The T5 Q&a Thread

[mattmck73]

bulb and light configuration advice

bulb and light configuration advice

Hello Grim and others-

Can you make some recommendations based on the following?

I just bought a barely used Tek 2x54 retro with ice cap reflectors and it came with two ATI 54W BluePlus T5HO bulbs.

I plan to buy a second 2x54 retro set to complete the wooden canopy in my 55g tank.

I want to dabble in a little bit of everything coral-wise. I do like a blue look to the tank, but want the best combination of bulbs for variety of life in the tank, while putting an emphasis on a beautifully-lit tank with all colors popping.

For the second 2x54 retro kit, I will likely be buying another tek, however I may have to wait a while to buy icecap reflectors and may need to rely on the tek reflectors.

My questions:

1. What four bulbs in what order should I put in my set-up given the fact that the combo must include two ATI 54W BluePlus T5HO bulbs?
2. If I have just two icecap reflectors and 4 bulbs, where should the reflectors be in the bulb configuration?
3. Would it make a lot of difference if I bought a icecap 2x54 retro kit (not the VHO) over the Tek 2x54 retro kit?

Please also let me know if there is anything else I may be missing. Thanks.

Matt

 

[rholguin]

Grim Reefer- what kind of bulb set would you use on a 6 bulb 24" fixture and in what order?

 

[jadeguppy]

I assumed that I should go with the most bulbs that will fit. Is a 4 bulb set up best for a 40g long mixed reef tank or is it overkill?
Sorry for the after thought.

 

[coraladdict]

Grim

What do you recommend for an 8 lamp fixture.I have sps.lps,clams?
Thank you

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11232168#post11232168 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ganjero
so I can do only 2 or only 3 with no problem? will this overdrive the bulb more than if I have 4 on what ballast or i it the same?

Thanks

Yeag, 2 3 or 4. The Overdrive is the same no matter how many.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11232223#post11232223 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ctreefer
Grim,
Have you heard of any problems with AquaZ bulbs burning out prematurely when overdriven? I had two just burn out after only six weeks of use. I've been running both geissman and ati in there with no problems. The bulbs are cooled with two fans blowing in on either side and has an open back. Its a three bulb 24 inch system over a 29 gallon tank.

Hadn't heard about overdriving killing them but I did hear Workhorse ballasts were. Must have been an issue with the electrodes.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11232307#post11232307 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NWhoric
what do i connect thr ground to on the t5 retros from reefgeek? i got them all wired up and running just need to install them over my tank. will it affect the strength of the lighting if i place a piece of glass or acrylic between the lights and the tanks to keep the splash off the bulbs?

Connect the ground wire to the ballast case.

Thin Acrylic seems to block less light than glass.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: bulb and light configuration advice

Re: bulb and light configuration advice

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11232310#post11232310 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mattmck73
Hello Grim and others-

Can you make some recommendations based on the following?

I just bought a barely used Tek 2x54 retro with ice cap reflectors and it came with two ATI 54W BluePlus T5HO bulbs.

I plan to buy a second 2x54 retro set to complete the wooden canopy in my 55g tank.

I want to dabble in a little bit of everything coral-wise. I do like a blue look to the tank, but want the best combination of bulbs for variety of life in the tank, while putting an emphasis on a beautifully-lit tank with all colors popping.

For the second 2x54 retro kit, I will likely be buying another tek, however I may have to wait a while to buy icecap reflectors and may need to rely on the tek reflectors.

My questions:

1. What four bulbs in what order should I put in my set-up given the fact that the combo must include two ATI 54W BluePlus T5HO bulbs?
2. If I have just two icecap reflectors and 4 bulbs, where should the reflectors be in the bulb configuration?
3. Would it make a lot of difference if I bought a icecap 2x54 retro kit (not the VHO) over the Tek 2x54 retro kit?

Please also let me know if there is anything else I may be missing. Thanks.

Matt

Just get a standard 2 lamp Tek retro. Use the Tek reflectors for the Blue lamps and the Ice Caps for the others. Try this

Front
Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11234080#post11234080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rholguin
Grim Reefer- what kind of bulb set would you use on a 6 bulb 24" fixture and in what order?

Front
Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Pro Color
Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11234412#post11234412 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jadeguppy
I assumed that I should go with the most bulbs that will fit. Is a 4 bulb set up best for a 40g long mixed reef tank or is it overkill?
Sorry for the after thought.

Assuming the tank is at least 12" front to back yes.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11234983#post11234983 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coraladdict
Grim

What do you recommend for an 8 lamp fixture.I have sps.lps,clams?
Thank you

I would go with the Aquactinics 7 lamp fixture assuming this is for your 120. That or the Solar Flare.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I GOT BLISTERS ON MY FINGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[blozzd]

Has anyone tried running 2 different size of bulbs on 1 ballast? I'm thinking of running one 48" and one 36". Would that be bad for the ballast or bulbs?

 

[Tommy]

Grimm
How would these bulbs in a Constellation?

3 Aqua Blue+
2 Midday
2 PowerChrome Pure Act

 

[swamprat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11238671#post11238671 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I GOT BLISTERS ON MY FINGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What are you doing that for?

 

[saltwaterfishlover]

are the ice cap reflectors that much better than the sunlight's?
I can get the sunlight retro's at cost so it will save a ton of money for me and using the GIESEMANN bulbs too

 

[jadeguppy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11238665#post11238665 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Assuming the tank is at least 12" front to back yes.

Sorry for the blisters. We do count on you a lot.
Was the yes to use four or was the yes to it is overkill? Tank is 14.5 inches front to back. Thanks again!

 

[coraladdict]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11238662#post11238662 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Front
Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Pro Color
Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus

Grim
Hope your fingers are healing

I didn't ask my question right, what bulb combination do you suggest for an 8 lamp fixture?

 

[yamaha racer]

well i dont have that much money to spend. im only 17. but i really like tek so for a 90g would i be better off with an 8x54w or the 6? its going to be sps

 

[JohnL]

This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1256520