The T5 Q&a Thread

[scottflanagan]

has anyone used the T5 Giesemann PowerChrome midday lamp?
it seems to have the full spectrum.
Would this be a good light to use if you don't want to add too many lights?
scott

 

[scottflanagan]

i think i am going to keep my vho ice cap 440 setup with 3 actinic lights and add a t5 ice cap 440 with one Giesemann PowerChrome midday and one Giesemann POWERCHROME Aquablue Plus + 15k.

There all 24" long and the tank i am puting them on is 24X18X18(mostly softies). They would be <2" from the water
Would this be ok or too much light for softies?

 

[Dyngoe]

Hi Grim & All,

I posted in the T5 Par thread, but that was probably the wrong place.
I need advice on two choices:

1. Two lamp config for 20G long grow-out/frag tank
-I was thinking Blue+ and UVL 14K

2. Help adjust the color in my 4x39 setup
-Current F->B
Blue+
UVL Actinic
Geissmann AquaBlue
GE 6500


I'd like a little more blue and pink if possible. I was thinking:
F->B
Blue+
UVL Actinic
UVL 14K / Fiji Purple / Glo 18K
Geissmann Aquablue

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11034260#post11034260 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snapperface
I just picked up Aquactinics T5 . The lights were really bright for the first 2 weeks then the lighting wasn't as bright as before. Is this because of the burn in period for the lights or is something wrong. My bulbs are
front
Blue+
aquasun
super actintich
6500k ge
blue+

Maybe your eyes have just adjusted to the lights. Check in the aquactinics forum but I can't think of a reason why it would go dim.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11034615#post11034615 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scottflanagan
has anyone used the T5 Giesemann PowerChrome midday lamp?
it seems to have the full spectrum.
Would this be a good light to use if you don't want to add too many lights?
scott

It's not band but the UVL Aquasun or GE 5400K daylight are better

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11034649#post11034649 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scottflanagan
i think i am going to keep my vho ice cap 440 setup with 3 actinic lights and add a t5 ice cap 440 with one Giesemann PowerChrome midday and one Giesemann POWERCHROME Aquablue Plus + 15k.

There all 24" long and the tank i am puting them on is 24X18X18(mostly softies). They would be <2" from the water
Would this be ok or too much light for softies?

I would use the Actinic Plus or Blue Plus T5 with a midday instead of the aquablue. Then on your 3 VHO lamps use 1 50/50. The Blue T5 will give you spectrum the VHO actinics miss and it doesn't have that much less PAR than the aquablue.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11034679#post11034679 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dyngoe
Hi Grim & All,

I posted in the T5 Par thread, but that was probably the wrong place.
I need advice on two choices:

1. Two lamp config for 20G long grow-out/frag tank
-I was thinking Blue+ and UVL 14K

2. Help adjust the color in my 4x39 setup
-Current F->B
Blue+
UVL Actinic
Geissmann AquaBlue
GE 6500


I'd like a little more blue and pink if possible. I was thinking:
F->B
Blue+
UVL Actinic
UVL 14K / Fiji Purple / Glo 18K
Geissmann Aquablue

The mix for the grow out should be fine.

For the other try the UVL 14K. It has more red than the GE lamp so that should give you the pink.

 

[snapperface]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11034969#post11034969 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Maybe your eyes have just adjusted to the lights. Check in the aquactinics forum but I can't think of a reason why it would go dim.

It's only when the
blue+
actintic
blue+
lights are on looks dimmer then before. I guess before it was like bright blue look now it has dark deep blue. Is this still normal.

 

[das75]

Looking for some input from this thread. Planning on adding 2-2x54W T5 retros for dawn/dusk and actinic supplement to existing 14KK 2x250W and replacing the 2x40W NO fluorescent (one 20KK other actinic).

I want the tank lit outside of when the MHs are on but don't want to be overwhelmed by purple but still have the corals fluoresce. They would also remain on with the MHs.

Tank is on a island so viewable from both sides. Thinking on each side of the hood a daylight and actinic side by side.


Query on other forum with picture of hood.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11035122#post11035122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snapperface
It's only when the
blue+
actintic
blue+
lights are on looks dimmer then before. I guess before it was like bright blue look now it has dark deep blue. Is this still normal.

Try swapping the two blue plus lamps over the the other ballast (slots 2 and 4) and see if you think they look brighter. Could be one of your ballasts is weak.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11035398#post11035398 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by das75
Looking for some input from this thread. Planning on adding 2-2x54W T5 retros for dawn/dusk and actinic supplement to existing 14KK 2x250W and replacing the 2x40W NO fluorescent (one 20KK other actinic).

I want the tank lit outside of when the MHs are on but don't want to be overwhelmed by purple but still have the corals fluoresce. They would also remain on with the MHs.

