The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9966962#post9966962 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mrpet
hey grimm what do you think about the tek 60" refelctors im thinking about going that route. or i will have to buy 36 of the 39w ic reflectors it will save me alot of bucks greg at reef geek said they are as good as the ic? wider though not a problem for me the tank is 48" deep so i could run 16 bulbs anyway what do ya think

They are not as good as Ice Caps according to Hahnmeisters testing. They might be better than the original Tek. If you have room for them go for it, they are a tad over 3" wide.

 

[TropTrea]

This is an interesting rating. 464 watts and 16 feet. That would mean 29 watts per foot. so 2" bulbs rated at 58 watts, 3' bulbs rated at 87 watts, 4' bulbs rated at 116 watts, 5' bulbs rated at 145 watts, 6 ' bulbs rated at 174 watts.

Does Ice Cap know someting that we do not know? Could there be a new line uf Ultra High Output bulbs in the near future that would blow out or present T-5's?

Just think a fixture with 8 4'Ultra High Output T-5's which would convert 928 watts into florescent light. Just think of the LUMS and PAR possibilities.

Dennis

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9965780#post9965780 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nightOwl
Hey Grim,
Can an IC 660 run 4 X 48" 80 Watt bulbs? I found this info but did not know if the over driving would effect it or not. A Model 660 can operate up to 16 lamp feet with a total of 464 rated lamp watts.


Thanks,

Henry

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9968190#post9968190 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TropTrea
This is an interesting rating. 464 watts and 16 feet. That would mean 29 watts per foot. so 2" bulbs rated at 58 watts, 3' bulbs rated at 87 watts, 4' bulbs rated at 116 watts, 5' bulbs rated at 145 watts, 6 ' bulbs rated at 174 watts.

Does Ice Cap know someting that we do not know? Could there be a new line uf Ultra High Output bulbs in the near future that would blow out or present T-5's?

Just think a fixture with 8 4'Ultra High Output T-5's which would convert 928 watts into florescent light. Just think of the LUMS and PAR possibilities.

Dennis

Ice Cap developed their ballasts long before T5's were on the maket.

 

[tbone28]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9966947#post9966947 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I really can make a honest comparison to the Power Module. That would take a 6x54 inch Power Module. I think I've dropped enough coin on lighting fixtures this year I suspect the powermodule has better reflectors but I am not sure how much better they are,

I had NO idea you were doing ALL this on your own dime!! WOW! You certainly deserve a big "THANK YOU", pat on the shoulder, and some beers.

You are just too generous to share all of your knowledge on your own dime and time!!!

Thanks!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Oh, don't get me wrong, I have gotten a few deals and the 39 watt power module I tested last year was a loaner but I do buy plenty of stuff too. All and all it doesn't end up getting too expensive because I sell the stuff I don't need and recoup a lot of the investment. It's just another part of the hobby for me. Gotta pay if you wanna play.

 

[Dyngoe]

Quick question as I build my new canopy:

I see that the Solaris system "arcs" the IceCap SLRs. I was thinking of doing the sam since most of my coral is ~5" off th front. Does anyone know the angle spread on the SLRs? I don't want to miss the corals at the bottom.

Thanks.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9970813#post9970813 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dyngoe
Quick question as I build my new canopy:

I see that the Solaris system "arcs" the IceCap SLRs. I was thinking of doing the sam since most of my coral is ~5" off th front. Does anyone know the angle spread on the SLRs? I don't want to miss the corals at the bottom.

Thanks.

I am sure I am not alone when I say Huh?

If you are talking solar flare it doesn't arc the reflectors, only the standard Aquactinics T5 system does that. I wouldn't worry about trying to duplicate that design. Just position your first and last reflector so the light is directed back in towards the tank if they are near the front or rear glass.

 

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9966159#post9966159 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
You lose about 10% to the shield. The reflectors are not the same as the retros which is a good thing, they suck.

Are you saying the only difference between the regular black Tek light and the limited edition blue is just the color of the fixture?

 

[nyvp]

Hey grim reefer T-5 god.

I have three question:
I'm changing my set up to 250 xm10k's in lum III's and need actinic sups for a 120x36x30 peninsula tank. I love the look of what I have now ( hammy 14k) what would I need to get that look in a 36 wide tank. do I need to run 4 -48"'s down the side and 4-24" between each reflector or am i going to be ok with just the 4 on the outside?

