The T5 Q&a Thread

[babogart]

Hey Grim!

I have not read the entire split topic, but I appreciate the insight that is given by all.

I am looking at purchasing a Tek 8 bulb fixture for my 90 Gal. It will be mounted using the feet (I cannot suspend it.).

My hope is that I can keep a true mixed reef (SPS, LPS, softies). Will this fixture support the SPS?

Also, I am planning on using Geisman bulbs any suggestions on the types/placement in the fixture?

I know that there are two switches on the fixture. Anyone know which switch controls which strips. I would like to do a "dawn to dusk" effect.

Thanks for the help!

-Brent

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11655906#post11655906 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 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

Ill have to fire them up and take a look through the mattel spectrometer

I'll let you know what I see. As I remember the DUO was more blue but maybe the difference in intensity is playing into that.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11656753#post11656753 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scotmc
Grim, are you changing your set up for 6x54?

You mean the lamps? I am planning on trying this change but havent done it yet Plan on trying 2 75/25

Front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color >>>UVL 75/25
UVL Super Actinic
UVL 75/25
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11656822#post11656822 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 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.

Contact the geek. I guess we just need to consider the clips a consumable item once they start rusting.

You really shouldn't be seeing rust that soon. You might want to rethink how your fans are situated. Either that or run the ones that pull air out for a while after lights out to pull out the moist air. Heck if you had a timer that can do it running the fans for a minute every few hours might be a happening proposition. Gonna have to play with that idea.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11657523#post11657523 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 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.

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Aquablue

 

[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=11658657#post11658657 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by babogart
Hey Grim!

I have not read the entire split topic, but I appreciate the insight that is given by all.

I am looking at purchasing a Tek 8 bulb fixture for my 90 Gal. It will be mounted using the feet (I cannot suspend it.).

My hope is that I can keep a true mixed reef (SPS, LPS, softies). Will this fixture support the SPS?

Also, I am planning on using Geisman bulbs any suggestions on the types/placement in the fixture?

I know that there are two switches on the fixture. Anyone know which switch controls which strips. I would like to do a "dawn to dusk" effect.

Thanks for the help!

-Brent

I'd actually change up and get the Aquactinics TX5 5 lamp fixture instead. It doesn't have the front to back spread the Tek does but that can be an advantage in your case. Some LPS and and softies don't feel the love from T5's. If you keep the fixture pulled a bit towards the back of the tank you can keep lower light critters on the sandbed happy and high light stuff around the rocks will get plenty of light, You just have to play with the position a bit to find the sweet spot but yiu will have better intensity under the lamps than with the Tek so SPS will be happier. You can set the unit right on the tank or they have feet you can get.

Aquarium Specialty from the sponsor's page had the best deal on aquactinic stuff last I looked.

For lamps try this
Front
ATI Blue Plus or Giesemann Actinic Plus
UVL Super Actinics or ATI Actinic Blue
UVL Aquasun or Giesemann Midday
ATI Blue Plus or Gmann AP
ATI or Gmann Aquablue

Reefgeek has the ATI/UVL lamps if AS doesn't

If you decide on the Tek/Gisesmann I dont know what the pairing is but I think there are 3 switches. Just make sure you get an Actinic Plus and Pure actinic on the Dusk/dawn pair

Front
Actinic Plus (AP)
Pure Actinic
Midday
AP
Midday
Aquablue
AP
Aquablue

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11658940#post11658940 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 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.

Triad ballasts reefgeek sells do 2 lamps per ballast. If you run Ice Cap ballasts you overdrive the lamps period so dont worry about them. The Ice Cap HO retros reefgeek sells comes with the better ice cap reflectors but 2 2x54 watt ballasts, Vosslo Schwabbe or accustart which are both good too.

 

[scotmc]

I find the pro color a little on the red side, for my tastes.

 

[labragg1]

Grim--thanks for the great info. I've learned a great deal from reading through these threads.

One more quick question--It looks like I may actually have an older Icecap 660 ballast laying around. Should I use it to overdrive the 4 bulbs I already have and then just use a Triad if I want to add two more bulbs later.

How would you configure the ballasts with a 4 bulb system vs a 6 bulb system? I already have 4 SLR reflectors and may go ahead and add two more, but was going to see how the 4 look first.

I would like to put a few clams on the sandbed--so since my tank is 24" deep--I was thinking I may need to go ahead and go the overdriven route?

Also how often do you recommend changing the bulbs when overdriving them?