Tank is on a island so viewable from both sides. Thinking on each side of the hood a daylight and actinic side by side.


Query on other forum with picture of hood.

You could try the Aquablues but they wont add much to the 14K halides. The Blue Plus look good but are very blue. Super actinics look great but will give you the purple you dont want.

 

[snapperface]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11035634#post11035634 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Try swapping the two blue plus lamps over the the other ballast (slots 2 and 4) and see if you think they look brighter. Could be one of your ballasts is weak.

I thought there was a burn in period for the t5 bulbs. What happens when the bulbs burn in? Does it change color? I'll try switching bulbs around on the ballast.

thanks 4 your help!

 

[lanman3]

It doesn't have to be a single fixture...

It doesn't have to be a single fixture...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10953598#post10953598 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
The only thing I can think of is Sfigoli fixtures Aquarium Obsessed from the sponsors page sells. Very expensive but they would have what you want in a single fixture.

Which was your response to:
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by lanman3
In response to:
T5's for an odd-shaped tank?
I just purchased a 225-gallon tank. 5' long x 3' wide x 24" deep. I've been considering three 60" fixtures.
T5 | 2x150W MH | T5
Any suggestions? Choice of 4-bulb or 6-bulb T5's? The 2x150W MH also has two T5 sockets. Is this a bad idea in the first place?
I have a 6-bulb TekLight over my 58-gallon tank, and I'm very happy with it.

It will be SPS-dominated mixed reef; I'm more of a coral person than a fish person - but there will be several fish as well. I'm particularly fond of my chalices and blasto's on the bottom of the tank. Not sure about a canopy yet. Guess that will depend on the lights. But I will put something at least along the front to block stray light.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am perfectly fine with multiple fixtures. I guess I wasn't clear - I am considering a 60" T5 fixture (4-6 lights?), then a fixture with MH and T5 (just for the MH sparkle), then another T5 fixture of (4-6 lights). I'm just wondering how many 60" lights I need for that tank, and suggestions on lamp colors.

Thanks,
bob

 

[scottflanagan]

does any one know were one would be able to find wave length charts for all the vho and t5 bulbs?

 

[kidchill]

Alright, I just ordered the aquactinics TX5 setup. Now what bulbs should I get? I've been researching this for a while, but it seems really subjective. I'm thinking 2 white (full spectrum bulbs like 6000K or 6500K) and then 4 more on the blue spectrum (possibly one that is like an aquablue that has full spectrum, but more so on the blue end). Any help would be great!!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: It doesn't have to be a single fixture...

Re: It doesn't have to be a single fixture...

4 lamps in each fixture should be plenty. I'd probably do a UVL Aquasun, 2 Blue Pluses and a Super actinic in each set so you can have a blue plus and super actinic for Dusk/Dawn in each.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11036229#post11036229 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lanman3
Which was your response to:
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by lanman3
In response to:
T5's for an odd-shaped tank?
I just purchased a 225-gallon tank. 5' long x 3' wide x 24" deep. I've been considering three 60" fixtures.
T5 | 2x150W MH | T5
Any suggestions? Choice of 4-bulb or 6-bulb T5's? The 2x150W MH also has two T5 sockets. Is this a bad idea in the first place?
I have a 6-bulb TekLight over my 58-gallon tank, and I'm very happy with it.

It will be SPS-dominated mixed reef; I'm more of a coral person than a fish person - but there will be several fish as well. I'm particularly fond of my chalices and blasto's on the bottom of the tank. Not sure about a canopy yet. Guess that will depend on the lights. But I will put something at least along the front to block stray light.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am perfectly fine with multiple fixtures. I guess I wasn't clear - I am considering a 60" T5 fixture (4-6 lights?), then a fixture with MH and T5 (just for the MH sparkle), then another T5 fixture of (4-6 lights). I'm just wondering how many 60" lights I need for that tank, and suggestions on lamp colors.

Thanks,
bob

 

[Tommy Tang]

Hey grim
You sugestet Ge 6500K for my combinetion
Wath is the difrent between Ge 6500k and ATI 6500k
Thank you

 

[mikellini]

Also, why do you recommend setting the actinic bulbs up on the outside of a 4 bulb configuration as opposed to staggering them? Something to do with PAR? Does this affect the look of the tank?

 

[jennmac415]

Grim...am I never to see your tank with your current bulb configuration?? I may want to make a couple of bulb changes and would love to see the bulbs that you are running...pretty please????

 

[kysard1]

Just ordered a pair of Tek T5 reflectors and 24W ATI Blue+ bulbs. I will power these with an icecap 660.

They will be used to suppliment a single 250W Ushio 10k.

Unfortunately they will be 8" above the water over a 20" tall tank.

Do you think these will be enough to give more flourescence/pop my corals?