The T5 Q&a Thread

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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?
Click to expand...
 
Just quickly looking at your 29 gallon tank and these retro kits.
Your tank is basicly 30" X 13"

The 6 bulb units are 15" deep and will not fit.

The 4 bulb units are 10" deep which you would think goives you 3" to spare however you need to consider the tank top molding so in reality you are lucky to have 2 inches to spare. Now ask yourself how much room do you need for your overflow, HOT Protein Skimmer etc on the back of the tank? Will a 2" gap be enough?

The 3 bulb units are 5" deep not a problem at all as far as dimensions. With the standard 2X24 Watt I will say that is barely enough light for even a planted fresh water tank. They do offer the over driven 2X40 Watt version which is better as far as the total amount of light you can get however I think you will still be very limited to what type of corals you are keeping.

My strongest recomendation would be to move to a tank that has a greater distance from the front to the rear. If you have room for 36" long tank your options are: 30 Breeder, 40 breeder, 54 show, 65 show tank. All have a base dimension of 18" X 36" only various heights. Now your easily going to fit the 4 X 39 watt or 4 X 60 watt, with a possible option of a 6 bulb unit.

Note I'm running 4 X 39 Watts on a 40 breeder and it is on the verge of to much light.

Dennis


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11187896#post11187896 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeddy576
I am planning on setting up a 29g with mostly sps. would this retro kit be ok? http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...inch__4x24W_SLR_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap
What bulbs should i use with this. thanks
Click to expand...
 
Hey Grimm,

I'm trying to get more light out of my 4x39w T5 setup and I was wondering your thoughts on adding VHO actinic to T5s.

Here's what I have (F->B):
Blue+
UVL Super Actinic
GE 6500
50/50

My Thought (F->B):
Blue+
50/50
VHO Actinic
GE 6500
GMann Actinic Plus (What they have at LFS)

I'm doing this because I am limited in horizontal space due to my bowfront tank. I think I can "squeeze" a T12 with built in reflector in between the existing icecap reflectors and gain some lumens replacing my T5 Actinic with a GMann Actinic Plus.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11188959#post11188959 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dyngoe
Hey Grimm,

I'm trying to get more light out of my 4x39w T5 setup and I was wondering your thoughts on adding VHO actinic to T5s.

Here's what I have (F->B):
Blue+
UVL Super Actinic
GE 6500
50/50

My Thought (F->B):
Blue+
50/50
VHO Actinic
GE 6500
GMann Actinic Plus (What they have at LFS)

I'm doing this because I am limited in horizontal space due to my bowfront tank. I think I can "squeeze" a T12 with built in reflector in between the existing icecap reflectors and gain some lumens replacing my T5 Actinic with a GMann Actinic Plus.
Click to expand...

Try this. F to B. Stagger ATi blue plus and the ATi aquablue.
 
Thanks

Thanks

Grimm,

A big thanks to you for the great information. I changed my 6 light Tek and reflectors. I went wtih your current set up. All I can say is my tank has never looked so good. :rollface:
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11188959#post11188959 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dyngoe
Hey Grimm,

I'm trying to get more light out of my 4x39w T5 setup and I was wondering your thoughts on adding VHO actinic to T5s.

Here's what I have (F->B):
Blue+
UVL Super Actinic
GE 6500
50/50

My Thought (F->B):
Blue+
50/50
VHO Actinic
GE 6500
GMann Actinic Plus (What they have at LFS)

I'm doing this because I am limited in horizontal space due to my bowfront tank. I think I can "squeeze" a T12 with built in reflector in between the existing icecap reflectors and gain some lumens replacing my T5 Actinic with a GMann Actinic Plus.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a plan.
 
Needed some advice. I currently have a 29g 30in wide and about 14 1/2 in tall that includes the sand. My question is I own a nova extreme t-5 fixture w/4 bulbs 2-420nb actinic & 1-10k, & 1-20k all 24watts. My tank mainly consists of sps and 3 clams. I by no means can afford a new fixture, so will replacing all 4 bulbs w/40watt bulbs benifit my corals? The new bulbs will be 2-12k actinic white & 2 super actinic.
 
I have a 58x18x24 tank and it has an inner glass frame 3" thick.
I was planning on buyint the 6 80w Icecap retrofit at premium aquatics, and I was also considering 2 250w halide and 4 80w T5.
What would be best (54w will be considered)?
I just buy at premium, and they only have Giesemann and ATI aquablue special for 80w.
I keep mostly LPS and clams (crocea, maxima, derasa).
Right now they live in a 200l with 2x150w MH and Nova extreme 4x39w fixture.
I must decide it today, please help.
Thank you in advance.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11190814#post11190814 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rholguin
Needed some advice. I currently have a 29g 30in wide and about 14 1/2 in tall that includes the sand. My question is I own a nova extreme t-5 fixture w/4 bulbs 2-420nb actinic & 1-10k, & 1-20k all 24watts. My tank mainly consists of sps and 3 clams. I by no means can afford a new fixture, so will replacing all 4 bulbs w/40watt bulbs benifit my corals? The new bulbs will be 2-12k actinic white & 2 super actinic.
Click to expand...

Not sure what you mean 40 watt bulbs but if you are refering to UVL's lamps the VHO wattage rating is marketing hype. The only way they run at that wattage is if they are overdriven with an Ice Cap ballast.

For your tank I would run a UVL Aquasun, 1 UVL Super Actinic, 1 ATI Aquablue and 1 ATI Blue Plus.
 
When I said 3" thick I meant it goes 3" into the tank, making an internal frame. So I have only 55x15 clear of glass.
I forgot to say that I want to have some SPS, but it's not the main purpose of the tank.
Thanks
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11190915#post11190915 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by perisse
I have a 58x18x24 tank and it has an inner glass frame 3" thick.
I was planning on buyint the 6 80w Icecap retrofit at premium aquatics, and I was also considering 2 250w halide and 4 80w T5.
What would be best (54w will be considered)?
I just buy at premium, and they only have Giesemann and ATI aquablue special for 80w.
I keep mostly LPS and clams (crocea, maxima, derasa).
Right now they live in a 200l with 2x150w MH and Nova extreme 4x39w fixture.
I must decide it today, please help.
Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...

I would stick with 48" lamps. Better output when overdriven and they wont hang over the edges of the tank.

I would run 2 UVL Aquasun, 1 UVL Super Actinic, 1 ATI Aquablue, 2 ATI Blue Plus
 
Grim, they're out of ATI Blue Plus. Which one could substitute that?
Is the feeling of the tank gonna be bluish or more like 10k MH+actinic?
Also, they use 1 430 and 1 660 for the kit. Should I go for 2 660?
 
Grimm:
can my 1.5 year old Tek reflectors be cleaned, to new condition. What would you use. WHat is the life of a reflector?
 
Grim Reefer-Not sure what you mean 40 watt bulbs but if you are refering to UVL's lamps the VHO wattage rating is marketing hype. The only way they run at that wattage is if they are overdriven with an Ice Cap ballast.

For your tank I would run a UVL Aquasun, 1 UVL Super Actinic, 1 ATI Aquablue and 1 ATI Blue Plus.

I guess what im trying to say is, I want to put more light into my aquarium(to penetrate further down) I figured going to 40watts per bulb instead of 24watts would help. I really dont know much about lighting.
 
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