The T5 Q&a Thread

[zachtos]

Could I get someone to look at my tankbuild thread and see if they can figure out what is causing my T5's to die so fast?

I'm using overdriven icecap ballasts, properly wired, cooled by fans, and I have lost nearly 6 bulbs in 6 months, they typically crack/fracture at the base. No known reason. Possibly water splashing them somehow? Or heat buildup/insufficient airflow?

I've just lost another bulb, a UV actinic that I just bought a month ago, I'm losing my mind!

 

[reefboy12]

Grim,

I was wondering what you know about the aquascience duo bulbs. I was thinking of a new 4 bulb combo of

Ati blue plus
Kz fiji purple
As Duo
Ati blue plus

what color do you think these combo will have?

thanks in advance,
ron

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11649634#post11649634 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ncwaterboy
The Red Sea Max website lists them as (2) T5 55 watt power compacts. Now I am confused, what is the difference between T5's and T5 power compacts? Thanks

T5 is the diameter of the fluorescent tube expressed in 1/8" increments. A t5 PC is a 5/8" diameter Power Compact lamp.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11651648#post11651648 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zachtos
Could I get someone to look at my tankbuild thread and see if they can figure out what is causing my T5's to die so fast?

I'm using overdriven icecap ballasts, properly wired, cooled by fans, and I have lost nearly 6 bulbs in 6 months, they typically crack/fracture at the base. No known reason. Possibly water splashing them somehow? Or heat buildup/insufficient airflow?

I've just lost another bulb, a UV actinic that I just bought a month ago, I'm losing my mind!

How are your fans set up. These aren't cracking in the area of the lamp clips are they?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11651773#post11651773 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefboy12
Grim,

I was wondering what you know about the aquascience duo bulbs. I was thinking of a new 4 bulb combo of

Ati blue plus
Kz fiji purple
As Duo
Ati blue plus

what color do you think these combo will have?

thanks in advance,
ron

The Duo is a slightly bluer version of an Aquablue. Mix you show will be between a 14K and 20K halide blue look.

 

[shelburn61]

Someone please point me toward the PAR numbers posted for the various bulbs. thanks

 

[jennmac415]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=918935&highlight=bulb+par

 

[jennmac415]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=918935&highlight=bulb+par

 

[jennmac415]

sry dbl post

 

[zachtos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11652289#post11652289 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
How are your fans set up. These aren't cracking in the area of the lamp clips are they?

Yes in fact, they are cracking right about where the clips are located. The clips are rusting very very badly very quickly. Many clips are already useless.

I contacted PFO and spoke to their tech. department. They told me to re-assure that the bulbs are firmly seated, no gaps.

They claim that my fans should deal with the heat. I have the fans which are 80mm PC case fans, blowing across the bulbs. 3 x fans on one side pull air in and 3 on the other pull it out.

PFO said it may be a moisture issue? Despite my moisture 'resistant endcaps'. I have physically seen one bulb pop from a droplet of water hitting the bulb. The many others though, seem to just fade very rapidly. The bulbs are approximately 6" from the water surface and there is no barricade between them and the water.

I get about 60-70W/ 39W bulb based on my wattmeter readings.

 

[labragg1]

Grim--thanks for your info on the Workhorse 7. I guess I just need to ditch it--but I had hopes that there would be a way to have it drive the bulbs normally. Oh, well. ...

The question I have now is if you don't think I need to overdrive, then what ballast combo would you recommend?

I currently have 4 bulbs and would like to add two more later if needed. I would like to split up the current four so i can have a dusk/dawn routine. So I guess I either need two ballasts that can run three 39w bulbs each, or three ballasts that would run 2 bulbs each. What would you recommend?

Also if I'm not overdriving--are Icecaps still worth the money--or are their other good, cheaper alternatives that would work just as good in a non-overdriven scenario? i was wandering specifically about the Triad and Advance ballasts.

Thanks again and I really appreciate all the great info.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11652812#post11652812 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zachtos
Yes in fact, they are cracking right about where the clips are located. The clips are rusting very very badly very quickly. Many clips are already useless.

I contacted PFO and spoke to their tech. department. They told me to re-assure that the bulbs are firmly seated, no gaps.

They claim that my fans should deal with the heat. I have the fans which are 80mm PC case fans, blowing across the bulbs. 3 x fans on one side pull air in and 3 on the other pull it out.

PFO said it may be a moisture issue? Despite my moisture 'resistant endcaps'. I have physically seen one bulb pop from a droplet of water hitting the bulb. The many others though, seem to just fade very rapidly. The bulbs are approximately 6" from the water surface and there is no barricade between them and the water.

I get about 60-70W/ 39W bulb based on my wattmeter readings.

Is this in a fixture or is it a retrofit in a canopy? Do you have the clip on reflectors? Talking with PFO is throwing me here. Is this a PFO fixture you are using?

If they are clip on reflectors and they are rusted that will cause the lamps to break. Not sure exactly why but I have heard from several people who have had that problem.

 

[JUNI0R]

Grim,

I have a 4x24 tek retro on a 29 gallon, It is primarily LPS with some softies, 1 clam and 1 SPS. I want to change my lights to make the greens, blues and purples pop more. Is there anything you can suggest for this. Thanks in advance.
Currently I have:

Front
Giesemann Aquablue +
ATI Actinic
UVL Aquasun
giesemann Aquablue +

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Change at least one of the Aquablues to a Blue Plus or Actinic Plus

 

[jamesdawson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11651773#post11651773 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefboy12
Grim,

I was wondering what you know about the aquascience duo bulbs. I was thinking of a new 4 bulb combo of

Ati blue plus
Kz fiji purple
As Duo
Ati blue plus

what color do you think these combo will have?

thanks in advance,
ron

Well,

I just tried a Duo and a ProColor bulb for the first time yesterday and my impression of the Duo is it is somewhat close to an Aquablue but with alot more red. Pretty cool bulb overall if you want some red.

The ProColor OTOH, man that thing is red!
I didn't like it as it totally overwhelms the other 7 bulbs in my PowerModul. I actually prefer the Fiji Purple to the ProColor.

I guess I'm not a big fan of alot of red.

James

 

[The Grim Reefer]

You have a Duo that looks more red than an Aquablue?

 

[jamesdawson]

While not red to the eye when looking directly at the lit bulb, it s throwing alot more red into my tank then my AB. Maybe its a manufacturing glitch or maybe they revised them?

James

 

[scotmc]

Grim, are you changing your set up for 6x54?

 

[zachtos]

Yes I meant Icecap not PFO. They are retrofits and all of the clip on brackets that hold the reflectors on are rusting badly. They are all from reefgeek.com's icecap retrofit kits.

I shall contact reefgeek about replacing all of my rusted clips and inform them that this could be a culprit for bulb destruction.

Any ideas on what I could coat the clips with that will help deter rust? They come painted a flat white, which obviosly doesn't work.

 

[peanut95]

I'm going to order the Icecap 48" 4x54W SLR T5 Very High-Output Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs from reefgeek. What bulbs should I order with it? I have shrooms, zoos, soft, lps, and sps.

Thanks.