The T5 Q&a Thread

[WinnipegDragon]

Hi!

Need some advice on my setup. I'm just getting my equipment together, and I'll start the tank in about 4 weeks. The specs are below, 120g tank, 8x54w TEK fixture, and I'm going SPS dominant with a handful of LPS in lower flow areas.

I can really only get my hands on the Geismann bulbs, so hopefully they are sufficient.

Can you recommend a bulb layout for me, Grim?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

If all you can get is Giesemanns try this

Front
Actinic Plus
Pure Actinic
Midday
Actinic Plus
Aquablue
Midday
Aquablue
Actinic Plus

 

[WinnipegDragon]

Is it worth the effort to try and find ATI or UVL bulbs?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10445466#post10445466 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WinnipegDragon
Is it worth the effort to try and find ATI or UVL bulbs?

I think so. I like the Aquasun and super actinic UVL lamps. I wouldn't kill myself trying to find the ATI's.

 

[ziggy222]

i'm so happy with my t5 set up over my 55 gallon reef.i bought a t5 grow light at a hydroponics shop for $100 with a wh balast in it and changed the bulbs to uvl 10,000k and super actinic.ok i switched from a 29 gallon to a 55 gallon on 3-7-2007.i transferred everything to a new tank 4 months ago.here is my current set up-55 gallon reef with 4x54 watt t5's, prizm skimmer ,29 gallon sump with cheatto and 800 gph pond pump,and damsel.fish in display-neon tipped marroon clown,1 green chromis,cleaner shrimp.clean up crew is mostly snails.1 montiporra,1 pavona-cactus coral,1open purple an green and 1 red closed brain,2 toadstools purple and neon,gsp,xenia and yellow tipped xenia,red ,green and maroon mushrooms,2 giant lavender frilly shrooms,cabbage coral,yellow polyps,green zoos,lots of halemeda.here is the link to the picture of my tank the 1st day i had it up 3-07-2007
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7934565@N02/935341584/


ok and here is my tank today 7-28-2007
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7934565@N02/935054683/
2nd photo is dark.idk why,but you can see the growth.

 

[bohlke]

Hey Grim - I have had my 6x39W T5 Tek light for about a year and I am very happy with the color/growth. Its time to replace bulbs soon and I was wondering if I should try the GE 3000 instead of the GE 6500? Or would you suggest some other type of daylight bulb? Here is the setup so far, all ATI bulbs except for the GE.

FRONT
B1: Blueplus
B2: Aquablue
B2: GE 6500K
B2: Blueplus
B2: Aquablue
B1: Blueplus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Give the 3000K a shot and see what you think

 

[bohlke]

Thanks I will and I will get a 6500 as well. That way I can play around with the setup.

 

[philagothos]

I'm setting up a 55 FW planted and planning to use a pair of T5s in Icecap reflectors with a standard HO ballast. I left the Actinic + in for a few minutes just for the fun of it, but I'm hoping to find something that will bring out FW colors better. I'll be driving through Indy this weekend and plan on stopping by Premium Aquatics, but the lowest Kelvin bulb they have is a Geisemann Powerchrome Midday. It's rated at 6000K. They also have a 10000K Finnex that is supposed to be fairly yellowish. Would either of these bulbs be a good choice for a FW planted tank? Alternatively, I've thought about ordering the GE 3000K or 6500K from Reefgeek. So, what would be best?

Also, my 29 reef is currently running 2 Actinic + T5s and a URI Actinic White VHO. I've got reflectors and a ballast to set up another pair of T5s. What would be a good choice of bulbs to add in to the mix. It's mostly LPS with a few softies and SPS. It looks like Grim suggested an Aqua Sun and Super Actinic for another 4 bulb setup above, that's probably what'll go with. Just thought I'd look for more input.

TIA,
-Kevin

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I think Premium Aquatics sells UVL lamps, grab an Aquasun.

For your 29 I would grab a VHO Super Actinic and run 2 Actinic Plus, 1 Aquasun or Gmann Midday and a Aquablue.

 

[impur]

Heya Grim, this thread is huge!! I'm sure you are tired of these questions so i appreciate your time and input.

Its time for me to get new bulbs, i bought my 6-54w TEK T5 fixture used. I currently have a 75gal mixed reef with quite a few SPS and zoas, i'd like a 14k color out of the fixture and obviously get decent growth as well. Could you suggest a good combo for me?

TIA!

Miles

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Try this

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun or Ge 3000K
Aquablue
GE 6500K
Blue Plus

 

[impur]

Thanks a bunch, my list was close

 

[bigfun]

grim!
hey i know you are probably getting tired of this, but i have one more for ya'! i have a 20 gal and i want to the Nova Extreme T5 like this one http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...+matchallpartial&subref=AA&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1, i have some mushrooms, torch coral, pink xenia, green zoos, a clown and a skkunk cleaner, and a cleaner crew, other than that i probably won't add much more, what do you think, good lighting? thanks again!!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

It will work. I wouldn't call it good but it will be fine for moderate light critters.

 

[bigfun]

oh shoot i forgot i really wanna get a clam too! what do you think? or what would you recommend for the clams and my setup!? thanks again!!!!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

If you want clams I would at least get the Tek.

 

[bigfun]

great! thanks again, really appreciate the info!
have a good one!!

 

[ChiiBear]

Hi bigfun,

fyi, I asked a similar question before and here is Grim's reply:
________________________________________
Originally posted by ChiiBear
Hi Grim,
I'm setting up a 20g (24Lx13Wx16H) prop tank (acrylic) for SPS. Coral will be sitting on eggcreate about 12" from water surface.
Wonder if Nova EXtreme 4-24W $159.99 is good enough.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...2&N=2004+113175
If it is, what will be a good bulb combinations. Thanks!!
________________________________________


Be fine. I would use a couple of UVL Aquasuns and 2 Blue Plus. Should give you good PAR and color up the frags.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I wouldn't use the Nova for clams unless you are keeping them up on the rocks.