The T5 Q&a Thread

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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11184227#post11184227 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tbone28
Grim,

I'd like to use this screen over the top of my tank to prevent my fish from jumping out. It's garden screen. Will I lose any significant amount of light/PAR? My guess is NO, but thought I'd check in with the expert.

I have (2) 3' 8-bulb Powermodules and my plan is to go SPS-dominant.

DSCN3013.jpg


Thanks

Gads it couldn't block much light. Can't be any more than eggcrate would.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11184058#post11184058 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vt4lifecuf
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-T5ho-t5-ho-...ryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

is this legit? i think the price is way too cheap for 4xT5HO

Dangies... that's cheap. But he has sold 100 of them, and all the feedback is positive. In fact - he has a better feedback ratio on those lights than most of the big guys. Of course - that feedback is sent RIGHT after receiving the items. Who knows about durability. There is no brand name listed; no doubt he drop-ships from Hong Kong or something. At those prices - what do you have to lose?

bob
 
Grim, I’m using all Giesemann bulbs that are at or less than 6 months old:

Actinic+
AquaBlue+
AquaBlue+
Midday
AquaBlue+
Actinic+

I’m getting good growth but colors are a little pastel looking. What bulb changes would you make from the above list? This is in a four bulb Nova Extreme and my own two bulb fixture I made. Here is a side shot of the tank:

Coral18.jpg


Thanks for the help!!

Jay
 
Pretty sure those are jebo by the look and no individual reflectors for a 4 bulb and 7" wide fixture. Would be fine for shallow tanks imo for lps, some sps and softies.
 
For T5 retrofit systems, what recommendations are given for fan placement within canopies? Did read from several different threads a while back that fans must blow in a certain direction when using T5's? Is specific venting placement also required? Thank you :)
 
Has anyone used a workhorse 7 ballast to run 2 or 4 48" T5 bulbs. I heard that it was not good to use this ballast due to the hard start, vs. using an icecap ballast with soft start. Just want to know if bulb life is shortened significantly using the workhorse ballast. If overdriving the bulb using the workhorse ballast, will it significantly shorten the life of the bulb compared to an icecap ballast. thx
 
Grim,
If I use ice cap ballasts and single reflectors. Can you tell me how many bulbs I will nedd to have sps at the top of my 90. 90 is the typical size 48 in wide. Also on average how long does a ballast last on average. I am cosidering the used forum.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11185270#post11185270 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jmait769
Grim, I’m using all Giesemann bulbs that are at or less than 6 months old:

Actinic+
AquaBlue+
AquaBlue+
Midday
AquaBlue+
Actinic+

I’m getting good growth but colors are a little pastel looking. What bulb changes would you make from the above list? This is in a four bulb Nova Extreme and my own two bulb fixture I made. Here is a side shot of the tank:

Coral18.jpg


Thanks for the help!!

Jay

I would pull an Aquablue and replace it either an ATI pro Color or UVL Aquasun and see what you think. Either will add more red to your spectrum and should bring out more colors.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11185404#post11185404 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by INNOVATOR
For T5 retrofit systems, what recommendations are given for fan placement within canopies? Did read from several different threads a while back that fans must blow in a certain direction when using T5's? Is specific venting placement also required? Thank you :)

There isn't really a "right way" You just want to move the air without over cooling the lamps. Best way to do that is to blow air in from the back down the rows of end caps.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11186082#post11186082 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dobber99
Has anyone used a workhorse 7 ballast to run 2 or 4 48" T5 bulbs. I heard that it was not good to use this ballast due to the hard start, vs. using an icecap ballast with soft start. Just want to know if bulb life is shortened significantly using the workhorse ballast. If overdriving the bulb using the workhorse ballast, will it significantly shorten the life of the bulb compared to an icecap ballast. thx

If you are talking about overdriving with a workhorse ballast I would be concerned about lamp life. Just running them normally on the workhorse will shorten lamp life, just a matter of if we are talking weeks or months.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11187393#post11187393 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jefnalyssa
Grim,
If I use ice cap ballasts and single reflectors. Can you tell me how many bulbs I will nedd to have sps at the top of my 90. 90 is the typical size 48 in wide. Also on average how long does a ballast last on average. I am cosidering the used forum.

Well if its a choice I would put my money into reflectors before the ballast but yes, you could keep SPS in the upper half either way.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11187603#post11187603 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Well if its a choice I would put my money into reflectors before the ballast but yes, you could keep SPS in the upper half either way.


How many bulbs do you reccomend? I plan on getting single reflectors. What brand of reflectors do you recommend?
 
Ice Cap reflectors. 6 lamps would be best.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11187664#post11187664 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jefnalyssa
How many bulbs do you reccomend? I plan on getting single reflectors. What brand of reflectors do you recommend?
 
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