The T5 Q&a Thread

[devin]

Wow! lots of info here - i've spent the last couple hours reading through this...I do have a question (still) - I am changing out my VHO bulbs for T5's (on icecap 660) - i was just going to order the UV bulbs but was getting a sense that the recommended config would be:
Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
I have mainly softies and some LPS - I do want a clam or two in the future and this is for a 75....my question is would you recommend an all UVL bulb config or is it worth it to go and order the Blue Plus bulbs?

 

[Quis]

Grim are you there?

 

[T8T]

Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus

Should be pretty Blue and have good PAR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Whoops! I should have said, 6x48" bulb Overdriven Icecap Retro.
So still trying to acheive the same goal, what bulbs?


__________________

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11866565#post11866565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snaza
is that the aquaz sun pro? i thought the ocean pro would be better cuz it has more par and is less yellow? thanks again

With all the blue lamps you want to add a little yellow to make the colors in the tank look more natural.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

If you are running a 20K halide runn a couple actinic T5's cause the 20K halide doesn't usually have much actinic spectrum. If you want to brighten up the look of the tank pair the 2 actinics with 2 Aquablues. They are ice white so they will brighten up the tank but wont add a yellow look.

As far as Aquamedics T5 they are usually priced around 10 or 12 bucks when I've seen them. Not going to get good quality for that price. I know someone who even had an Aquamedics rep tell him to change out the T5 lamps from a halide fixture because they weren't very good.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11867304#post11867304 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Milhouse
Grim, have you ever tried the Aquamedic T5 bulbs? I know their MH bulbs are supposed to be pretty good. I just hooked up an AB 20k over my other tank. I was given the bulb to test it out and see what I think. It's pretty blue and a lot dimmer than my old 10k. I also have 4 24w T5's over that tank. I am running blue plus and actinics in it now. I never noticed them doing much with the 10k bulb hooked up. I just think it was overpowering the blue T5's. But now that I have this new 20k MH, I do notice them. They are making the blue bulb even bluer. I want to try putting two actinics and two 10k T5's in there to compinsate. My LFS only has the Aquamedic 10k bulb in a 24w. They carry Giessemann as well, but not in 24w. I just ordered a bunch of bulbs so I don't want to have to order again if I can help it, lol. So are the aquamedics any good? Atleast good enough to supplement my 250w MH? Thanks again.

PS I still don't even know if I should keep the 20k AB hooked up. It's just so much dimmer than my 10k. I don't want to punish my corals for wanting more of a blue look, lol. I'm hoping that the 10k T5's will compensate enough.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Looking for 20" HO-T5 options

Re: Looking for 20" HO-T5 options

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11867315#post11867315 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shackscs
I am contemplating a OC 30 cube or the Current Solana 34 cube. I want to avoid MH as a choice and wanted to stay with the T5 such as the 4 I have on my 65 reef tank.

I am keeping softies and possibly a clam placed on high on some rocks.

Is there any one who makes a 4 or 6 bulb 20" fixture that would do either of these tanks proud?

The only 20" units I know of are some current ones. Not sure thats going to work for you. Check marine depots site, they sell them

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11874432#post11874432 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by naldopr
I will like to know if some one here use the super actinic t5 from uv light?
just to know if they look or have the same color effect like the super actinic R vho.
thank you

They were the first decent looking T5 actinics. Bot there with the VHO but not bad. ATI and Sfigioli have nice ones too.

 

[EvilE]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11876946#post11876946 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefboy12
hey fellow t5ers,

which t5 actinic is your favorite & why? I see alot of online sites using t5 pure actics over uvl super actinic...any reasons.

thanks all

Sfigioli-- nice color, and great price right now (from reefgeeks)

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11874891#post11874891 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tinnghe
hey Grim if I want a whitish set upwith alot of colors for 8 x48 overdriven t5 what kind of bulbs
would u suggest

front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue

The Aquablues are pretty much white so don't let the names fool you. that will be a pretty much white with a bluish tint.

