The T5 Q&a Thread

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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9319815#post9319815 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Those are OK. Basically a stipped down Tek.
Click to expand...


What do you mean by stipped down? Is it still as light efficient and "display attractive" as the teklights?

Also are ARC bulbs alright to use seeing that they are very cheap.
 
Ok Grim, another newbie asking for help,
I set up a50 gal tank and it is just a FOWLR. However, I am researching into buying some T5s. What would you reccomend in order to keep just soft corals? I am not interested in sps or anything like that. I also want to keep this on a budjet. THANKS :)
 
They appear to just be a Tek light with the astetics stripped down. The performance should be the same as the Tek assuming they use the same reflectors and ballasts.


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9319896#post9319896 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tigga
What do you mean by stipped down? Is it still as light efficient and "display attractive" as the teklights?

Also are ARC bulbs alright to use seeing that they are very cheap.
Click to expand...
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9320274#post9320274 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fish 511
Ok Grim, another newbie asking for help,
I set up a50 gal tank and it is just a FOWLR. However, I am researching into buying some T5s. What would you reccomend in order to keep just soft corals? I am not interested in sps or anything like that. I also want to keep this on a budjet. THANKS :)
Click to expand...

Premium Aquatics sells a finnex fixture that should work well. 4 lamp Tek would be good too.
 
Ok, thanks. A trusted person at my LFS showed me a set of T5s that were 2x39w. They were retro fit and were like $100. What do you think about those? Do you think soft corals could be successfully kept under those?
 
Also, what are some good bulbs? What "K" do I want in my lights? Also, what type of bulb do I want? (midday, pure actinic, Aqua blue, etc.)...THANKS for any input, I really appreciate it.:)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9320625#post9320625 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
They appear to just be a Tek light with the astetics stripped down. The performance should be the same as the Tek assuming they use the same reflectors and ballasts.
Click to expand...

So your saying some features such as rust proof are not available on the New Wave which are on the tklights, but the lumens, performance, reflectors are all the same.

So you could say they are both the same thing in amount of light wise
 
I would contact Sunlight Supply and see if they are the same reflectors and ballasts. They might use Workhorse ballasts in the new wave, they are in their new retros. I wouldn't say that would be a deal breaker but it is something to consider. I really doubt they make more than one reflector so they should be good but I would ask. The new wave might actually end up with slightly better performance than the Tek if the ballasts and reflectors are the same. The NW looks like it will allow more airflow through the fixture than the Tek, less heat=more output.
 
I have had a closer look at the New Wave... the reflectors are parabolic, but they arent even Tek reflectors. They are something like 5 bend reflectors... not even up to the level of the Teks. The use the same ballasts, but just not the nice shell and seperate switches/cords... but the differences dont stop there. Their reflectors are a lesser make as well.
 
If they arent the same reflector I wouldn't even think about it. Too bad. Using different reflectors probably saves them 80 cents a fixture in the long run.
 
I'm going to add a 2x39w T5 retro (Tek w/IC SLRs from Reefgeek) to my existing 2x96w PC fixture over a 65g tank. My PC bulbs are dual 10K/460nm bulb and a dual actinic (420nm & 460nm) so my tank already has a very blue tint. I'm trying to decide which T5 lamps to order with the retro kit. I currently have mostly softies and a few LPS and want to start getting more light intense corals while improving the color of existing zoas & LPS.

Option 1 (for best color?) - UVL Super Actinic & ATI BluePlus
Option 2 (more light) - GE 3000K & ATI AquaBlue
Option 3 - 3000K or 6500K with either the SuperActinic or BluePlus

Any other suggestions? What are your thoughts on the 3000K vs 6500K?
 
HQI DE & T5 , The Shnitz ?

HQI DE & T5 , The Shnitz ?

Hello Grim & Hahn.

A few pages back, you both mentioned combining MH & T5.
Is this combo better suited for a larger tank, or is a smaller one (50 gal.36L 15w 20T) applicable. The combo sounds like it may be the best of both systems.

Any Thoughts on this ? and of course, :lol: what recommendations do you have on available systems. 150K DE ? 175k DE, 4 x 39 T5 ?

AS ALWAYS

Thanks to you both, for your input & experience !!!

Steve :smokin:
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9323040#post9323040 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tigga
Thanks Grim very helpful

I still didnt get your answer about the ARC bulbs. Do they get the job done?
Click to expand...

Sorry, Never heard of them so I don't know. I think it is safe to assume a 12 dollar lamp isn't going to be the same quality as a 20 dollar lamp for the most part. You get what you pay for.
 
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