The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10653714#post10653714 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rs1831
Is there any single bulb units that are worth buying to help supplement a current t5 fixture?

Premium Aquatics has some Helios ones that are OK but you have to use the Helios lamps in that unit.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10654811#post10654811 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dudester
Hi G.R.,

I haven't written here since March when I was planning my system. It's finally filled with rock/sand/water. To remind you, it's a 60 x 30 x 26 rimless tank, and I should get my 10-bulb Powermodul in the next month or two. Below is the bulb configuration you recommended to me at that time. Keep in mind I plan on keeping a mixed reef, ~70% SPS, ~25% LPS/softies, and some clams.

Front

Blue Plus
Aquablue
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Super Blue
Aquablue
Blue Plus

I assume the manufacturers you recommend are as follows. If I'm incorrect please educate me.

Blue Plus and Aquablue - ATI
Super Actinic and Aquasun - UVL

I can't seem to find the "Super Blue" that you recommended. Who makes that one, if you please? Also, how would you conform it (ballast-wise) for the best dusk effect?

Thanks in advance!

The Super Blue should have been a 2nd Super Actinic, sorry bout that.

 

[Dudester]

No apology necessary, and thanks for the response.

 

[MattG]

Sorry if this has been asked recently. I cant do a search with t5 in the keywords since its too short....

Anyways has anyone heard of any short t5 bulbs coming out? Im looking for something 20" or less.
Thanks

 

[Char]

Okay, Could someone suggest the best hood for T5s that needs to cover a 50 ga, 36x18x18. Thanks in advance.

 

[shackscs]

I ordered this for my 65 which is the same dimensions as yours, but a little taller.

Tek T5

You also get to select which type of bulbs you want to run.

If you need more light for SPS or other orals I would go with the 6 bulb unit.

 

[volpe315]

my fixture is nova extreme 8x 54 watt. It just seams very yellow with the stock bulbs in. What would you swap them out with Grim? I only have two switches for the fixture how would you group the new bulbs and best way to set up the timers. Also since i switched from power compacts to t5 my mushrooms don't look so good.
before
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/volpe315/MyTank115.jpg?t=1186786189

after
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/volpe315/MyTank166.jpg?t=1186786606

 

[Andys29]

How would you rate the geissmann actinic+ compared to the ati blue plus in color, growth rate, and glow of corals?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10658341#post10658341 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Char
Okay, Could someone suggest the best hood for T5s that needs to cover a 50 ga, 36x18x18. Thanks in advance.

I'd go for the Aquactinics Tx5

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10659299#post10659299 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by volpe315

my fixture is nova extreme 8x 54 watt. It just seams very yellow with the stock bulbs in. What would you swap them out with Grim? I only have two switches for the fixture how would you group the new bulbs and best way to set up the timers. Also since i switched from power compacts to t5 my mushrooms don't look so good.
before
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/volpe315/MyTank115.jpg?t=1186786189

after
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/volpe315/MyTank166.jpg?t=1186786606

I'd load up on Blue Plus and actinics.

Try this

front
Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
Aquablue
10K or sun
Blue Plus
10K or Sun
Super Actinic
Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10659843#post10659843 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Andys29
How would you rate the geissmann actinic+ compared to the ati blue plus in color, growth rate, and glow of corals?

They will be close. I have always gotten better output from the ATI but last time out they were about equal.

 

[Char]

Thanks for the suggestions for the blast...I do have some acros, and I want to be able to keep them happy.
So do I want to "run" with the 6 blub...

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...39W_T5_High-Output_Fixture_by_Sunlight_Supply

Or will the 5 blub be fine...

https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop...d=464&osCsid=4a5a4e6fce950178273bfd1da2301f8b

Thanks in advance...AGAIN :>)

Yes, the next question will be for blub placement, (you knew that :>)

 

[volpe315]

Grim were is thee best place to buy ATI bulbs

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10662320#post10662320 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Char
Thanks for the suggestions for the blast...I do have some acros, and I want to be able to keep them happy.
So do I want to "run" with the 6 blub...

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...39W_T5_High-Output_Fixture_by_Sunlight_Supply

Or will the 5 blub be fine...

https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop...d=464&osCsid=4a5a4e6fce950178273bfd1da2301f8b

Thanks in advance...AGAIN :>)

Yes, the next question will be for blub placement, (you knew that :>)

I would do the TX5, way better unit.

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
GE 6500K

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10662349#post10662349 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by volpe315
Grim were is thee best place to buy ATI bulbs

Reefgeek Reefgeek and Reefgeek

As far as I know he is the US distributor for ATI

 

[JRod]

Hey gang, quick question, too many posts to look through.

Currently have 4 160W VHO running over y 180, removing for T5 to supplement (ATI). What should I do 2 - 3 foot T5 long, run a 4 foot and a 2 foot or run 3 - 2 foot long. Any advantages or disadvantages?

3 foot - 3 foot
4 foot - 2 foot
2 foot - 2 foot - 2 foot

Thanks

Joe

 

[jamesdawson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10662516#post10662516 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRod
Hey gang, quick question, too many posts to look through.

Currently have 4 160W VHO running over y 180, removing for T5 to supplement (ATI). What should I do 2 - 3 foot T5 long, run a 4 foot and a 2 foot or run 3 - 2 foot long. Any advantages or disadvantages?

3 foot - 3 foot
4 foot - 2 foot
2 foot - 2 foot - 2 foot

Thanks

Joe

Joe,

Why don't you use 4 five footers and stagger them. I think you will have a very minimal coverage gap at the ends and you will save big on equipment. Ice Cap will sell you pairs of 3 foot reflectors for $26/pair you can overlap to make a 5 footer. I recommend Blue Plus bulbs.

James

 

[The Grim Reefer]

If you are only running a couple lamps 3 footers side by side would be my choice.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10662516#post10662516 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRod
Hey gang, quick question, too many posts to look through.

Currently have 4 160W VHO running over y 180, removing for T5 to supplement (ATI). What should I do 2 - 3 foot T5 long, run a 4 foot and a 2 foot or run 3 - 2 foot long. Any advantages or disadvantages?

3 foot - 3 foot
4 foot - 2 foot
2 foot - 2 foot - 2 foot

Thanks

Joe

 

[Andys29]

You know i really am on the edge of ordering the Kz fiji purple bulbs from zeovit until i added the them up and they were 62.00. Not only that but standard shipping is 27.99???? Although im used to paying wholesale prices for most things, isnt that a little steep? I now almost want to only order one and either order a UVL actinic or Geissman pure actinic to go with it. If the color and quality is that good, and its really going to give me the look i want i dont mind the price, but at this point im a little skeptical.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

They are proud of those lamps.