The T5 Q&a Thread

[reefboy12]

Hey Grim,

Do you think the GE3000 is better for a 4 lamp retro for coloration or the uvl Aquasun. Current bulbs.....

1) Ati Blue Plus
2) UVL Aquasun
3) KZ Fiji Pink
4) Ati Blue Plus

Thanks in Advance
Ron

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10332465#post10332465 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 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.

What you should do is get real T5 ballasts lest you live up to your screen name

Sorry, couldn't resist.

I'd use the three ballasts. You can start with like a single actinic for dusk/dawn, then add a couple blues for early/late day sun and then a mix for midday sun.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10332610#post10332610 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 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

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic Triad
Aquasun
Aquablue
Blue Plus Triad
Aquablue

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Some people might not care for the 3000K look with only 3 other lamps to balance out the color, I'd do the UVL lamp.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10333433#post10333433 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefboy12
Hey Grim,

Do you think the GE3000 is better for a 4 lamp retro for coloration or the uvl Aquasun. Current bulbs.....

1) Ati Blue Plus
2) UVL Aquasun
3) KZ Fiji Pink
4) Ati Blue Plus

Thanks in Advance
Ron

 

[Smoke and Water]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10333635#post10333635 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
What you should do is get real T5 ballasts lest you live up to your screen name

Sorry, couldn't resist.

I'd use the three ballasts. You can start with like a single actinic for dusk/dawn, then add a couple blues for early/late day sun and then a mix for midday sun.

Thanks for the info and it is ok to knock my freebie ballasts. Upgrades will come soon after the tank gets going. Only read a couple of pages, but how are the tek2 reflectors in your opinion? Or are they going to live up to my name also?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The Tek reflectors are 3 inches wide and still don't match the Ice Caps.

 

[JotaDe]

I've got the 24" Aquactinics and the 5 bulbs on order.
Regarding acclimation, do all the bulbs need to be installed at once (ie. leave 1 actinic and 1 daylight out)?
Should I only turn on the actinics at first?
Do I have to turn them all on and move the corals lower?

Again, I'm upgrading from 130W PCs, and have LPS/SPS/softies

Thanks for the help everyone, I actually feel confident about dropping $450 on my tank after only a couple days of research

 

[The Grim Reefer]

You could go with just 3 lamps for a week or so.

 

[Hanzo]

Grim,
I'm setting up my first reef tank and I'm looking for a lighting recommendation. Leaning towards the T5s for energy savings, but I want to be sure I'll have enough light to keep lps and a clam or two happy. I've got the tank (90 Gallon, 3'x2'x2') and I'm building the stand and the canopy

What would you recommend?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I woud do a Aquactinics Constellation.

 

[Hanzo]

Doesn't look like they have 36" constellation set-ups, onlt 48" and 72". What else would you recommend?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Check with Aquactinics and see if they plan a 36" version, would be perfect for that tank if they do. Otherwise a 6 lamp Tek.

 

[jamesdawson]

Hanzo,

Aquatinics has a 3' fixture in the TX5 line so there is no reason to buy a crappy TekLight:

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_111_112&products_id=573

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.

Best thing is it costs less then the Tek and you will get a quality designed product that is backed up by the Manufacturer.

Good luck,

James

 

[Dyngoe]

Hey Grim,

Thanks again for the help on my main tank. I still love the look of my T5s and I'm glad to be done with MH.

Now, I need to light my small 20G long frag tank. I was thinking 2x24w. What bulb combo would be a good for this setup?

I was thinking Blue+ and an AquaSun

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Probably a Blue Plus and either a Aquablue or a GE 6500K or an Aquascience Special. I dont think a single blue plus will take the reddish tint out of an Aquasun.

 

[jamesdawson]

Hanzo,

You might also call ReefGeek about a 36" PowerModul. I know he got some in as I'm getting a 48". PowerModuls come in up to 10 or 12 bulb wide configurations.

James

 

[sds]

my super actinics look very dim compared to all of my other bulbs is this normal or are they needing replaced?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Actinic lamps are not bright like a regular blue lamp/

 

[sds]

thanks for the help

 

[sds]

hey grim I have a aquatincs 5x39 with 2uvl super actinics 2-uvl actinic whites and 1 blue plus. what order should they be in?