The T5 Q&a Thread

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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10883437#post10883437 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IMPERATORFAN
Yes. A black ring inside the bulb about 1 inch away from pins. Both burnt bulbs showed this.



I doubt they are HO bulbs. Would that matter? I've seen a few comments on 3k and 6700k bulbs on here. I was guessing those were regular t5 bulbs (not hobby specific).

I wired it according to icecap 2 bulb chart. But now that you mention it, I did have to 'break down and repair' a few of the endcaps when they got a little hosed up from when I pulled out some old wire.

If they are HO lamps they will be 54 watts if they are 4 feet long. If they are NO lamps then obviously the ballast is frying them and you need to get the right wattage lamps.
 
I'd put my money into good lamp and reflectors. Run a fan on each side blowing in down the rows on endcaps on eachside (you have to do that with the Ice Cap Ballast anyway) And you will have enough intensity. If you want SPS only then overdriving a couple lamps would be fine/
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10873948#post10873948 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tim Baeten
Does anyone know if a 660 can drive two T5's (39w) and two VHO's (95w) at the same time?

Grim, you were correct (no surprise there). Here is the response from IceCap:

You can mix T5 lamps with VHO lamps with no problem. Just make sure total lamp length is 16 feet or less. Wiring for the T5's is the same as for VHO's.

See http://209.204.76.225/660-4.htm for 4 lamp wiring diagram.
 
Hey Grim

I've been reading quite a bit and was wondering if I could shoot out some questions. I have a 29 gallon that has 2x24w T5s and a 150w DE Phoenix 14k MH. I need to change light bulbs soon and I was hoping for some recommendations. I've been hearing a lot of good stuff from the KZ Fiji Purple and CL. I was wondering if I paired the two would that be a good idea? I would really love to add a bulb to make my colours pop.

Also I've read the study with the aquascience bulb. That growth is amazing! Could you get the same from the KZ? I've also juggled in my head whether or not to swap out the halide for complete t5s. If I were to do that, I would probably get less par, so would that be a good idea? My tank is 30 inches long, so I can only go with an 24". My concern is, with my tank being heavily dominated sps, there a pockets where I have less light. Currently I have my t5s staggered and my halide in the center. Is there any way I get more of what I have to work with? Hope to hear your response. Thanks

Jay
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10887125#post10887125 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eagleONE
Hey Grim

I've been reading quite a bit and was wondering if I could shoot out some questions. I have a 29 gallon that has 2x24w T5s and a 150w DE Phoenix 14k MH. I need to change light bulbs soon and I was hoping for some recommendations. I've been hearing a lot of good stuff from the KZ Fiji Purple and CL. I was wondering if I paired the two would that be a good idea? I would really love to add a bulb to make my colours pop.

Also I've read the study with the aquascience bulb. That growth is amazing! Could you get the same from the KZ? I've also juggled in my head whether or not to swap out the halide for complete t5s. If I were to do that, I would probably get less par, so would that be a good idea? My tank is 30 inches long, so I can only go with an 24". My concern is, with my tank being heavily dominated sps, there a pockets where I have less light. Currently I have my t5s staggered and my halide in the center. Is there any way I get more of what I have to work with? Hope to hear your response. Thanks

Jay

If you want to make things POP get a good 10K halide like the new XM 10K and use 1 ATI Blue Plus and 1 UVL Super Actinic T5. The other lamps you listed are fine for all T5 systems but I wouldn't use them with a halide.

10K halides actually have a lot of actinic output. It is just the other colors overwhelm the actinic which isn't a very visible spectrum so you don't see the color. By adding the blue/actinic T5 you wash out the yellowish tint (although this new XM lamp is listed as 13000K which shouldn't be yellow at all) and add a tad more pop.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10882210#post10882210 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
You would be fine with soft corals and most LPS corals if you are careful where you place them, Don't try SPS except for maybe Montiporas up on the rocks.

