The T5 Q&a Thread

[IslandCrow]

I recently set up a retro Icecap 5x39w T-5 fixture. I have a few computer fans set up along the length of the bulbs to blow air across them and cool them down. Now, from what I understand, if I cool them down too much, I can actually reduce their light output. It's a variable voltage, so I have control over how much air I'm blowing out. Does anyone know if it's too much to have all three 60mm fans going full speed, or should I throttle them down? Can I visibly tell if I'm cooling them down too much?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Not sure you could overcool overdriven lamps, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Nanz]

I got my Tek fixture and lights over the holiday and they are great. Thanks for the help Grim

After installing the bulbs and turning them on I noticed that the Super Actinic bulb is dull and not as bright as the Blue Plus. Is that the way the Super Actinic blubs are supposed to be or do I have a defective bulb? Please help if you can

 

[Pitcom]

I just set up my tek5 6 bulb 39w fixture and i used

Blue+
Fiji Purple
Coral Light
Super Actinic
Fiji Purple
Blue+

It really looks good. I have an Aquablue and a some ATI bulbs coming soon, so i'll still compare. But the setup now looks great.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

oops

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10275838#post10275838 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nanz
I got my Tek fixture and lights over the holiday and they are great. Thanks for the help Grim

After installing the bulbs and turning them on I noticed that the Super Actinic bulb is dull and not as bright as the Blue Plus. Is that the way the Super Actinic blubs are supposed to be or do I have a defective bulb? Please help if you can

Yep. Actinic light is more towards the Ultra Violet range which we cant see. The light is in the 420 nm spectrum which is in the area where most people begin to lose the ability to see the light/

 

[ganjero]

Well I'm switching to t5s. I'm planning on getting a tek fixture. I keep mostly SPS and some zoas. My tank is a 55g tank. So here are the questions:

Should I get the 6 or 8 bulb fixture? I know the 8 bulb fixture will be wider than my tank, so would I be wasting that light?

if I get the 6 bulb is the limited edition better than the regular one?
How high should I keep my fixture from the surface?
Should I get the protective shield? or is it a waste?
Good bulb combination?


are t5s going to help me with elecricity and better coloration or should I keep my MH?
Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Either a 6 lamp Tek or a 5 lamp Aquactinics. If you get the splash shield you can set the fixture right on the tank but you will have to keep the salt spray cleaned off. Otherwise about 4~6" above the water is good.

 

[ganjero]

so is the limited edition better?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Yes

 

[Nanz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10280058#post10280058 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Yep. Actinic light is more towards the Ultra Violet range which we cant see. The light is in the 420 nm spectrum which is in the area where most people begin to lose the ability to see the light/

That would explain it, hehe

Thanks again

 

[Tron87]

How wide will a Tek or Aquactinics cover? I am looking at 24" long fixtures but my tank is equally wide (cube). Will I need two units back to back in order to get coverage?

Would buying retros and spacing 6 24w bulb across the tank be a good way to go? That way each bulb is responsible for 4" of tank width

 

[luke33]

Tron, you may want to go with a MH on a tank that shape.

 

[ganjero]

is the Aquactinics Solar Flare worth the extra cash(comparing to tek LE)? for a tank this about 16" deep and has sps all over.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

If your tank is only 16" tall your don't need the flare but it wouldn't be a bad investment. If you move to a bigger and taller tank down the road the fixture will serve you well.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10285762#post10285762 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ganjero
is the Aquactinics Solar Flare worth the extra cash(comparing to tek LE)? for a tank this about 16" deep and has sps all over.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10283468#post10283468 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tron87
How wide will a Tek or Aquactinics cover? I am looking at 24" long fixtures but my tank is equally wide (cube). Will I need two units back to back in order to get coverage?

Would buying retros and spacing 6 24w bulb across the tank be a good way to go? That way each bulb is responsible for 4" of tank width

If you are set on T5's I would probably do 2 4 lamp teks. A halide in a Lumenarc is the best selection for a cube style tank.

 

[ganjero]

so are the bulbs over driven on the Aquactinics Solar Flare? or is that something you have to do? because aquatinics states that each 54w bulbs operates at 85w

and how noisy are the fans?


Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The Flare is overdriven with Ice Cap ballasts. They are pretty quiet. They have a 7 lamp Constellation fixture that might be a great compromise. They are regularly driven and a very nice unit.

 

[ganjero]

do you know when will the ati Powermodul be available in US?

 

[jamesdawson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10285762#post10285762 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ganjero
is the Aquactinics Solar Flare worth the extra cash(comparing to tek LE)? for a tank this about 16" deep and has sps all over.

Gangero,

Teklights are crap (with 1/2 the PAR of a quality fixture like the ATI units)and Sunlight Supply is also crappy for service/support, etc.

Do yourself a favor and buy quality the first time. Aquatinics, Fauna Marin or ATI if you can get one.

James