The T5 Q&a Thread

[GobyJohnKenobi]

Thanks, Grim.
I'll go with that.

Thinking of using two HO 36" dual bulb Icecap retros from Reefgeek (the ones that are not overdriven).
Any better choices available?

One other question:
I was thinking of running either a 3 or 4 inch fan on either side of the canopy under the endcaps for cooling and circulation.

Will this over-cool the bulbs since they are HO and not VHO?
Would I be better off running a single 4 inch fan blowing from the back of the tank to the front between the MH and the water surface?

I know this isn't a bulb question, but I've learned from you that cooling T-5s properly is very important. I'd like to do this the right way.

Thanks again.

 

[LuisC]

Damn Grim they got ya busy...LOL.

I will ask Q's later on when i am ready ...

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Thats a good retro. As long as the fans are glowing down the endcaps overcooling shouldn't be an issue.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10092373#post10092373 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GobyJohnKenobi
Thanks, Grim.
I'll go with that.

Thinking of using two HO 36" dual bulb Icecap retros from Reefgeek (the ones that are not overdriven).
Any better choices available?

One other question:
I was thinking of running either a 3 or 4 inch fan on either side of the canopy under the endcaps for cooling and circulation.

Will this over-cool the bulbs since they are HO and not VHO?
Would I be better off running a single 4 inch fan blowing from the back of the tank to the front between the MH and the water surface?

I know this isn't a bulb question, but I've learned from you that cooling T-5s properly is very important. I'd like to do this the right way.

Thanks again.

 

[IPT]

Aqua blue + vs Blue +

Aqua blue + vs Blue +

What is the difference (if any) b/t the ATI blue + and the Geiesman Aquablue + ? I was told they are one in the same with a different sticker on them. Is the ATI "bluer" in it's appearance or are they actually the same bulb?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

ATI and Giesemann lamps are made by different companies. The Blue Plus and G-Mann Actinic plus and similar as is both companies Aquablue lamps. The Blue Plus/Actinic Plus lamps are 460nm blue lamps which are close to a halide 20K lamp. The Aquablue is a 60/40 Actinic/daylight lamp that is a crisp white with a blue hue to it.

 

[bheron]

To your point above, do you think the following is too much on the blue side?

Blue Plus
Pure Actinic
Aquablue
GE 3000K
Blue Plus
Pure Actinic
Aquablue
Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10094947#post10094947 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bheron
To your point above, do you think the following is too much on the blue side?

Blue Plus
Pure Actinic
Aquablue
GE 3000K
Blue Plus
Pure Actinic
Aquablue
Blue Plus

Do you?

Seriously light is subjective. I hate the tidybowl blue look. Right now I am running this

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
AS Blue (Bout the same as a Blue Plus)
GE 3000K
Super Actinic
Blue Plus

It is maybe a little on the blue side for a 14K halide lamp but not as blue as I would have guessed.

I wouldn't think the mix you listed would be any more blue but I would be tempted to throw a UVL Aquasun or GE 6500K lamp in place of one of the Aquablues just to add a little more spectrum.

 

[bheron]

Thanks. I spoke to Greg awhile about what I was looking for so he suggested this setup. I like blue look, but dont want it to look dark. I read some more, after I received my order. I only have 2 of the 8 bulbs in, so I dont know just yet. Good to know its similar to your setup. Im ok with a little on the blue side, as long as its not dark looking.

 

[charlesjordanjr]

can I change out the ballasts in the Tek t5 6 bulb unit?
-Chuck

 

[charlesjordanjr]

Sorry, double post.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10095912#post10095912 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by charlesjordanjr
can I change out the ballasts in the Tek t5 6 bulb unit?
-Chuck

If you mean can you put an ice cap ballast inside no, wont fit but you can mount one externally.

 

[charlesjordanjr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10096396#post10096396 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
If you mean can you put an ice cap ballast inside no, wont fit but you can mount one externally.

Thanks. I don't need to fit it inside. Outside may make it a little cooler as well. Now I need to search for which IC ballast to use.

-Chuck

 

[cato]

Which is more output (PAR)
GE 3000k or GE 6500k?

 

[stevedola]

one question(before i freak)

Do I need to have all the bulbs in the endcaps inorder for the ballast to light the bulbs? I have 1 bulb in and it only flickers for a second and nothing happens. I know from other flo shop units i have that all the bulbs have to be in the unit inorder to light, IM hoping this is the case with these.

???

 

[cato]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10099341#post10099341 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stevedola
one question(before i freak)

Do I need to have all the bulbs in the endcaps inorder for the ballast to light the bulbs? I have 1 bulb in and it only flickers for a second and nothing happens. I know from other flo shop units i have that all the bulbs have to be in the unit inorder to light, IM hoping this is the case with these.

???

Not 100% sure but I would think yes in order to complete the circuit.

 

[stevedola]

ok- thats what i figured but wanted to make sure...
I finished wiring my retro and turned it on*with only 1 bulb in-only have 1 now* but only the fans turned on. The bulb flickered but nothing more...then i realized that I probably need all bulbs in the unit. ty for the reasurance

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Thanks. I don't need to fit it inside. Outside may make it a little cooler as well. Now I need to search for which IC ballast to use.

660 for 4 lamps, 430 for 2

Which is more output (PAR) 3000K or 6500K

3000k

 

[cato]

Thanks Grim

 

[ianiwane]

Hey Grim, I have a 48x18x18 inch tank about 67 gallons that is currently a planted tank. I have 6500k GE bulbs, I was thinking about switching to a reef tank. What types of bulbs would be best to add to the setup for a 6x54 tek light. What would be the ideal setup of bulbs? And could I grow anything with this lighting setup?
thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

You should be fine with an 18" tall tank. I would add an actinic and at least a couple blue plus lamps