So if I wanted to grow SPS (specifically clams) would I be better off with maybe (8) T5s or just going to MH or a combination of the two for this 90G tank?

Thanks
 
I just purchased a nova extreame t5 ..it seems a bit cheap because the fans are small and a bit noisy...it puts out about 100 something watts...what kind of coral can i go with ive been told only soft coral. i see you all are talking about changing the lights...mine has a white and a blue bulb...what can i run with this light and what could i change to make it better...there are a total of 2 bulbs...thanks in advance.
 
well i got a tek t5 6 bulb unit for my 75 and i have these bulbs on it in this order
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
GE 3000K
GE 6500K
Blue Plus
Aquablue
now this unit is 2 weeks old. all of the greens are poping like grazy, but any of the blues, purples,pinks, ect are just brown. why? is it the bulbs?how long should it take for the bulbs to break in and for me to see the colors i will get i nthe end? i was told to change the 3k, what should i change it to?
 
Grim,
i need some help iam mixing two different types of lamps, i was given a 996(not sure the full name) but its a VHO ballast that can run up to 2 lamps. and i want to buy a icecap 660 to run 2 or 4 other lamps i need help on a lamp combo i really don't know where to start because the VHO and T5 HO's are named and look different. what would you do with the VHO? and the T5's? i plan on having mostly LPS,Zoos, Softies. Thanks in advance
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10872894#post10872894 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RoBolton
I bought these from reefgeek ATI ProColor. Do you think these are the same bulb as the KZ Fuji Purple.

139055DSCN0027.JPG
139055DSCN0026.JPG
How long did the ATI ProColor have to 'burn in' before it achieved that rich purple color? I've only tested mine for about 10 minutes but it appears pretty white thus far.



Hey Grim, tell me what you think about this. I just got my 10-bulb Powermodule today. Previously you recommended the following bulb combination:

Front
Blue plus
Aquablue
Super actinic
Aquasun
Blue plus
Super actinic
Aquasun
Super actinic
Aquablue
Blue plus

When I bought the fixture I substitued 1 super actinic for an ATI ProColor. I've placed the lamps as follows, but wanted your opinion:

Front
Blue plus
Aquablue
Super actinic
Aquasun
ProColor
Blue plus
Aquasun
Super actinic
Aquablue
Blue plus

By the way, the 10-bulber comes with a split power supply, with one cord controlling positions 3 and 8, both of which have Super actinic lamps. Think this is a good idea for dusk/dawn?

Thanks!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10887688#post10887688 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pherbert
So if I wanted to grow SPS (specifically clams) would I be better off with maybe (8) T5s or just going to MH or a combination of the two for this 90G tank?

Thanks

If you want to do clams Halides or good T5's (Ice Cap retro or a Solar Flare fixture) would be the way to go
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10890202#post10890202 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hugodboss
I just purchased a nova extreame t5 ..it seems a bit cheap because the fans are small and a bit noisy...it puts out about 100 something watts...what kind of coral can i go with ive been told only soft coral. i see you all are talking about changing the lights...mine has a white and a blue bulb...what can i run with this light and what could i change to make it better...there are a total of 2 bulbs...thanks in advance.

A 55 with 2 T5's in a Nova. yep soft corals only. Using a Aquablue and Blue Plus lamp will help but you still should stick to softies
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10890315#post10890315 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spscrackhead
well i got a tek t5 6 bulb unit for my 75 and i have these bulbs on it in this order
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
GE 3000K
GE 6500K
Blue Plus
Aquablue
now this unit is 2 weeks old. all of the greens are poping like grazy, but any of the blues, purples,pinks, ect are just brown. why? is it the bulbs?how long should it take for the bulbs to break in and for me to see the colors i will get i nthe end? i was told to change the 3k, what should i change it to?

IME the 3000K pops the pinks and purples. You should be able to run 4 lamps at a time. Play with different 4 lamp combos and see if removing any of the lamps helps you out.
 
