I can do a retro, but I am not very handy, I liked the idea of having everything packaged, and finally, there are just way too many options/choices on the retro components.

I would ppreciate any thoughts.

Thanks,

If you don't think you can handle wiring up a retro the Flare would be the way to go. If you can't make room for ventlation then take a look at the Solaris fixtures aquarium obsessed sells, they would not have as much output as the solar flare but it will be easy to install.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9089140#post9089140 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by revclyburn
Hey everyone,

what is a good height to have my Tek 6x54 above the water. I currently have it inside my canopy, resting on the tank. I need to make some more alterations, but it's working. I'm goiung to install a fan later today, so that things don't get to hot.

Also, what light do you have on your current tank. I was thinking to just run my lights a total of 10-14 hours, if that. I don't need the lights on basically when no one's home, but the few coral I have need some light. I thought about having them come on in the morning, around 7:30, go off at 1. Then back on at say 4pm till 12pm. That way the family gets to enjoy the tank and I don't wear my lights out so fast. What do you think? What is the best light cycle for T5's?

revclyburn

3 or 4 inches above the water.

Why not just put the lights on a 12 hour cycle starting t like 11 am.

11AM Actinics/blues on
Noon Daylights on
10PM Daylights off
11PM Actinic/Blue off

 

[MstgKillr]

Grim Reefer,

One of the reasons that I wanted to add the extra lights was to have more bulb configurations along with the extra light.

In your opinion what would be the perfect setup for my 58?

Which bulbs? What order? How many?

Thanks

 

[jjoos99]

660 ballast

660 ballast

will the 660 fire 4 60inch ho bulbs?
Thanks
Jeff

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9089276#post9089276 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MstgKillr
Grim Reefer,

One of the reasons that I wanted to add the extra lights was to have more bulb configurations along with the extra light.

In your opinion what would be the perfect setup for my 58?

Which bulbs? What order? How many?

Thanks

Do you really want to sped the money if you are going to upgrade soon?

I would do 6 lamps, 1 UVL Super Actinic, 1 GE 3000K or UVL Aquasun, 1 GE 6500K daylight and 3 Blue Plus OR 2 blue plus and 1 Aquablue for a less blue look

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: 660 ballast

Re: 660 ballast

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9089322#post9089322 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjoos99
will the 660 fire 4 60inch ho bulbs?
Thanks
Jeff

only 3

 

[tony098]

This is my current setup 4x54W. Do I have enough PAR? It is kind of purple.

Front
UV Super Actinic
6000K Midday
Blue Plus
12000K Aquablue
Back

Thanks.