The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Can't dim T5's with the Ice Cap ballast/
The T5 Q&a Thread
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The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
2 lamps will be OK as far as growth goes, you can get a nicer look using more though. I'd use a Blue Plus and a Aquablue.
hobbzz
How do I change this?
Would I be able to fit four under the canopy? (inside dimensions are 30.25in x 12.5in) I haven't found a website that lists the size of the reflectors...Also do you know of anywhere that sells the retro kits, plus both of those bulbs? I've already looked at 7 sites that don't have both kinds of bulbs...And I'm assuming that the "blue plus" would be an ATI Blue Plus like this http://storefront.addictiveaquatics...s_ATI_bulb_from_Sunlight_Supply-8199-238.html and the "aquablue" would be a Giesemann Aquablue Plus 11k like this? http://www.specialty-lights.com/531037.html
And what bulbs would you recommend if I could fit 4 under there?
I also have two Enermax Marathon 120mm fans for cooling
(already had them laying around the house), would those be too much? It would be about 44cfm each, one blowing in from each side, and over the end caps.
Thanks so much for the help. I've been looking into this for about 4 hours today alone and I got more usefull info just from your posts.
And what bulbs would you recommend if I could fit 4 under there?
I also have two Enermax Marathon 120mm fans for cooling
(already had them laying around the house), would those be too much? It would be about 44cfm each, one blowing in from each side, and over the end caps.
Thanks so much for the help. I've been looking into this for about 4 hours today alone and I got more usefull info just from your posts.
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The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
The Ice Cap reflectors are about 2 1/2 inches wide. Reefgeek.com could set you up
If you can do 4 lamps I would do 2 blue plus, 1 UVL Super Actinic and 1 Aquasun. Use the ATI Aquablue but the Giesemann will be fine too.
If you can do 4 lamps I would do 2 blue plus, 1 UVL Super Actinic and 1 Aquasun. Use the ATI Aquablue but the Giesemann will be fine too.
kmacartney
New member
Update
Update
I called hellolights about their T5 setup. They said that they have it manufactured for them. They use Advanced ballasts. They feature polished aluminum indiviual reflectors. The four bulb units only feature one on/off swtich while the eight bulb unit has two.
Does this sound like a decent alternative to the Tek?
Update
I called hellolights about their T5 setup. They said that they have it manufactured for them. They use Advanced ballasts. They feature polished aluminum indiviual reflectors. The four bulb units only feature one on/off swtich while the eight bulb unit has two.
Does this sound like a decent alternative to the Tek?
Dyngoe
New member
Hi Hobbyz,
I just made my canopy per Grim's suggestions and I love it! I have
Front -> Back
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
GE 6500K
Geisemann Actinic Plus (Broke my other ATI Blue Plus and had to replace) - I actually can see a difference between the ATI and the Geisemann. Go with ATI.
I will say this is a little "blue" for me. But with your tank, you don't want anything whiter or your LPS may freak out.
The reflectors and bases are EXACTLY 2.5" wide. You will need 35.5" of width and 10.25" of depth to fit four lights. Easy enough to build a wood tope with acrylic legs.
BTW, definitely go with ReefGeek! They are prompt and honest. I opted for one IC 430 ballast and one regular. If I had to do it again I might opt for two IC 430s. The 430s power on like a light switch. The regular ballast flicker a little like a shop light before they come on.
Hope this helps
Once more:
THANK YOU GRIMM
I just made my canopy per Grim's suggestions and I love it! I have
Front -> Back
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
GE 6500K
Geisemann Actinic Plus (Broke my other ATI Blue Plus and had to replace) - I actually can see a difference between the ATI and the Geisemann. Go with ATI.
I will say this is a little "blue" for me. But with your tank, you don't want anything whiter or your LPS may freak out.
The reflectors and bases are EXACTLY 2.5" wide. You will need 35.5" of width and 10.25" of depth to fit four lights. Easy enough to build a wood tope with acrylic legs.
BTW, definitely go with ReefGeek! They are prompt and honest. I opted for one IC 430 ballast and one regular. If I had to do it again I might opt for two IC 430s. The 430s power on like a light switch. The regular ballast flicker a little like a shop light before they come on.
Hope this helps
Once more:
THANK YOU GRIMM
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shred5
Premium Member
Are those blue plus ati or Giesemann?
Ati blue plus is actinic + blue or is this wrong?
Giesemann blue plus is 11,000 k
If they are the ATI lamps then you are suggesting 3 actinic or blue lamps? That would be really blue dont you think?
wouldnt it be better to but 1 ati special blue?
I am not a huge fan of super blue tanks.. closer to white.
I was thinking,
blue +
blue special
aqua sun
uvl super actinc
Thanks again
Dave
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The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Re: Update
Re: Update
It sounds and looks like they are having SLS build them a cheaped down Tek. If its a good price it might be worth it.
Re: Update
It sounds and looks like they are having SLS build them a cheaped down Tek. If its a good price it might be worth it.
kmacartney
New member
They are asking 409.95 +shipping for the eight bulb setup. The price includes their Tru brand T5 bulbs four 10K and four actinic.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Blue Plus = Actinic Plus, both are blue lamps
Aquablue Plus is the 11000K lamp
You could try 1 Blue Plus, 1 Aquablue, 1 Super Actinic and 1 Aquasun. if you want a more white look, shouldn't look bad.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
See how close reefgeek could get to that price including good lamps. Take a look at the 6 lamp limited edition unit, the reflectors are supposed to be better.
kmacartney
New member
I think Reefgeek is asking around $479.00 with bulbs for the limted edition six lamp setup. I do not know about hellolights bulbs. With Reefgeek you can choose from their bulbs, I think.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Typically the Geek allows you to choose the lamps when they are included. I would rather have the good lamps and better reflectors.
kmacartney
New member
It would seem that with the better bulbs and reflectors the Reefgeek setup still could be better than the hellolights eight bulb setup. Is that what you were thinking Grim?
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Yep
James11
Member
Grim, you are the man!
This might have been mentioned earlier, but I couldn't sit and read through all those posts, kinda hard to do when your at work. I'm planning a 40L, 48X12X16 (I think). What retro kit would you suggest and with what bulbs? I would like something nice, but not top of the line since that would cost more. I also like my tanks to be a little bit more on the blue side. One more thing, I plan on having a mix of LPS, maybe a SPS or two and some softies, maybe a clam one day. Thanks in advance.
This might have been mentioned earlier, but I couldn't sit and read through all those posts, kinda hard to do when your at work. I'm planning a 40L, 48X12X16 (I think). What retro kit would you suggest and with what bulbs? I would like something nice, but not top of the line since that would cost more. I also like my tanks to be a little bit more on the blue side. One more thing, I plan on having a mix of LPS, maybe a SPS or two and some softies, maybe a clam one day. Thanks in advance.
kmacartney
New member
Grim, thanks for the feedback. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with everyone getting on the T5 bandwagon.
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