The T5 Q&a Thread

[MADtanks]

aquactinics makes a fixture that size....

 

[atvdave]

Replacement Bulbs Q

Replacement Bulbs Q

Hey All. It's been a long time since I have replaced my T-5 bulbs and I'm looking for some suggestions.

I have the Aquactinics 72" 2x7 bulb (14 total) Constellation Series 7 Row T5 HO.

Here's my set up now: from front to back same on both sides.

(1) switch 1 on first, (2) switch 2 on second, (3) switch 3 on last.

(1) ATI Blue Pluse
(3) ATI Aquablue Special 12,000K
(2) UVL Aquasun 10,000K
(1) UVL Super Actinic
(2) UVL Aquasun 10,000K
(3) ATI Aquablue Special 12,000K
(1) UVL Super Actinic

I mostly keep softies & LPS, but I do want to add a few small SPS soon. My tank is a 125gal 18" deep to the bottom.

I've had very good growth with my current set up, but like I said It's been a long time.

With time things in prove and new stuff comes onto the market. Is there a better bulb setup for my configuration? Are there newer bulbs that may give better PAR's or whatever?

Also what RC sponsor offers free shipping on bulbs?

Thanks for your help.

Dave

 

[acrouse]

Thanks erickrm- I went to the aquactinics website and found one 72"fixture -the Constellation Series 7 Row T5 Ho. Would that fixture put off lots of heat since it sits right on the lid? It might be my only choice-at least I know someone makes a 72" fixture
thanks again
jolene

 

[acrouse]

atvdave- what perfect timing for your post -I just found out they do make 72" fixtures and it is the exact same one you have. I will follow along and learn. Was that the only 72" fixture you found?
thanks jolene

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11154873#post11154873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by acrouse
Hi Grim-great information!! I am looking to upgrade to a T5 fixture on my100gallon tank which is 6' long. My problem is trying to find a t5 that is 72" long. Do you know of any company that makes a 72" that is a good fixture. Both LFS told me I would have to buy 2-36" fixtures-they can't even order 72". Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
jolene

Aquactinics Constellation would be the way to go. They are listed on the sponsors page and Aquarium Specialty from the sponsor page sells them.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Replacement Bulbs Q

Re: Replacement Bulbs Q

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11154891#post11154891 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by atvdave
Hey All. It's been a long time since I have replaced my T-5 bulbs and I'm looking for some suggestions.

I have the Aquactinics 72" 2x7 bulb (14 total) Constellation Series 7 Row T5 HO.

Here's my set up now: from front to back same on both sides.

(1) switch 1 on first, (2) switch 2 on second, (3) switch 3 on last.

(1) ATI Blue Pluse
(3) ATI Aquablue Special 12,000K
(2) UVL Aquasun 10,000K
(1) UVL Super Actinic
(2) UVL Aquasun 10,000K
(3) ATI Aquablue Special 12,000K
(1) UVL Super Actinic

I mostly keep softies & LPS, but I do want to add a few small SPS soon. My tank is a 125gal 18" deep to the bottom.

I've had very good growth with my current set up, but like I said It's been a long time.

With time things in prove and new stuff comes onto the market. Is there a better bulb setup for my configuration? Are there newer bulbs that may give better PAR's or whatever?

Also what RC sponsor offers free shipping on bulbs?

Thanks for your help.

Dave

I cant think of a mix better than what you have. That should be plenty for SPS

 

[acrouse]

thank you grim!!
jolene

 

[atvdave]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11155008#post11155008 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by acrouse
atvdave- what perfect timing for your post -I just found out they do make 72" fixtures and it is the exact same one you have. I will follow along and learn. Was that the only 72" fixture you found?
thanks jolene

Hi Jolene.

You wont go wrong with the Constellation Series 7 Row T5 HO.

I've had mine for over 2 years now and never had a bit of trouble with it. The only down side of it is the cost of bulb replacement.

It's been a long time but I think there were 1 or 2 other 72" T-5 only fixtures out there but I just can't remember who they where. I think ATI came out with one back then but I don't think you could get them in the USA, + they where very $$$.

Anyway I'd stick with Aquactinics like Grim said. Very good fixture.

And thank you Grim for the bulb help.

Dave

 

[jennmac415]

Hey Jolene and Dave,

I have this same fixture and I love it also! I have only had my tank set up (an upgrade from my 29) since mid August, but already things have shown growth. My candy cane has split 3 times from 4 heads to 7, my mushrooms have split and made babies and my 5 polyp blastomussa is now about 8-9 polyps..I just got a chalice that has already shown some growth in about a month.
Also, my tank temp stays very stable with this fixture.

