The T5 Q&a Thread

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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10638206#post10638206 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ultra spikey
reefgeek is backordered on the Blue Plus, but I did read earlier that Giesemann Actinic Plus will work just the same? Also, would I get better growth if I went like this...

Front
Actinic Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun 10k
Aquasun 11k

...will a 10k or 11k bulb have the same intensity for growth as an Actinic Plus? for some reason, all those blue bulbs are making me worry maybe it might be too blue. But i'll listen to any suggestion you have. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

The Actinic Plus is a good alternative to the blue Plus

For your alternative if you mean
Actinic Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Aquablue

Sure you could try that. It will be closer to a 10K with actinics look than 14K but still should look nice.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10638251#post10638251 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Andys29
Thanks. Should i continue to use the UVL actinics or is there a bulb that is better in your opinion?
Click to expand...

You could try a Giesemann Pure Actinic just to mix things up a bit. It will give you a more subdued light which is going to make the corals lookm like they are poping better.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10638669#post10638669 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
The Actinic Plus is a good alternative to the blue Plus

For your alternative if you mean
Actinic Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Aquablue

Sure you could try that. It will be closer to a 10K with actinics look than 14K but still should look nice.
Click to expand...

ahh..I don't know what to get and I'm ordering tomorrow...
 
I need a little lighting advice...

I currently have the 48 inch Sunlight Supply Tek 4x54W fixture (normally driven) on my 72 Bowfront. I have enjoyed the light kit, and it has done well in my system. (Currently running BluePlus, AquaSun, SuperActinic, BluePlus)

I came across a used Coralife 48 inch dual 150W HQI pretty cheap.

http://www.petmeister.com/item3185.htm

Would that be an upgrade to the system that I currently have? How much more power will this consume than my current system?
The 72G isn't that deep. I am just wondering. I do like that shimmer effect :)

Thanks!
Gordon
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10639165#post10639165 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Andys29
Which bulb would you compare the Aquascience 22000k bulb to? I have heard it has excellent results.
Click to expand...

Blue Plus with less PAR. It's more than likely about the same as Giesemann's Actinic Plus. Both lamps are made by Narva.
 
65 Gallon help needed

65 Gallon help needed

I have decided to go with T-5's on my 65 gallon tank (36x18x24) and want the 14k look.

How many bulbs and what combination of bulbs will I need to get this?

I was looking at the Tek Lunar units, but it only has four T-5 bulbs and three lunar bulbs and I not sure if this enough.

I am keeping shrooms, polyps, ricordea, xenia, zoas, and palys.

My current setup is merely 2 T-6 bulbs, one actinic and one 6700.

I know I need better so I am ready to make the change.

I was leaning towards MH but I don't want the added heat or expense of running them. I was willing to cut the center brace on my tank and swap it for glass or acrylic but have now abandoned this idea.

Thanks for the advice.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10640859#post10640859 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rtgordon
I need a little lighting advice...

I currently have the 48 inch Sunlight Supply Tek 4x54W fixture (normally driven) on my 72 Bowfront. I have enjoyed the light kit, and it has done well in my system. (Currently running BluePlus, AquaSun, SuperActinic, BluePlus)

I came across a used Coralife 48 inch dual 150W HQI pretty cheap.

http://www.petmeister.com/item3185.htm

Would that be an upgrade to the system that I currently have? How much more power will this consume than my current system?
The 72G isn't that deep. I am just wondering. I do like that shimmer effect :)

Thanks!
Gordon
Click to expand...

I don't care for 150's, they just don't have any punch without good reflectors. As long as you stick to good 10K lamps they should be OK. They will use somewhere between 300 and 350 watts depending on the ballasts.
 
Re: 65 Gallon help needed

Re: 65 Gallon help needed

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10641413#post10641413 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shackscs
I have decided to go with T-5's on my 65 gallon tank (36x18x24) and want the 14k look.

How many bulbs and what combination of bulbs will I need to get this?

I was looking at the Tek Lunar units, but it only has four T-5 bulbs and three lunar bulbs and I not sure if this enough.

I am keeping shrooms, polyps, ricordea, xenia, zoas, and palys.

My current setup is merely 2 T-6 bulbs, one actinic and one 6700.

I know I need better so I am ready to make the change.

I was leaning towards MH but I don't want the added heat or expense of running them. I was willing to cut the center brace on my tank and swap it for glass or acrylic but have now abandoned this idea.

Thanks for the advice.
Click to expand...

As long as you stay away from SPS and anemones the 4 lamp Tek will work.

For lamps try this

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus.
 
Thanks, I am ordering the Tek in the morning.

Where is a good source for the bulbs?
 
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I think i am going to add an extra 2 bulbs to my setup. So i will be at 2-250w Halides and 6-t5. Give me a 6 bulb setup that would really make the colors pop.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10641414#post10641414 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I don't care for 150's, they just don't have any punch without good reflectors. As long as you stick to good 10K lamps they should be OK. They will use somewhere between 300 and 350 watts depending on the ballasts.
Click to expand...

I found someone locally selling this fixture for $350.

Assuming the reflectors in that fixture are somewhat decent (I have no idea), would it be an upgrade to the fixture I am currently running for my system? I am wondering if I should just leave well enough alone or try and get this. In the back of my mind, I was thinking that I would replace the 20000K with 14000K later down the road although I am not sure.

I have an anemone (I have had it for over 3 years now with much success... a little over 1 yr on T5HO) and I have a clam (after 4 months, seems to be doing okay). I am now considering adding sps to the mix.

How do you think the power consumption compares with my current fixture?

Thanks!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10641851#post10641851 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Andys29
I think i am going to add an extra 2 bulbs to my setup. So i will be at 2-250w Halides and 6-t5. Give me a 6 bulb setup that would really make the colors pop.
Click to expand...

If you are using 10K halides Id go with 2 Super Actinics and 4 Blue Plus
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10641876#post10641876 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rtgordon
I found someone locally selling this fixture for $350.

Assuming the reflectors in that fixture are somewhat decent (I have no idea), would it be an upgrade to the fixture I am currently running for my system? I am wondering if I should just leave well enough alone or try and get this. In the back of my mind, I was thinking that I would replace the 20000K with 14000K later down the road although I am not sure.

I have an anemone (I have had it for over 3 years now with much success... a little over 1 yr on T5HO) and I have a clam (after 4 months, seems to be doing okay). I am now considering adding sps to the mix.

How do you think the power consumption compares with my current fixture?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I wouldn't consider it to be a huge upgrade in lighting. The halides are going to draw 350 watts or so, the T5's abourt 250.
 
After years of having a 75 gallon with 2 x 175W MHs and 2 x 110 VHO's, I'm thinking about converting it to t5 for many reasons. In any regards I was thinking about tossing at least one GE 6.5K (good PAR) into the mix of 4-5 bulbs and ran across a brand I haven't found any info on. Has anyone heard or tried this bulb from TCP At this link??
 
Im using 20k, so i was thinking mayb 2x KZ fiji purple, 2x UVL actinic, 2x blue plus. I thought this combo would add plenty of pop without adding to much blue since im using 20k's. What do ya think?
 
will a 54w t5 with endcaps fit in my 46.5" canopy ? and what is the general view on using a workhorse 7 ballast to light a 4x54w combo?


thanks john
 
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