Thanks a bunch man.

 

[jamesdawson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11658780#post11658780 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Ill have to fire them up and take a look through the mattel spectrometer

I'll let you know what I see. As I remember the DUO was more blue but maybe the difference in intensity is playing into that.

Mattel huh!

Maybe we can get Hahn to do spectrographs once he gets his up and running.

James

 

[reefboy12]

dawson,

do you think I could replace a procolor or aquasun with a duo in a four bulb combo. I have never liked aquablues..they also seem to wash everything out.

ron

 

[zachtos]

I contacted reefgeek.com and they are sending me two complimentary bulbs to replace the damaged ones and 12 pairs of free replacement clips of a higher quality to replace the rusted ones. They said that I should try and increase ventilation a bit more, but that I do have adequate cooling. Very excellent customer service with reefgeek as always. One time I accidentally ordered a 54W bulb instead of a 39W and they called to ask to makesure that's what I wanted. I heart reefgeek.

I'm still trying to think of a safe epoxy or paint to double ply those clips when they show up!

 

[jamesdawson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11659555#post11659555 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefboy12
dawson,

do you think I could replace a procolor or aquasun with a duo in a four bulb combo. I have never liked aquablues..they also seem to wash everything out.

ron

Sure,

If you want some red then a DUO will give you some. I don't know if it will be to much for you since that is really a personal preference.

Good luck,

James

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11659227#post11659227 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by labragg1
Grim--thanks for the great info. I've learned a great deal from reading through these threads.

One more quick question--It looks like I may actually have an older Icecap 660 ballast laying around. Should I use it to overdrive the 4 bulbs I already have and then just use a Triad if I want to add two more bulbs later.

How would you configure the ballasts with a 4 bulb system vs a 6 bulb system? I already have 4 SLR reflectors and may go ahead and add two more, but was going to see how the 4 look first.

I would like to put a few clams on the sandbed--so since my tank is 24" deep--I was thinking I may need to go ahead and go the overdriven route?

Also how often do you recommend changing the bulbs when overdriving them?

Thanks a bunch man.

You need to check with the Ice Cap guys to see if your ballast is T5 able. They can tell you by the serial number. If you want clams the IC would be a good Idea. Just get a 2 lamp retro for your dusk/dawn.

4 lamps
Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Aquablue

 

[aztbs]

After reading several pages, I guess this should be called the 'Grim's bulb selection thread".

So Grim, what advice can you offer on this setup,

24" deep, mixed reef 70% SPS, 180 gallon peninsula/room divider tank with 6 x 80w retrofit on 2 Icecap 660's.

Current config is all Geisemann bulbs

Act Plus
Aquablue
True Actinic
Sun
Act Plus
True Actinic

Current growth is out of control, would not mind it being slower. I prefer a crisp white light but would lean toward blue for more popping colors. Currently pinks are super bright, greens are drab.

 

[commodore]

T-5 bulb supplier

T-5 bulb supplier

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11660624#post11660624 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
You need to check with the Ice Cap guys to see if your ballast is T5 able. They can tell you by the serial number. If you want clams the IC would be a good Idea. Just get a 2 lamp retro for your dusk/dawn.

4 lamps
Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Aquablue

Can you recommenrd a supplier that carries all of these bulbs(39W)? I'd rather place just one order than deal with several vendors. Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11660684#post11660684 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aztbs
After reading several pages, I guess this should be called the 'Grim's bulb selection thread".

So Grim, what advice can you offer on this setup,

24" deep, mixed reef 70% SPS, 180 gallon peninsula/room divider tank with 6 x 80w retrofit on 2 Icecap 660's.

Current config is all Geisemann bulbs

Act Plus
Aquablue
True Actinic
Sun
Act Plus
True Actinic

Current growth is out of control, would not mind it being slower. I prefer a crisp white light but would lean toward blue for more popping colors. Currently pinks are super bright, greens are drab.

Not a lot to do with that other than go with ATI actinics, I like the look of those better.

 

[jennmac415]

Grim, when you do make the change, please post a pic... I really want to see this UVL 75/25 bulb on a tank....

thanks!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11658807#post11658807 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
You mean the lamps? I am planning on trying this change but havent done it yet Plan on trying 2 75/25

Front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color >>>UVL 75/25
UVL Super Actinic
UVL 75/25
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

 

[jennmac415]

can someone post a pic of their tank with a DUO on it and also a 75/25 bulb?
I have never seen these bulbs on a tank....
thanks!