The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11070494#post11070494 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carlos_fb
Grim,

I just noticed that my ATI Sun Pro is about to die, what should I get to replace it? I was thinking about the GE 6500K Daylight which is what you suggested before the Pro Color.

The GE or a UVL Aquasun

 

[dzeadow]

Wait, the icecap reflectors will fit in the nova? I have a Current USA Nova Extreme 4x24. Can I just put the reflectors in there over the bulbs? That would be sweet.. You've probably already recommended bulbs for 4 bulb setups so I'll just look back a few pages and see what you had to say about that

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11069876#post11069876 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FibberMcGee
Hey Grim, Have you heard anything about ATI having a dimmable T5 Powermodule, and if so any word if anyone has one here in the states. Reef Geek is the only importer I know of and I sent them a message regarding this. Just wondering what you think of the possibility of doing a sunrise sunset with T5's.

I think Fauna Marin is doing a dimmable unit. Its more of a fancy retro than a fixture.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11071557#post11071557 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dzeadow
Wait, the icecap reflectors will fit in the nova? I have a Current USA Nova Extreme 4x24. Can I just put the reflectors in there over the bulbs? That would be sweet.. You've probably already recommended bulbs for 4 bulb setups so I'll just look back a few pages and see what you had to say about that

You have to remount endcaps to make them fit but it can be done.

 

[funnyguyMI]

Ballasts for running 6 80w bulbs

Ballasts for running 6 80w bulbs

I'm setting up a 180 and would like to run 6 T5s. The retrofit kits that I saw on ReefGeek use two IceCap 660s, but I'd rather not overdrive the bulbs because I've had problems with that in the past. I'd ideally like to run 2 or 3 ballasts. Any advice?

Edit: 6 80w T5s...

 

[Bruce513]

I just purchased a "like new" 4x54 Tek. It came with all D&D bulbs; two aquablue + and two actinic +, and a new pure actinic still in the box. Are those bulbs good for my planned 75G with DSB and LPS/softies, or do I need to replace some? The tank will be viewed from both sides if that matters.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11072193#post11072193 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bruce513
I just purchased a "like new" 4x54 Tek. It came with all D&D bulbs; two aquablue + and two actinic +, and a new pure actinic still in the box. Are those bulbs good for my planned 75G with DSB and LPS/softies, or do I need to replace some? The tank will be viewed from both sides if that matters.

If you want it to look the same from both sides the Blue Plus and Aquablue combination is probably the way to go.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Ballasts for running 6 80w bulbs

Re: Ballasts for running 6 80w bulbs

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11072004#post11072004 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by funnyguyMI
I'm setting up a 180 and would like to run 6 T5s. The retrofit kits that I saw on ReefGeek use two IceCap 660s, but I'd rather not overdrive the bulbs because I've had problems with that in the past. I'd ideally like to run 2 or 3 ballasts. Any advice?

Edit: 6 80w T5s...

Check with reefgeek, he might be able to get you the standard 80 watt ballasts.

 

[Trog]

I posted this as a thread, but I think this is a better thread for the question.

I have read many good things on here and just wanted to see if someone had some personal experience with this. I am looking to get the 8 bulb t-5 fixture from Tek. My tank is 48x24x18, (18" wide), and the fixture is 19". I was just wondering if anyone had this on a 90 gal and how it was working out. Also do you have it hung, or are you using the mounting legs? Thanks in advance.

 

[hoyta]

Hey Grim!
I'm setting up a 4x39 watt Icecap set-up (reflectors and 660ballast) over a 65 gallon. Will this be enough? I plan on doing some mild SPS towards the top...
If so, what bulbs do you recommend?
Thanks alot!-Adam

 

[Bruce513]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11072412#post11072412 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
If you want it to look the same from both sides the Blue Plus and Aquablue combination is probably the way to go.

So, I should replace the two D&D Actinic + with two ATI Blue +, and keep the D&D Aquablue +? Which bulbs would you reco to be outside?

Also, when it comes time to replace all the bulbs in 12-18 months, would you reco two Aquablue specials and two actinic blue or something else?

Finally, a big thank you for the hours of expertise that you have put into this thread.

 

[MADtanks]

thanks for the info grim, the current fixture might have been what i saw.... so do you think it would be worth the extra money to upgrade to a Aquatinics TX5? or Retrofit 5bulb Normally driven setup with Icecap reflectors.... thanks.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Front
Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus

Should look good and pump out enough PAR to keep the SPS happy.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11073649#post11073649 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hoyta
Hey Grim!
I'm setting up a 4x39 watt Icecap set-up (reflectors and 660ballast) over a 65 gallon. Will this be enough? I plan on doing some mild SPS towards the top...
If so, what bulbs do you recommend?
Thanks alot!-Adam

 

[yeldarbj]

hoyta, I'm running 3x39w (on an IceCap 660 - AquaSun, Blue Plus, & AquaBlue) and 2 x24w (Tek - both Blue Plus) over a 65g tank, and it is plenty of light for SPS. I even have some monti digis growing well in the lower half of the tank.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11073713#post11073713 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bruce513
So, I should replace the two D&D Actinic + with two ATI Blue +, and keep the D&D Aquablue +? Which bulbs would you reco to be outside?

Also, when it comes time to replace all the bulbs in 12-18 months, would you reco two Aquablue specials and two actinic blue or something else?

Finally, a big thank you for the hours of expertise that you have put into this thread.

Sorry, I should have said Aquablue and Actinic Plus. Blue Plus is about the same style lamp as the Actinic Plus.

I would try swapping out one of the Aquablues with GE 6500K and see what you think when you replace lamps. Keep the Actinic Plus lamps on the outside.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11073752#post11073752 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by erickrm
thanks for the info grim, the current fixture might have been what i saw.... so do you think it would be worth the extra money to upgrade to a Aquatinics TX5? or Retrofit 5bulb Normally driven setup with Icecap reflectors.... thanks.

The TX5 is a nice setup. If you have a canopy a retro is usually the best option though.

 

[dzeadow]

What's the best route to go if I want to start w/ a 2bulb T5 retro and eventually work up to 6 or 8 bulbs.. I don't want 4 ballasts do I? I'd like to keep it to 2 or 3 max... I'd just add the 2 bulb retro to the 4bulb Nova I have and then eventually keep upgrading and getting rid of the Nova

 

[The Grim Reefer]

That would work. You almost have to jump fro the 2 lamp retro to 6 lamps if you only want to use 2 ballasts. Start with the 2 lamp ballast then add the 4 with the 4 additional retro lamps

 

[dzeadow]

Ok, I'll probably do that. Any suggestions on which bulbs to add first? The Nova comes with cheap 460nm x 2 and 10k x 2.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Do a UVL Super Actinic and Aquasun. The Current 460's are decent lamps.