Re: 4 light bulb combo?

Re: 4 light bulb combo?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10890786#post10890786 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jeremy23
What 4 light bulb combo should I use on a standard 55.

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus for a more blue look, Aquablue for a less blue look
 
Grim,
Im planning my next tank, to be built as soon as I move. Its going to be a 72" x 72" cube which will be housing softies and LPS and Im trying to decide on depth, with the minimum being 30". Its going to have a DSB of 6-8" and will be lit by 60" T-5's with icecap reflectors. I would like to get as much depth as I can as it adds awesome aquascaping possibilities. So my question here is how deep can I make this tank and still be able to keep low-moderate lit corals at the bottom? Keeping in mind that there will be at least 6" of sand, so a 30" deep tank will need light to penetrate 24", 36" = 30", etc. Any deeper than 40" would make it impossible (as if it wont be hard enough under 40) to place and manage corals, so I would say 40" is my max. Can 80watt T-5s penetrate 34"? Can overdriven 100 watters penetrate 34"? And lastly, how many bulbs would you suggest I use to span 72" with softies and LPS? Sorry for the lengthy post, I appreciate any input.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10891373#post10891373 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by destaf3080
Grim,
i need some help iam mixing two different types of lamps, i was given a 996(not sure the full name) but its a VHO ballast that can run up to 2 lamps. and i want to buy a icecap 660 to run 2 or 4 other lamps i need help on a lamp combo i really don't know where to start because the VHO and T5 HO's are named and look different. what would you do with the VHO? and the T5's? i plan on having mostly LPS,Zoos, Softies. Thanks in advance

Run a couple of VHO actinics and run T5's for Blue and Daylight lamps.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10891877#post10891877 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dudester
How long did the ATI ProColor have to 'burn in' before it achieved that rich purple color? I've only tested mine for about 10 minutes but it appears pretty white thus far.



Hey Grim, tell me what you think about this. I just got my 10-bulb Powermodule today. Previously you recommended the following bulb combination:

Front
Blue plus
Aquablue
Super actinic
Aquasun
Blue plus
Super actinic
Aquasun
Super actinic
Aquablue
Blue plus

When I bought the fixture I substitued 1 super actinic for an ATI ProColor. I've placed the lamps as follows, but wanted your opinion:

Front
Blue plus
Aquablue
Super actinic
Aquasun
ProColor
Blue plus
Aquasun
Super actinic
Aquablue
Blue plus

By the way, the 10-bulber comes with a split power supply, with one cord controlling positions 3 and 8, both of which have Super actinic lamps. Think this is a good idea for dusk/dawn?

Thanks!

The pro color is probably in a good spot. Try swapping the position of the center Blue Plus with the rear super actinic. The Blue Plus/Super Actinic combo looks cool for duck/dawn.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10892219#post10892219 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jamokie01
Grim,
Im planning my next tank, to be built as soon as I move. Its going to be a 72" x 72" cube which will be housing softies and LPS and Im trying to decide on depth, with the minimum being 30". Its going to have a DSB of 6-8" and will be lit by 60" T-5's with icecap reflectors. I would like to get as much depth as I can as it adds awesome aquascaping possibilities. So my question here is how deep can I make this tank and still be able to keep low-moderate lit corals at the bottom? Keeping in mind that there will be at least 6" of sand, so a 30" deep tank will need light to penetrate 24", 36" = 30", etc. Any deeper than 40" would make it impossible (as if it wont be hard enough under 40) to place and manage corals, so I would say 40" is my max. Can 80watt T-5s penetrate 34"? Can overdriven 100 watters penetrate 34"? And lastly, how many bulbs would you suggest I use to span 72" with softies and LPS? Sorry for the lengthy post, I appreciate any input.

I would use halides in Lumenarc reflectors. 4 250 or 400 watt lamps would cover that tank plenty good enought for softies and LPS at even 40" tall. It would take around 16 T5's to cover it.
 
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