The T5 Q&a Thread

[dwdenny]

Anyone keeping clams under T5's. If so what is the minimum of lamps you think you need? I am asking because I would like to have a clam one day when I get the tank setup. I was originally thinking 4X39w and keeping in the rocks about half way up(crocea) as they one of the smallest. What does everyone think?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9181741#post9181741 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WallyBackm
Thanks Grim,

Not sure exactly where I should put the fan...on top of the fixture?

Also, do you think I should get a splash guard?

clip it to the rear of the tank. have the fan blow accross the tank horizontally.

 

[REMF]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9183116#post9183116 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dwdenny
Anyone keeping clams under T5's.

Yes, 75g with a 5x54w retro, both clams are very healthy and growing for over a year now.

 

[dwdenny]

Thanks REMF that is great looking tank.

 

[reefboy12]

T5 afficionados,

I have a 4x24w tek retro running.....Ati blue+, Uvl super actinic, Uvl aquasun, & Ati blue+. This combo is a little to pink & not as bright as I'm used to. What combo would you use? I reall like the Uvl actinic & the amount of blue.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[BigRick08]

dwdenny, I currently have a current t-5 ho 4x54 watt setup over a 150g tall and I have a clam in the middle no problem with good growth. I am waiting for my new 8x54 watt tek fixture in the mail. But I mean just the 4 bulbs alone work good for me and my tank is 31 inches deep.

 

[glenik]

REMF, what bulb combo and placement are you using with your 5x54? I'm in the market and I don't want to waste money on the wrong bulbs.

 

[dwdenny]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9184839#post9184839 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BigRick08
dwdenny, I currently have a current t-5 ho 4x54 watt setup over a 150g tall and I have a clam in the middle no problem with good growth. I am waiting for my new 8x54 watt tek fixture in the mail. But I mean just the 4 bulbs alone work good for me and my tank is 31 inches deep.

Thanks I was thinking it wuld be enough but not 100% sure. I will probably upgrade to the IC reflectors unless the TEKII reflectors come out before I order in a month or two.

 

[REMF]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9184938#post9184938 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by glenik
REMF, what bulb combo and placement are you using with your 5x54? I'm in the market and I don't want to waste money on the wrong bulbs.

About 4-5" off the water.

Front
ULV Super Actinic
Giesemann Aquablue Plus
GE 6500K
Giesemann Aquablue Plus
ULV Super Actinic Back

It's working for me, everyone has their preference of color though, I feel it gives me a nice crisp color with a light blue tint, and it's quite blue with just the SA's.

I run the 2 SA on 1 ballast and the other 3 on another ballast for dusk to dawn effect.

Hopefully Grim, Han, or NewSchool04 can chime in here, hell I could be all wrong but it works for me.

 

[dwdenny]

REMF you are running the IC ballasts as well with the aquatinic set correct?

 

[REMF]

Nope I run a pair of the dreaded work horse 7's. They have worked well for me for over a year and some change. I know the T5 guru "The Grim Reefer" doesn't like them but they have been good to me so far. I have an IC660 sitting in a box, I just need to get off my lazy a$$ and wire it, but then I will need fans also.

I also have 3 Aqualux reflectors, 1 IC reflector, and 1 tek reflector. IC is the best of the 3 BTW.

 

[kingzeus]

I see a lot of talk about Blue+ bulbs. Are they the same as Actnic+? I believe they are, but I'd love confirmation.

This is my setup on a Tek 6 fixture. I like the color and I believe it provides enough lighting for a BTA, softies, clams, and SPS. However, I'm concerned there is too much actnic lighting.

I really like the blue lighting. My corals really pop out when just the outer Actnic+ are on and I wish I could replicate that (or come close) with all 6 bulbs, but I've been unsuccesful.


Feel free to correct me and offer suggestions.

Front:
- Actnic+
- Super Actnic
- Aquasun
- Super Actnic
- 6500k
- Actnic+

Thanks.

 

[REMF]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9185550#post9185550 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kingzeus
I see a lot of talk about Blue+ bulbs. Are they the same as Actnic+? I believe they are, but I'd love confirmation.

No they are not, at least not by Giesemann, look HERE and look at the spectral graft for both bulbs.

 

[kingzeus]

Reefgeek does not have a spectral graph for the Blue Plus. I assumed ATI's Blue Plus was comparable to Giesemann's Actnic+. Both bulbs have a wavelength of 450n according to this page:
http://www.3reef.com/aquarium-page-Content-viewarticle-30.html

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9185616#post9185616 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REMF
No they are not, at least not by Giesemann, look HERE and look at the spectral graft for both bulbs.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Actinic Plus and Blue plus are the same Type of lamp, 450nm blue. You could pull the Aquasun and put a Blue Plus in its place. The ATI blue Plus has better output than Giesemann's Actinic Plus but will have about the same effect.

Line your lamps like this
Front
Actinic Plus
Super Actinic
Daylight
Blue Plus
Super Actinic (or a second blue plus for a more blue look)
Actinic Plus

The Blue Plus put out quit a bit of PAR. You could actually swap a super actinic for a blue plus in your current mix and get more blue plus increase PAR.

 

[REMF]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9185676#post9185676 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kingzeus
Reefgeek does not have a spectral graph for the Blue Plus.[/url]

Sorry I thought you were talking about the Aquablue +

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9185785#post9185785 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REMF
Sorry I thought you were talking about the Aquablue +

Next time read with your good eye opened:lol:

 

[REMF]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9185804#post9185804 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Next time read with your good eye opened:lol:

I reserve that eye for looking thru a scope, not reading reef boards

Sorry kingzeus

 

[kingzeus]

No problem. I actually ended up a few Aquablue pluses for a similar reason .

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9185820#post9185820 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REMF
I reserve that eye for looking thru a scope, not reading reef boards

Sorry kingzeus

 

[ever818]

Hello, Grim


I need some advise on my t5 set up, I have a 60x18x24 tank
I want to put sps anywhere in the tank what would you recommend.


I was thinking of 6 80 watt IC
or the 6 54 watt SLS

someone told me that there's not a lot of good bulbs in the 80 watt
so they told me to do the 54 watt.


what do you think I should do?????

thanks