The T5 Q&a Thread

[DidYouSayReefer]

Oh, and one more thing, the fixture with the single bulb on the water currently has a glass shield. Am I better off to change that to acyrlic since I already have the materials?

 

[JotaDe]

I too am looking to upgrade to T5 from PCs on my 29 gallon. My current lighting is a CSL 130W PC hood in which the fan died.

I have a mix of LPS/SPS/softies, no clams. I want to get a 24" T5 fixture and would like some assistance on the details. I'm looking at Aquatinics, TEK, and Hellolights.

1. The Hellolights fixture seems to have individual reflectors, in your opinion, is it *worth* the savings to get it instead of the other two? Obviously I'm not dying to spend an extra $200 if I don't have to.

2. I will not be hanging the fixture, will this affect my choice between any of these units?

3. I'm wondering if 5 bulbs is too much for my 29 gallon, compared to the TEK 4?

Looking at premiumaquatics & reefgeek (Aquatinics & Tek);
1. The aquatinics setup is ~$460
2. The Tek Light setup is ~$417

All thoughts and opinions are welcome!
Thanks.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Catalina T5s

Re: Catalina T5s

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10325571#post10325571 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Craig731
I'm interested in upgrading my simple Dual-strip lighting to a new t5 unit.

As I don't have an amazing amount to blow right now, I've dropped the idea of going with Aquactinic or Tek lighting system and am looking for a more value brand of t5.

I have a 55 gal, FOWLR at the moment but looking to upgrade into some beginner corals and possibly an anemone.

I was leaning towards the Nova extreme, but have been turned off when seeing there are no individual reflectors, as I've heard it would be a waste without.

But the meat of my post, has anyone tried this. <a href="http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?cPath=71_136&products_id=1423&osCsid=12b3f9884984f25b5463f42a3b7dbc7d">Catalina T5 Ind Reflector System</a>

It sounds too good to be true for me. If anyone knows anything about it, I'd love a response.

Thanks

If you gotta go cheap look at the Coralvue retros, at least they have moisture proof endcaps and what look to be pretty decent reflectors.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10325809#post10325809 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DidYouSayReefer
Grim,

Which way would I get the most par out of my T5s...

1. Acrylic splash shield directly on the water
or
2. No shield 4-6 inches of the water.

Also, I am changing my PC fixture into a fixture with 2 overdriven T5s. The PC has an acrylic shield wich I would assume is for splash and to assist in cooling the bulb by forcing the air to travel the length of the tube. If the bottom was open the air would only cool part of the tube. Are my assumptions correct and if so would I need to keep the shield on once I go to over driven T5s to help with the cooling since there is only a fan on one side?

Bird boy (EAGLES) hit it on the head. If you keep the lamps low you will have a net gain in output but you gotta keep the shield cleaned off. I use a little RO water every few days.

 

[Craig731]

Re: Re: Catalina T5s

Re: Re: Catalina T5s

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10326453#post10326453 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
If you gotta go cheap look at the Coralvue retros, at least they have moisture proof endcaps and what look to be pretty decent reflectors.

I'll look into that, but in all honestly I have no idea how to build from a retrokit. I want a 4x56w setup and not sure what type of ballast i'd need to buy, or where to buy an empty ballast to fit 4 bulbs.

As far as the Catalina I had questions about, from the scant information I could find it uses a Work Horse 5, the same endcaps as Tek and "individual german 99% reflectors" although I'm not sure if it could still be crappy in the end. Does it sound worth it for $158?

 

[mushumatt]

So I think I am going to go with T-5HO for my actinics. But I have a few questions guys.

I am going to go with 2-36" but if i can fit it in my hood 2-48" T-5HO.
What are the best reflectors? I need a ballast to power them but I do not want to overdrive them because i dont want to overpower my MH

 

[jamesdawson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10326452#post10326452 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JotaDe
I too am looking to upgrade to T5 from PCs on my 29 gallon. My current lighting is a CSL 130W PC hood in which the fan died.

I have a mix of LPS/SPS/softies, no clams. I want to get a 24" T5 fixture and would like some assistance on the details. I'm looking at Aquatinics, TEK, and Hellolights.

1. The Hellolights fixture seems to have individual reflectors, in your opinion, is it *worth* the savings to get it instead of the other two? Obviously I'm not dying to spend an extra $200 if I don't have to.

2. I will not be hanging the fixture, will this affect my choice between any of these units?

3. I'm wondering if 5 bulbs is too much for my 29 gallon, compared to the TEK 4?

Looking at premiumaquatics & reefgeek (Aquatinics & Tek);
1. The aquatinics setup is ~$460
2. The Tek Light setup is ~$417

All thoughts and opinions are welcome!
Thanks.