.
What will give me better/more color/pop to counter the xm10/k 48" t5's overdriven to 80/w or 48" VHO's at 110/w?
.
why isn't there any real reflectors for VHO's like t5's? I know they are thicker and have internal but I would think it would still help.

Thanks ahead of time for your help

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9971250#post9971250 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
Are you saying the only difference between the regular black Tek light and the limited edition blue is just the color of the fixture?

No, they changed the reflectors in the fixture but they are not the same as the retrofit reflector.

 

[shred5]

Hey Grim I am looking to get a t-5 fixture for my finnex 30 gallon and wonder what you suggest. Tank has a sump biult in so it is basically slightly bigger than a 20 gallon at 2' and 18 inches deep.. Pretty small and what lamp combination. Mixed reef. I would prefer one that sits on my tank...

I also prefer things not to be too blue. I actually like a little red to bring out the colors in the fish and coral.



Dave

 

[The Grim Reefer]

If you can fit a 5 lamp Tek fixture over it I would do this for lamps

Front
Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus

 

[shred5]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9971811#post9971811 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
If you can fit a 5 lamp Tek fixture over it I would do this for lamps

Front
Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus

I was thinking 4 lamp, 5 would be pushing it. Plus a little bit on a budget and 4 lamp would give me enough light for sure.

Why cant I find Aquactinics unit in 24" any where.

What would you suggest for a 4 lamp fixture and lamp combo.

Thanks for the reply. You are one busy person..

Edit:
Oops just saw you did give a 4 lamp cobo

Dave

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I meant 4. I had the right number of lamps listed. Do the Tek

 

[jobiwan]

Icecap 660 question

Icecap 660 question

Hey Grim, I've been impressed by your knowledge and helpfullness, I hope you could help me with some lighting issues on the tank I am setting up, and I would appreciate anyone else's suggestions also. I'm setting up a 550 gal, 70 x 54 x 32h, primary lighting will be 4 x 400w MH with Lumenarc III's, Probably the Mini's, I'm planning on using two Icecap 660's to run 6 60" VHO actinics, I love the effect they add, but I am intrigued by T5's. Is it possible that the Icecap 660 16 foot limitation just applies to VHO's, since the T5's produce less watt's per foot I'm wondering if you think you can possibly use more than 16 feet of T5's per ballast. Since I'm setting up a tank with some actinics using 60 inchers, if I can only go 3 x 80w with T5's vs 3 x 140w with VHO I'm wondering if VHO would be the better bet, I will admit I am not familiar with T5's, does an 80w T5 match a 140w VHO in light output? I'm under the impression that T5's last longer and are newer technology, I guess what I really need to know is which bulb would be best for my system in the opinions of you folks that are experienced with these? Power costs aren't a consideration, I want max light...I apologize if this has already been covered, I've looked at a lot of this thread, but since it has split at least seven times it will take me days to get through it all.

 

[nyvp]

sorry to bother grim, when you get a chance can you answer my questions above, I know your prob just overlooked it.

 

[Dyngoe]

Hey Grim,

I did the classic mistake when building my new canopy:
I left the bulbs on the ground!
Well, I stepped on one of my ATI Blue Plus bulbs. Now I need to go to my LFS and buy a new one but they only carry Geisemann. Would you suggest an Aquablue or Actinic Plus?

My ramining bulbs are:
6500K GE
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic

From your other thread it looks like the Geiss Aquablue has better PAR, but I'll assume that is due to the broad spectrum. I can use this replacement as either a dawn/dusk on my standard ballast or a daytime on my icecap ballast if that makes a difference.

 

[jleichtman]

Grim,

Since you are the man with all the answers I have one for ya.

Why does it hurt when I pee?

Just Kidding. I've started building my little tank again and I will be taking your advice.

Thank You so much!

Joshua

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9975497#post9975497 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jleichtman
Grim,

Since you are the man with all the answers I have one for ya.

Why does it hurt when I pee?

Just Kidding. I've started building my little tank again and I will be taking your advice.

Thank You so much!

Joshua

Don't pee on the electrical outlet and it wont hurt.

 

[Matt Mitchell]

Grim,

I currently have a VHO setup with a Solar 1000 that dims the VHO for a sunrise and sunset effect and I enjoy the crap out of it. My questions for you, you think the Solar 1000 with my Icecap 660 can dim the T5 bulbs?