The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11967870#post11967870 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bpoore89
Thanks for the help grim. Will my sps get enough par pulling 1 10k? That would mean I would have 4 actinics. Im deff taking your advice on replacing the actinics it comes with, with blue plus

Dont confuse actinic and blue lamps. Contrary to what some idiot companies market them as actinic lamps are 420nm, not 460 which is blue. The blue lamps actually have pretty good PAR, ATI and Giesemanns do anyway.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Front
Blue Plus
Actinic
Pro Sun
Blue Plus
Pro Color
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11968273#post11968273 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DARKSILENTTYPE
Grim

You seem to be the answer guy . Thanks in advance

Here is what I am going to do

2 fixtures next to each other .

36inch 39watt t5 high output ATI power modules .These will have 8 bulbs each .

I want to stay with ATI bulbs . Which bulbs and in what spot in the fixture do you think I should do for a mixed 135 gallon 6 feet long tank . Very clear water system .

John

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11971562#post11971562 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wet reefer
Grim,
I bought a TEK 4-54w light before I knew any better. You mentioned an ATI puts out twice the light as the TEK. If the reflectors (as claimed) have only a couple % difference in reflectivity, the difference must be in the ballast? The TEK is not overdriven, the ATI is? If so, I'm assuming that overdriving a TEK would put it relatively close to the ATI in output? I'm still trying to figure out how to put a fan on the thing.

You can get the AZOO clamp on fan array from the doctors and clamp it to the back of the tank so it blows across the fixture.

That small difference in reflectivity makes a lot of difference as far as the reflector goes. I really don't understand the technical aspects of it but it makes a big difference. Better ballasts that are cooled help to.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11974318#post11974318 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wet reefer
snaza
Registered Member

Registered: Mar 2006
Location: Australia
Occupation: sys admin/acupuncturist
Posts: 396


Hi again,

do you have any PAR readings for the Sylvania lamps?

Sylvania Aquastar T5 (10,000k)
Sylvania Coralstar T5 (Actinic)
Sylvania Gro-Lux T5 (8,500k)

Thanks

These are NO lamps in T8. Not very good except maybe for a nano with mushrooms or some LPS.

Sylvania indeed does make T5 lamps including ATI and KZ Brand lamps. I don't have readings on the Sylvania brand lamps.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11974584#post11974584 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cougaran
I'm not in the market for it(yet), but is a 6' t5 bulb in the works? I'm curious if the 5' bulbs are enough for a 6' tank. I suppose you could always stagger them in a DIY canopy if you didn't want sides to be dim, although that would be alot more work.

Helios has had 72" lamps for a while. Last I checked the super Blues were the only ones worth having. If you used those with 60" lamps for the daylights it would probably give a nive effect on a 6 foot tank. Should go more blue at the ends,

 

[wet reefer]

Is the ATI overdriven? I have spare a 660 I could use to overdrive the TEK.

If your readings are correct (I don't doubt them at all) then soooomebody is BS'n on their reflectors. I find it hard to believe that a 2% difference in reflectivity would double the output. If they are correct in their claims then the ballast must be crap. Probably a combination of both.

Sylvania Aquastar T5 (10,000k)
Sylvania Coralstar T5 (Actinic)
Sylvania Gro-Lux T5 (8,500k)

I was referring to these lamps only-under the Sylvania brand name.

 

[triggerfinger]

<That combo should be good. I favor the super actinic over the pure actinic>

Thank you very much for your response Grim. I just passed-it along to my friend.

Peace

 

[jennmac415]

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
UVL Super Actinic
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue Plus
ATI AQUABLUE
ATI Blue Plus


Grim, I am thinking of trying this combo also since I have the same Constellation fixture... which order would you have the bulbs come on with that configuration. I mean which on 1st, 2nd and 3rd? I am sure you know already which bulbs are on the same switch..thanks again!