JotaDe,

Aquatinics hands down!

It has active cooling and the Tek doesn't. PAR will be greater and bulbs will last longer.

Aquatinics is also a quality company that stands by their products and will be a pleasure to deal with should anything go wrong. Sunlight Supply on the other hand has proven repeatedly to not deliver in customer service/warranty support.

Spend a little extra to get quality the first time.

Good luck,

James

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Re: Re: Catalina T5s

Re: Re: Re: Catalina T5s

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10327098#post10327098 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Craig731
I'll look into that, but in all honestly I have no idea how to build from a retrokit. I want a 4x56w setup and not sure what type of ballast i'd need to buy, or where to buy an empty ballast to fit 4 bulbs.

As far as the Catalina I had questions about, from the scant information I could find it uses a Work Horse 5, the same endcaps as Tek and "individual german 99% reflectors" although I'm not sure if it could still be crappy in the end. Does it sound worth it for $158?

The Coralvue retros are pretty much plug and play. Custom Aquatics sells them.

As for catalina 99% reflectors :lol: :lol: :lol: As far as I know the best stuff made is only 98% reflective and Ice Cap and Aquactinics doesnt even use it. You think Catalina could use it and still be less $$$

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10327132#post10327132 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mushumatt
So I think I am going to go with T-5HO for my actinics. But I have a few questions guys.

I am going to go with 2-36" but if i can fit it in my hood 2-48" T-5HO.
What are the best reflectors? I need a ballast to power them but I do not want to overdrive them because i dont want to overpower my MH

Ice Cap has the best reflectors.

 

[TWallace]

I just ordered some Icecap retrofits for my new lighting system from Reef Geek. I mentioned to Greg at Reef Geek that the reason I wanted Icecap instead of Tek was that I heard their reflectors were better. He said that's actually not true. The Teks are better but people prefer the Icecaps because they're slimmer (2.5" wide instead of 3") so you can fit more bulbs in a smaller space.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Greg is incorrect unfortunately I believe. Tests have been done by Grim and I believe Hahnmeister to the contrary.

 

[JotaDe]

Thanks JamesDawson.
I do think I'm heading towards the Aquactinics, specially since the resale value of the fixture is great and it'll be easy to recoup my $$ if I upgrade.


Where are the best deals found for Aquactinics online?
Any online coupons known for these stores?

-JotaDe

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10327133#post10327133 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jamesdawson
JotaDe,

Aquatinics hands down!

It has active cooling and the Tek doesn't. PAR will be greater and bulbs will last longer.

Aquatinics is also a quality company that stands by their products and will be a pleasure to deal with should anything go wrong. Sunlight Supply on the other hand has proven repeatedly to not deliver in customer service/warranty support.

Spend a little extra to get quality the first time.

Good luck,

James

 

[JotaDe]

Grim, if you have a moment, I'd love your input on my posts as well

And the 5 bulb 24" Aquactinic doesn't seem like too much light for my tank?
Any ideas on the bulb configuration for that 5 bulb setup for my tank?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Check aquarium specialty from the sponsors page for a deal on the aquactinics.

Should be fine for a 29. Just go with 2 actinics.

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
Super Actinic

 

[cudog]

Hi Grim, i am setting up a 180 gal tank (24x24x72). what kind of light fixture and bulks would you recommend? I am planning to keep all kinds of corals and fishes. thanks in advance for your input.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The Aquactinics constellation is thre only good 6 ft T5 fixture out there. It uses 14 39 watt lamps to create 7 rows of lamps.

Front

ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Aquablue
GE 6500K
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue

 

[cudog]

Thanks for the quick reply Grim. Do you think the 60 inch 6 bulbs tek retrofit kit would be enough?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Yeah, if you are going to have a canopy the 60" lamps are fine.

If you do that use these lamps

Front
Blue Plus
Pure Actinic
Giesemann Midday
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus

Should be a nice 14Kis slightly blue look

 

[Smoke and Water]

I am going to run t-5's on my new 90. I have 2 workhorse 7 ballasts and 1 workhorse 5. My question is should I run 3 lights on each #7, 4 lights on 1 #7 and 2 on #5 ,or use all 3 ballasts to run 3 light simulations? Also in which order should I run them (which ones to come on at the same time)? Thanks in advance.

 

[andyjd]

Hey grim one more question

what order for the bulbs?

Icecap: Aquasun, blue plus, Aquablue, Aquablue
Triadd: Blue plus, super actinic

Thanks once again

Andy