The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10003424#post10003424 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Black Mammoth
Hi Grim,

I've been reading post after post after post and I'm not sure exactly which bulbs to use. I have a 6x54 setup right now. The bulbs are old and I need to replace them. A lot of new bulbs have come out since I got my setup.

I got a retro kit from reefgeek.com. I have 3 Triad Ballasts and 6 IceCap Reflectors.

I currently have:

Front:
SuperActinic (I think it is a UVL...got from a buddy to try)
AquaBlue+
ActinicPlus
AquaBlue+
AquaBlue+
ActnicPlus
End:

I have a mixed tank...SPS, LPS, and Softies. I have had great colors and growth with this configuration, but I wanted to switch it up a bit. I figured I might get better colors and growth. I have a 90g with a bunch of LR. This was what I was thinking.

Front:
Actinic Plus
AquaBlue+
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aqua Sun
GE 3K
Actinic Plus

So what do you think? Thanks for the help T5 guru

That should look nice, I would use the ATI Blue Plus lamps instead of the actinic plus.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10005502#post10005502 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Casey J
Would two bulbs on a Workhorse 5 and another bulb on another 5 work as well?

If my hood's inner dimensions are exactly 36", will the endcaps and bulb fit?

That would be fine

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10017039#post10017039 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by revclyburn
Hey Grim

I saw some t5 bulbs by hagen, how good they?

edwin

Havent seen them, do have a couple of Stifogili (SP?) actinics on the way that are supposed to be better than the UVL Super Actinics.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Damn, did I catch up with everybody?

I need a drink!

 

[psyco_guy_abd]

Cool to see you recommending the 3000k lamps. I picked one up about a year ago after one of my regular bulbs broke (got to watch where you sit when your working on lights) and I liked to look so I kept it.

 

[shred5]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10018939#post10018939 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Damn, did I catch up with everybody?

I need a drink!

Yes you do! lol but it is a little early though...

Dave

 

[Black Mammoth]

Thanks! I really really do appreciate it!

 

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10018939#post10018939 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Damn, did I catch up with everybody?

I need a drink!

Almost. This is a question I asked that you missed.

Quote:
Hey grim! One last question for you.

How can I determine my lighting schedule? As you know I have the LE Tek 6x54w T5 fixture and most of my tank is SPS with some LPS at the bottom.

I currently run actinics (Two ATI Blue Plus) for 12hrs and daytime for 10hrs.

Thanks!!!

 

[INNOVATOR]

I have a 75g (48"x18"x20") that will house soft/lps corals and wondering if a 4x54w setup would suffice or a 6x54w? Any advice as far as quality brands or fixtures (so expensive!) to consider rather than just any T5 setup?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10019321#post10019321 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
Almost. This is a question I asked that you missed.

Quote:
Hey grim! One last question for you.

How can I determine my lighting schedule? As you know I have the LE Tek 6x54w T5 fixture and most of my tank is SPS with some LPS at the bottom.

I currently run actinics (Two ATI Blue Plus) for 12hrs and daytime for 10hrs.

Thanks!!!

Thats the schedule I try to run

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10019414#post10019414 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by INNOVATOR
I have a 75g (48"x18"x20") that will house soft/lps corals and wondering if a 4x54w setup would suffice or a 6x54w? Any advice as far as quality brands or fixtures (so expensive!) to consider rather than just any T5 setup?

4 lamp Tek will be fine.

Run these lamps to start

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus or Aquablue (Aquablue for a more white look, Blue Plus for more blue)

 

[INNOVATOR]

If I plan a retrofit should I go IceCap and if "hooded" go with a Tek LE? Are the regular "hooded" Tek's sufficient?

Thank you!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10019615#post10019615 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
4 lamp Tek will be fine.

Run these lamps to start

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus or Aquablue (Aquablue for a more white look, Blue Plus for more blue)

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10019647#post10019647 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by INNOVATOR
If I plan a retrofit should I go IceCap and if "hooded" go with a Tek LE? Are the regular "hooded" Tek's sufficient?

Thank you!

I would use the Tek retro if you use a retro. Those wide reflectors will be an advantage only using 4 lamps.

 

[tprize]

Hey Grim if I get that Nova Extreme, should I change out the bulbs, or use the stock ones. I plan on mushrooms and softies.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'd replace the lamps within 6 months or so.

 

[SPACEMANS2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10001064#post10001064 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Those "VHO" lamps are just the UVL's which were designed to withstand being overdriven.

So, Grim does this mean that they don't run as hot as other t5 ho lamps?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The ones I use seem to be just as hot.

 

[FroMan]

i'm looking for suggestions on bulbs for an aquatinics TX5. I've dug through 30+ pages of threads and have come up with this combination that I think will look good.

I have a sandard 55 gallon with softies and zoos.


I was thinking:
Actinic Plus
11000K Aquablue Plus
6000K Midday Sun
11000K Aquablue Plus
Actinic Plus


Will this be very white? thoughts?

Anything has to be better than my current coralife fixture

 

[bgiles11]

Grim Help me out! I am currently running 3 110 watt VHO on a satandard 90g. I want to upgrade lighting without having to add a chiller. My problem is i have a standard canopy (bout 6 inches). Also would i have to cut my canopy to mount fans? Any help would be helpful.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

You would need to have a couple fans blowing in down the rows of endcaps but they can be blowing in from the back.