 

[Quis]

What 10 bulb combo would would give me a 14k-15k look?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: 95°F - activly cooling a retrofit

Re: 95°F - activly cooling a retrofit

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11875167#post11875167 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rickburdeniuk
Hi Grim, I found this nifty graph that says t5's were designed to provide maximum light output at an "ambient temperature" of 35°C (95°F), but still produce 80% of the rated lumens at 55°C or 131°F:
http://www.thelightedge.com/technology/tempperformance.html

With that graph and dreams of a actively cooled retrofit in my head I want to follow up on a question and discussion posted in another thread (which Oliver from ATI posted some related info in):
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1013083&perpage=25&pagenumber=12

Someone mentioned hook up a temp sensor to a remote fan and have it come on at 96f and off at 94f. Can you confirm that 95F "ambient temperature" is the temp of the bulb surface, reflector, or the air near the bulb?

Have any other posters tried to create an active cooling system with their retrofits making use of this figure or the data Oliver posted?

I've never measured the temp but from what I've read its the air temp just off the surface of the lamp.

 

[jimfed1]

Hey Grim
I am looking at getting the Icecap 6x54W SLR T5 Very High-Output. I mainly have softies and plan on getting very little if an SPS. What are the advantages on this setup with VERY high output as compared to "high output". Do I really need the VERY part? Also which bulbs would you run for a 90 gallon softie tank? Could I get by with a 4 bulb very high output T5?

Thanks for all the info. Learning lots

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11875168#post11875168 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Quis
Grim I plan on buying a 10 bulbs ATI Powermodule for my 120 gal up-grade, and was wondering what bulds should I get to achive a 14-15k look, and in what order. I'm looking for a light combo that's going to bring out all the colors in the tank. Thank for your help.

front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
ATI Blue Plus
GE Daylight
ATI Actinic
ATI Blue Plus

You can play around with the positions to get a good dusk/dawn mix.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11876946#post11876946 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefboy12
hey fellow t5ers,

which t5 actinic is your favorite & why? I see alot of online sites using t5 pure actics over uvl super actinic...any reasons.

thanks all

I like the UVL ATI and Sfigioli actinics more. Just personal preference I guess.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11878941#post11878941 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by devin
Wow! lots of info here - i've spent the last couple hours reading through this...I do have a question (still) - I am changing out my VHO bulbs for T5's (on icecap 660) - i was just going to order the UV bulbs but was getting a sense that the recommended config would be:
Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
I have mainly softies and some LPS - I do want a clam or two in the future and this is for a 75....my question is would you recommend an all UVL bulb config or is it worth it to go and order the Blue Plus bulbs?

That mix should be fine. The Blue Plus is a nice lamp.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11881129#post11881129 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by T8T
Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus

Should be pretty Blue and have good PAR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Whoops! I should have said, 6x48" bulb Overdriven Icecap Retro.
So still trying to acheive the same goal, what bulbs?


__________________

Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11883131#post11883131 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimfed1
Hey Grim
I am looking at getting the Icecap 6x54W SLR T5 Very High-Output. I mainly have softies and plan on getting very little if an SPS. What are the advantages on this setup with VERY high output as compared to "high output". Do I really need the VERY part? Also which bulbs would you run for a 90 gallon softie tank? Could I get by with a 4 bulb very high output T5?

Thanks for all the info. Learning lots

Get the 6 lamp High output setup.
Front
Blue Plus
ATI Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
Blue Plus

 

[raleej337]

I'm just wondering if a 48" 4x54W T5 will be enough for a 90gal tank. I have few SPS (planning to add more), clams, mostly softies and some LPS.

Thanks!

 

[bprinehart]

Hey Grim- You're a very busy man...:rollface:

I'm just about done setting up my 75, looking to be able to keep just about anything I'd like to. I was curious about the new UVL 75/25 bulb, and if you think this combo would give sufficient par.

I have 2x 110W VHO UVL SA, and a 4 bulb t5 retro with Icecap reflectors. I currently have a UVL Aquasun t5ho. For my setup I was thinking something along these lines:

Front
UVL SA VHO
Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
UVL SA VHO

or possibly this one:
UVL SA VHO
Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
Pro Color
UVL SA VHO

Any suggestions? Would like to be able to keep a crocea, and a few choice sps, mainly in the upper half of the tank, and a nice mix of lps on the bottom.

Thanks in advance, I'm almost done thanks to your excellent threads!

-Brian

 

[devin]

Thanks for all the great posts - I just ordered my upgrade from reefgeek for the following combo:

Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
and the icecap SLRs

unfortunately the blue + are on backorder so i'll have to wait a couple more weeks - but at least i can start on my new canopy in the meantime.