The T5 Q&a Thread

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I know this is a question of some debate but is it possible to put too much T-5 lighting in a tank? I've got a 60x18x19 tanks and asked a few days ago if 2 IceCap 430's running 2 bulbs apiece (with SLR refectors) would be adequate lighting for a mixed reef. Grim said yes and kindly gave me bulb recommendations. Now I'm back with an option of running either both 430s (2 bulbs per) and a 660 (3 bulbs) or one 430 and 1 660. So i could go 4, 5 or 7 bulbs. At what point, if any, would this be overkill?
Thanks to all who offer input, this is one of my favorite threads.
Tim
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9581091#post9581091 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rsaavedra
Grim I decided to go with 6X54W T5’s instead of 7 as I originally planned. Now I have a few bulbs and I need to setup some configurations. Can you help me with a couple of good looking configurations? Ballast 1,2 and 3 will power 2 bulbs each. These are the bulbs I have now on hand:

2 x 54W ATI Blue+
1 x 54W UV Super Act
1 x 54W GE 3000K
2 X 54W Giesemann AquaBlue+
1 X 54W Giesemann 6000k
1 X 54W Giesemann Actinic+
1 X 54W Giesemann Pure Actinic

Thamks,
Raf
Click to expand...

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
GE 3000K
6000K
Aquablue
Blue Plus


Blue Plus
SA
3000K or 6000K
Aquablue
Pure Actinic
Blue Plus
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9581253#post9581253 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by luckyfish
I know this is a question of some debate but is it possible to put too much T-5 lighting in a tank? I've got a 60x18x19 tanks and asked a few days ago if 2 IceCap 430's running 2 bulbs apiece (with SLR refectors) would be adequate lighting for a mixed reef. Grim said yes and kindly gave me bulb recommendations. Now I'm back with an option of running either both 430s (2 bulbs per) and a 660 (3 bulbs) or one 430 and 1 660. So i could go 4, 5 or 7 bulbs. At what point, if any, would this be overkill?
Thanks to all who offer input, this is one of my favorite threads.
Tim
Click to expand...

Depends what you want to raise. I don't think you can squeeze in more than 6 lamps. If you are ONLY raising SPS and clams and Anemones there is no way you can have too much light unless you are running like 4 actinics and bombarding the corals with UV.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9581091#post9581091 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rsaavedra
Grim I decided to go with 6X54W T5’s instead of 7 as I originally planned. Now I have a few bulbs and I need to setup some configurations. Can you help me with a couple of good looking configurations? Ballast 1,2 and 3 will power 2 bulbs each. These are the bulbs I have now on hand:

2 x 54W ATI Blue+
1 x 54W UV Super Act
1 x 54W GE 3000K
2 X 54W Giesemann AquaBlue+
1 X 54W Giesemann 6000k
1 X 54W Giesemann Actinic+
1 X 54W Giesemann Pure Actinic

Thamks,
Raf
Click to expand...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9581929#post9581929 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
GE 3000K
6000K
Aquablue
Blue Plus


Blue Plus
SA
3000K or 6000K
Aquablue
Pure Actinic
Blue Plus
Click to expand...

Grim now that we got the lighting configuration sorted out, what should be power sequence in sets of 2

12pm-11pm
1pm-10pm
2:45pm-7:15pm

Thanks,
Raf
 
I have been searching, but haven't found an answer yet. Can someone recommend a nice fan setup for cooling a Tek fixture. I have a 6 x 36" Tek fixture and need to add some cooling to it, but would like it to look somewhat nice since the fixture isn't in a canopy. Thanks!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9582438#post9582438 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rsaavedra
Grim now that we got the lighting configuration sorted out, what should be power sequence in sets of 2

12pm-11pm
1pm-10pm
2:45pm-7:15pm

Thanks,
Raf
Click to expand...

Sounds like it should work
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9582438#post9582438 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rsaavedra
Grim now that we got the lighting configuration sorted out, what should be power sequence in sets of 2

12pm-11pm
1pm-10pm
2:45pm-7:15pm

Thanks,
Raf
Click to expand...
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9582747#post9582747 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Sounds like it should work
Click to expand...

What I meant was what bulb combo on sets of two should be powered/paired with those times, meaning:

12pm-11pm = which two?
1pm-10pm = which two?
2:45pm-7:15pm = which two?
 
Now that I finally decided on my lights, it looks like I'll have to wait or find another option. I called reef geek to place an order for a 6x48" Tek retro w/ upgraded reflectors, but Greg said that the IC reflectors are on back order for 1-2 weeks. I asked about the Tek II and he expects those to be back in stock the end of the week or the beginning of next week.

I also learned that all of reef geeks end caps are ordered through IC, but they're actually originally manufactured by a company in Germany - can't remember the name.

I'm not sure that I can wait 2 weeks plus another week for shipping. Is there another vendor near the prices and shipping times as the geek? I may wait for the Tek II's but then I'd have to reduce my running bulbs to 5 - and since they'd be spread out more I'd still have overlap on the overflow.
 
Hi G.R., most kind of you to help so many reefers with T5 questions. My turn, I guess. BTW I'm quite the novice with regards to T5's (and lighting in general) so I'll apologize up front if I write something that doesn't make sense.