 

[Shadowramy]

This might be a stupid question but I need to ask. If you have an Icecap 660 ballast, is there anything special you need to do to over drive a 4 bulb configuration? Any special wiring?

Thanks

 

[Shadowramy]

This might be a stupid question but I need to ask. If you have an Icecap 660 ballast, is there anything special you need to do to over drive a 4 bulb configuration? Any special wiring?

Thanks

 

[wet reefer]

I just asked Ice Cap this same stupid question..but only once. They are wired exactly the same.

 

[sbcaes]

just to update everyone on 20" fixtures current will be releasing a 20" t5ho fixture in april/may (its individual reflectors and active cooled. looks liek itll be niceeee. )

heres a link
http://www.ikescurrent.blogspot.com/

 

[snaza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11975073#post11975073 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wet reefer
Is the ATI overdriven? I have spare a 660 I could use to overdrive the TEK.

If your readings are correct (I don't doubt them at all) then soooomebody is BS'n on their reflectors. I find it hard to believe that a 2% difference in reflectivity would double the output. If they are correct in their claims then the ballast must be crap. Probably a combination of both.

Sylvania Aquastar T5 (10,000k)
Sylvania Coralstar T5 (Actinic)
Sylvania Gro-Lux T5 (8,500k)

I was referring to these lamps only-under the Sylvania brand name.

Yes the sylvania brand also have T5 lamps. i have some. 54W HO

 

[bpoore89]

Thanks Grim you have been a ton of help!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11975073#post11975073 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wet reefer
Is the ATI overdriven? I have spare a 660 I could use to overdrive the TEK.

If your readings are correct (I don't doubt them at all) then soooomebody is BS'n on their reflectors. I find it hard to believe that a 2% difference in reflectivity would double the output. If they are correct in their claims then the ballast must be crap. Probably a combination of both.

Sylvania Aquastar T5 (10,000k)
Sylvania Coralstar T5 (Actinic)
Sylvania Gro-Lux T5 (8,500k)

I was referring to these lamps only-under the Sylvania brand name.

Tje ATI Isn't overdriven. And yes SYlvania also makes T5's.

 

[sbcaes]

Hey grim question for ya, what bulb combo would you use in a 5 bulb individual reflector similar to a tx5?

options are 10k current 20watt t5ho
or actinic 20watt t5ho.

what combo would you use?
for mostly lps, softies and 2-3 clams??

3 10k 2 actinic?
2 10k 3 actinc?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

3&5, then 1, 4 and 7 and then 2 and 6

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11975205#post11975205 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jennmac415
Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
UVL Super Actinic
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue Plus
ATI AQUABLUE
ATI Blue Plus


Grim, I am thinking of trying this combo also since I have the same Constellation fixture... which order would you have the bulbs come on with that configuration. I mean which on 1st, 2nd and 3rd? I am sure you know already which bulbs are on the same switch..thanks again!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11980193#post11980193 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sbcaes
Hey grim question for ya, what bulb combo would you use in a 5 bulb individual reflector similar to a tx5?

options are 10k current 20watt t5ho
or actinic 20watt t5ho.

what combo would you use?
for mostly lps, softies and 2-3 clams??

3 10k 2 actinic?
2 10k 3 actinc?

3 10K's and 2 Blues if your doing clams.

 

[jennmac415]

Thanks, Grim!

 

[Rob_Reef_Keeper]

I am now considering a 75G reef tank.

I am very limited on electrical wattage since it s a shared circuit in my living room.

I think I can get away with up ~450W

I am used to MH's on my old tank.

If I went the T5 route I am debating between a fixture like a Constellation and a retrofit kit for the All-Glass canopy

Would 7 or 8 T5's over that tank be enough light for any SPS/Clams?

Will less bulbs work as well?

I have an icecap660 laying around and can that be used or am I better off getting T5 ballasts?

the complete fixture might be easier? will that fit in a canopy?


Thanks