The T5 Q&a Thread

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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9510950#post9510950 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by franklinbeens
hello, need some input.
what combo of t5's would i need to light up a 48x48x24?
i have a tek w/ (4) bulbs and maybe need an (8) light fixure.
or do you think i need (4) more for (16) total.
i am going to use my (2) vho's actinics . i plan on a low rock mound for sps + zoos
tia
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16 sounds about right
 
SO the 1st one is more blue. What does that mean for me? Besides looks? WHat ones would my coral like better? I plan on adding some sps and clams to my tank as soon as i get the light. What one would be better for my coral? WOuld being too blue not look good? I just cant choose what to buy.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9510299#post9510299 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
The first combo will be a little more blue than the second one. Sorry, didn't notice I didn't add that to the post.
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9511814#post9511814 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tony25
SO the 1st one is more blue. What does that mean for me? Besides looks? WHat ones would my coral like better? I plan on adding some sps and clams to my tank as soon as i get the light. What one would be better for my coral? WOuld being too blue not look good? I just cant choose what to buy.
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IMO neither is too blue. Color is very subjective. It is impossible for me to throw out a combo that is going to look the best to you. There really isn't going to be a huge difference in the output between the two but the one with the GE and Aquablue lamp will have a little more PAR.
 
Ok, I have to jump on the bandwagon here.

I am looking to setup an open top tank, 36" by 24" by 24".

I am a big SPS fan, and I've seen all these T5 only tanks with killer sps.

My problem is that the T5 kits I see for 36" length are all quite narrow.

For example, the Aquactinics 36" TX5 Series, which is a 5 x 39w unit, is only 10" wide. Would I be better off to run two of these units side by side over my tank? Total of ~390w ((5x39w)x2) in lighting....

If I use two units, what kinda bulb config should I shoot for?

Or should I just go with a mix of a single 250W DE MH and some T5/actinic lighting in a single unit? (250w + (2x39W) for a total of 330w in lighting...

Up front cost is not so much of a concern, but monthly recurring and heat issues are...

Thanks!
 
Grim,
What kind of corals can I keep with a 3 x 54W T5 setup running on a icecap 660? My tank height is 16". I think I can only fit 3 t5 bulbs. so what can i keep with this setup?
thanks in advance
 
how much is the icecap over driving? the reason for the 660 is because i already have it. i down graded from a 6ft tank using 80w bulbs. should i sell the 660 and get a different ballast? if so what kind? thx.. still learning a lot. ..
 
It will make the 54 watt lamps run a lot brighter than the 80 watt lamps. I would check with reefgeek and see if he has ballasts that will drive 1 lamp. If so grab a 2 lamp ballast and a 1 lamp one and use the single ballast for a dusk/dawn effect.

Overdriving 3 54 watt T5's over a 16" tall tank will be too bright for anything but the highest light critters.
 
Hello Grim,
I am now buying for my 150 gal softie/LPS tank. I will be running three 80watt T5s overdriven by the 660. I would like to get a 14k look. Will these bulbs be the best choice: 1 GE 2 Actinic plus?
Thanks
 
thanks for your input.. how about running 2 lamp using the 660?
I really don't want to buy another ballast if I can use the 660 I already have.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9522078#post9522078 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by causeofhim
Hello Grim,
I am now buying for my 150 gal softie/LPS tank. I will be running three 80watt T5s overdriven by the 660. I would like to get a 14k look. Will these bulbs be the best choice: 1 GE 2 Actinic plus?
Thanks
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That should be good. Get ATI Blue Plus lamps instead of the Actinic Plus if you can
 
65 gallon tank 18x36x24 high. LPS, zoas and mushrooms. Would 2x39 T-5 10,000K and 2x75 VHO actinic be sufficient? (I already have the VHO retro so that's static.)
 
Nice thread!

Sorry if I missed it, but ....

I plan to get a 2x54 T5 retrofit for an existing canopy and would like recommendations on bulbs for a 55g fish only (or FOWLR) tank.

Thanks, G
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9524120#post9524120 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MayoBoy
65 gallon tank 18x36x24 high. LPS, zoas and mushrooms. Would 2x39 T-5 10,000K and 2x75 VHO actinic be sufficient? (I already have the VHO retro so that's static.)
Click to expand...

Should be fine.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9524364#post9524364 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TheGMan
Nice thread!

Sorry if I missed it, but ....

I plan to get a 2x54 T5 retrofit for an existing canopy and would like recommendations on bulbs for a 55g fish only (or FOWLR) tank.

Thanks, G
Click to expand...

I'd do 2 aquablues.
 
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