I'm assembling a 60 x 30 x 24, 180g rimless open-top tank to house ~75% SPS, the rest LPS, softies, clams and probably an anemone at some point. I would like a single pendant for aesthetics and I was thinking of going with the 48" ATI Powermodule containing 10 T5 bulbs (may be available in about 3 months according to Mr. Geek). With 10 bulbs this pendant will measure about 22" front to back. Questions:

1. Would this provide adequate coverage over a tank of those dimensions?
2. Do you see any problem with light penetration down to the substrate, particularly at the outer edges of the tank?

Thanks in advance, and if this seems like a good plan to you, I may also ask for your advice regarding specific bulb selection.
 
Grim,

I'm sure you have heard similar questions...thousands of times...but here it goes again. I am setting up a 90 gallon and have decided that I would like to but T-5's in my canopy. I think I am going to try to do the the IceCap 660 4X54 Retro. It sounds like a great set of lights.

Right now I have mostly Softies and LPS with a few SPS. I was just wondering if you could recommend a bulb set that would work well for me. I prefer a white with a hint of blue to really bring out the coral and the fish colors. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also...seeing as how I have never done any DIY work, how tough is it to install one of these kits?

Jonathan
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9583408#post9583408 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Saddler
Now that I finally decided on my lights, it looks like I'll have to wait or find another option. I called reef geek to place an order for a 6x48" Tek retro w/ upgraded reflectors, but Greg said that the IC reflectors are on back order for 1-2 weeks. I asked about the Tek II and he expects those to be back in stock the end of the week or the beginning of next week.

I also learned that all of reef geeks end caps are ordered through IC, but they're actually originally manufactured by a company in Germany - can't remember the name.

I'm not sure that I can wait 2 weeks plus another week for shipping. Is there another vendor near the prices and shipping times as the geek? I may wait for the Tek II's but then I'd have to reduce my running bulbs to 5 - and since they'd be spread out more I'd still have overlap on the overflow.
Click to expand...

I think ocean encounter from the sponsors page does IC retros
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9583574#post9583574 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dudester
Hi G.R., most kind of you to help so many reefers with T5 questions. My turn, I guess. BTW I'm quite the novice with regards to T5's (and lighting in general) so I'll apologize up front if I write something that doesn't make sense.

I'm assembling a 60 x 30 x 24, 180g rimless open-top tank to house ~75% SPS, the rest LPS, softies, clams and probably an anemone at some point. I would like a single pendant for aesthetics and I was thinking of going with the 48" ATI Powermodule containing 10 T5 bulbs (may be available in about 3 months according to Mr. Geek). With 10 bulbs this pendant will measure about 22" front to back. Questions:

1. Would this provide adequate coverage over a tank of those dimensions?
2. Do you see any problem with light penetration down to the substrate, particularly at the outer edges of the tank?

Thanks in advance, and if this seems like a good plan to you, I may also ask for your advice regarding specific bulb selection.
Click to expand...

Did you ask about a 10 lamp fixture? If one is available it shoud be great for that tank. The last few inches at each end will not support SPS but you need someplace for softies or shrooms.

For lamps I would do 4 blue plus, 2 Super Actinics, 2 Aquablues, 2 UVL Aquasuns
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9585705#post9585705 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JDrex
Grim,

I'm sure you have heard similar questions...thousands of times...but here it goes again. I am setting up a 90 gallon and have decided that I would like to but T-5's in my canopy. I think I am going to try to do the the IceCap 660 4X54 Retro. It sounds like a great set of lights.

Right now I have mostly Softies and LPS with a few SPS. I was just wondering if you could recommend a bulb set that would work well for me. I prefer a white with a hint of blue to really bring out the coral and the fish colors. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also...seeing as how I have never done any DIY work, how tough is it to install one of these kits?

Jonathan
Click to expand...

The install is not too tough. for a 4 lamp setu I would run 1 UVL Super Actinic, 2 Aquablues and a UVL Aquasun.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9586248#post9586248 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Did you ask about a 10 lamp fixture? If one is available it shoud be great for that tank. The last few inches at each end will not support SPS but you need someplace for softies or shrooms.

For lamps I would do 4 blue plus, 2 Super Actinics, 2 Aquablues, 2 UVL Aquasuns
Click to expand...
Thanks so much! Yes, I spoke with one of the Geeks (can't remember his name) and he said he's expecting the 10 bulb fixture, hopefully in several months. I'm on the waiting list :D . Regarding the bulbs, I assume you were giving the order in your standard front --> back, or would you mix them up? I seemed to think that the bulbs should be positioned to compliment the specific corals beneath them? Again, sorry if this is a sophomoric question.
 
MH and T5 Help

MH and T5 Help

Mr. Grim or anyone else.

Please help me out.

I know this is a T5 thread but I still think my questions are relevant.

I am leaning toward a MH and T5 combo for my new tank rather than all T5. I want the shimmer.

The tank will be an Oceanic 156 gallon mixed reef including sps and clams and it will have to have a canopy. The dimensions will be 60 x 24 x 25.

What combo would you recommend for both the MH and T5, including bulbs, ballasts, configuration, run times, moonlights etc...

Basically design my lighting system for me.

BTW, where is the spell check because I can't spell for $hit.

Thanks,
Jason
 
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