Dave, do you have a pic of your tank with your current bulb configuration... i would be interested in seeing that. I am still not 100% sure that i like the bulbs i am running, so I like to see tanks with other bulbs on them..

Jolene, I think you would be very happy with the Constellation.

 

[atvdave]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11155264#post11155264 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jennmac415
Hey Jolene and Dave,


Dave, do you have a pic of your tank with your current bulb configuration... i would be interested in seeing that. I am still not 100% sure that i like the bulbs i am running, so I like to see tanks with other bulbs on them..

Just click on my gallery icon. There old pic's but it will give you some idea. Not too blue and not too bright. or am I not too bright??????

Good luck.

PS.. Later when my lights come on I'll track down our camera and take a more up-dated pix, so you can see just how much things have grown. I have a hammerhead that started out with about 12 heads, now has 35+, and my Zoa is all over the place now.

 

[jennmac415]

Thanks, Dave... I would love to see some updatd growth pics.. I am really happy with my T5s so far and excited to see how things grow with time.

 

[acrouse]

Thank you atvdave and jennmac415- I am seriously going to look at the constellation fixture. The choice of bulbs is what is so intimidating. I have read and read and read and still am not sure about what light does what, and what is a good mixture-so if I get the fixture I will probably try your light set up also. Thanks so much!!
jolene

 

[acrouse]

atvdave-could you also elaborate on the lighting schedule-you mentioned 1,2, and 3 being switched on at different times. What would be a good schedule?

thanks again!!
jolene

 

[jadeguppy]

How many t5's will fit over a 40g long? (14.5")
How will the acros color up as opposed to being under mh?
If the tank is 48" long, will 48" bulbs fit or will the fixture portion require that I go with 36" bulbs?
How will growth compare for mh vs. t5 in such a short tank (16")? I have a mix of a few high lights like acros and a clam, but mostly hammers, zoas, and candy canes. My current 250 se 12k mh looks yellow and doesn't show the greens very well. Thanks all!

 

[jennmac415]

That looks really nice...I think I need to play with my configuration a little... I think it may look a little yellow...here are my bulbs...

front

blue plus
super actinic
GE 3000K
Blue plus
GE 6500K
Blue plus
Aquablue

I think thats how it goes...

 

[INNOVATOR]

Thank you for your input, much appreciated! Just curious, but why the Tek? Is it because the Tek reflectors do not act like a spotlight in comparison to the IceCaps thus less direct light beaming down upon the soft corals? In referring to "standard" Tek, what about their upgraded units (I read your input on the differences between the old Tek and upgraded Tek reflectors)? One last question if you do not mind, but I take it their complete fixture would be no different than the retro build-wise in parts used?

Thanks in advance

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11153300#post11153300 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Just get the standard Tek retro. You need to go with lower PAR lamps where you can or those softies aint gonna be pleased.

Try this
Giesemann Actinic Plus (same basic color as the ATI Blue Plus)
ATI Actinic
Aquasun
Actinic Plus

Should make the softies glow and have plenty of PAR for the SPS.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11155559#post11155559 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jadeguppy
How many t5's will fit over a 40g long? (14.5")
How will the acros color up as opposed to being under mh?
If the tank is 48" long, will 48" bulbs fit or will the fixture portion require that I go with 36" bulbs?
How will growth compare for mh vs. t5 in such a short tank (16")? I have a mix of a few high lights like acros and a clam, but mostly hammers, zoas, and candy canes. My current 250 se 12k mh looks yellow and doesn't show the greens very well. Thanks all!

4 will fit. With endcaps the 48" lamps are like 37.5 inches. You would be able to grow any high light corals.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11157022#post11157022 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by INNOVATOR
Thank you for your input, much appreciated! Just curious, but why the Tek? Is it because the Tek reflectors do not act like a spotlight in comparison to the IceCaps thus less direct light beaming down upon the soft corals? In referring to "standard" Tek, what about their upgraded units (I read your input on the differences between the old Tek and upgraded Tek reflectors)? One last question if you do not mind, but I take it their complete fixture would be no different than the retro build-wise in parts used?

Thanks in advance

Unless you are only raising SPS. Clams and Anemones you don't need the Ice Cap reflectors on such a shallow tank. The Tek Fixture would be the same reflectors but likely workhorse ballasts. Either will be fine.

 

[INNOVATOR]

Thank you Grim, you've been a real help!! Keep up the good work

 

[N-A-S-O]

OK I need some suggestions. I have a 30" deep tank. It was an all SPS tank lit with 4 t5's(icecap 660, 2 Fiji purples, 2 aqua blues) and 2 xm 250w on a hqi ballast. I just recently switched to a mixed reef mainly softy's and lps with a carpet anemone. My question is I want to go all T5. Should I add another 4 t5's or will that be an over kill...thx