The T5 Q&a Thread

[A Reef Scene]

thanks for the info, is there a layout of how to do this? The ballest I have the wires are four red and one yellow.

 

[Grey Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9311120#post9311120 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HolyScoly
does anyone know when the new ATI fixture will be out?

Call Greg over at reekgeek and he can hook you up.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9310594#post9310594 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by A Reef Scene
Is there a way to use a 96 watt PC fixture, and rewire it to run t5 bulbs?

You know the brand and model of ballast.

 

[Saddler]

If I order the ATI fixture now through reefgeek, what's the ETA for delivery?

 

[slavearm]

ETA is not really available. Just got this email from Greg

Yes we will be getting them, but at this time I don't know exactly when.

Greg Morgan

ReefGeek, Inc.
310-679-4955
866-295-9230 (toll-free)

 

[Saddler]

Is the ATI powermodul a retro kit?

 

[hahnmeister]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9308372#post9308372 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TekCat
Wont overlapping reflectors reduce their perfomance? I have 8 bulb fixture right now without individual reflectors, it sucks

You tell me... The edge on the IC SLRs serves no other purpose except adding some structure to the edges, but then you would think they would complete the bend back onto the reflector so the reflectors could be mounted closer. As is, the reflectors interlock rather well. I dont think that this would cause alot of light loss... the angle that the next overlapping reflector has is nearly identical, and polished as well. Besides, even if it wastes say... 5% of the output from every reflector, the gain of being able to add another bulb or two to your setup will more than offset it. Its either that, or you finish bending this lip back onto the reflector or cut it off...

 

[TekCat]

hahnmeister, thanks alot!!!! I haven't seen IC reflectors before, thanks for posting pics! Now I see what I am up against. I can't see are they snapping onto the bulb just like TeK IC's, or one have to screw them to the hood?

 

[hahnmeister]

They clip on to the bulbs... the two reflectors I show in the pic havent been assembled yet.

 

[TekCat]

So, hahn, what would you put on the 660 if lets say I put 8 bulbs in? Right now I have 8 bulbs no overdrive and I like the colors they make of the configuration:
-- front
B+
SA
AB
6500
3000
AB
SA
B+
-- back

 

[hahnmeister]

Over a 90g, no. 8 spec-driven bulbs is plenty.

 

[TekCat]

thanks hahn, still .... it would be cool to squeeze the living hell out of the bulbs

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Even overlaping the reflectors your going to have a hard time getting 8 in an 18" space. Have you actually measured the space from the front fram to the rear, its probably more like 17 1/2 or so. You also have to deal with the standoffs which are 2 1/2 inches wide too.

 

[TekCat]

Ok, 7 then ... then I definatelly want to overdrive at least a couple of bulbs. How's this:

-- front --

Blue+
SuperAct
AquaBlue
3000K (overdrive)
AquaBlue (overdrive)
SuperAct
Blue+

-- back --

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Overdrive both Aquablues and the 3K, Then you just need 2 x 2 lamp ballasts to fire the other 4 lamps. Personally I would do this

Front

Blue Plus on IC
Super Actinic on Triad ballast
Aquablue on IC
3000K on IC
Super Actinic on Triad
Aquablue on IC


If you overdrive you really dont need 7 lamps

 

[hahnmeister]

Since you are using retros, you can also give the bulbs a slight bow in their placement like the Aquatinics 5 bulb unts are. This way, the bulbs at the front and back will angle in more, and the overall thickness of the lamps is reduced because of the arc of their placement.

 

[TekCat]

Thanks Hahn and Grim, you guys are lifesavers!!!!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Yeah, you might take a look at the shims they use for mounting pre hung doors. They could be placed so that you could mount the standoffs to them and get the slight arch.

 

[Dorado13]

I want to completely switch out my bulbs and try out some new bulbs and configurations. Can I just change them all out at once or is it a good idea to gradually change the bulbs one at a time over a week or two?

 

[slavearm]

Perhaps this accounts for some of the PMs incredible light output

http://www.anomet.com/miro_silver.html?gclid=CPKa6I6VxIoCFQ9CYQodPli6ig

Runs about $35/48"x24" sheet. Anyone got a sheet metal brake handy?