The T5 Q&a Thread
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When to change T5's
When to change T5's
Hi grim I asked this ? a week ago but no one ever replied. I have an aquatinics 5-54w setup and have had running for over a year. When do I need to change the bulbs? I will be using your 5 bulb recommendation I saw on earler post. What is best place also to order bulbs from?
Thx, Scott
When to change T5's
Hi grim I asked this ? a week ago but no one ever replied. I have an aquatinics 5-54w setup and have had running for over a year. When do I need to change the bulbs? I will be using your 5 bulb recommendation I saw on earler post. What is best place also to order bulbs from?
Thx, Scott
Grim
I have been reading about the Current USA Sundial and Extreme Pro. I have about 5" of height clearance in my existing canopy. I noticed the specs on the 48" vary but I don't see any above 4.25" The questions is does Current make a canopy with 6 54watt T5's with moonlights?
Thanks again
I have been reading about the Current USA Sundial and Extreme Pro. I have about 5" of height clearance in my existing canopy. I noticed the specs on the 48" vary but I don't see any above 4.25" The questions is does Current make a canopy with 6 54watt T5's with moonlights?
Thanks again
I haven't read much about the ATI powermodules - are they pretty much the top of the line t5 fixtures?
Reefgeek.com indicates that the 2x24W ATI Powermodule can support a 30g softie tank, a 20g mixed reef, or a 15g SPS tank. Does the powermodule really improve the light output that much? I have 20H softie tank that I am upgrading my cheapo 130W pc hood. Would a 2x24 powermodule really be enough light?
If not, I'll go with my original plan and buy a 4x24W Tek - I can't afford the 4x24 powermodule or 5x24W TX5, and I don't want to build a canopy/retrofit.
Reefgeek.com indicates that the 2x24W ATI Powermodule can support a 30g softie tank, a 20g mixed reef, or a 15g SPS tank. Does the powermodule really improve the light output that much? I have 20H softie tank that I am upgrading my cheapo 130W pc hood. Would a 2x24 powermodule really be enough light?
If not, I'll go with my original plan and buy a 4x24W Tek - I can't afford the 4x24 powermodule or 5x24W TX5, and I don't want to build a canopy/retrofit.
shelburn61
New member
To fit T5s in my canopy along with my Lumenarc minis I have 2 options:
1)Mount the reflectors at ~45 degrees to the water surface.
2)Mount each pair of reflectors facing toward each other in an upside down "V" config.
Am I going to lose a lot of light this way? Any idea which option would be better?
1)Mount the reflectors at ~45 degrees to the water surface.
2)Mount each pair of reflectors facing toward each other in an upside down "V" config.
Am I going to lose a lot of light this way? Any idea which option would be better?
EvilE
New member
Hi I bought these retro fit kits from Hellolights--what are your thoughts on them? Are they good? I have two ballasts running 4 bulbs total. They are all 48" HO T5's 54 watts each. 2 are the TRU 10k and the other two are the TRU actinic 3. Thoughts?
http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1369
http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1369
returnofsid
New member
Hiya Grim,
It would seem you're the T5HO GURU!!! I currently have a Tek5 48"X6 bulb fixture over my 75 gallon reef. My current bulb configuration is as follows:
ATI 54W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
UV Lighting 54W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent
ATI 54W 12000K Aquablue Special T5 HO Fluorescent
GE 54W 3000K Daylight T5 HO Fluorescent
UV Lighting 54W 10000K AquaSun T5 HO Fluorescent
ATI 54W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
This was what Greg at Reefgeeks suggested. Awesome costumer support!!
Anyway, my question is this...my bulbs are about 14 months old and I sure don't notice any visible difference but am sure noticing what I think is a degradation of color in my corals due to the bulbs needing replaced. I plan to make an order very soon. My tank is a mixed tank with some soft corals, some LPS and some SPS. I also have 2 T. Croceas and a T. Derasa. I'd like to shift more towards SPS and maybe a T. Squamosa or T. Maxima. I would really like to have some Acropora but just don't know if I have enough light with this fixture.
What would you recommend for bulb replacement? Also, I no absolutely nothing about the different ballasts but understand that I could get a larger ballast and over drive the bulbs. Would you have any recommendations in this area?
My current SPS corals consist of several different Monti. Digitata, Monti Caps, Poccilipora, and Hydnophora (both encrusting and branching) As I mentioned, I'd like to be able to do some Acropora. I read differing opinions on Acros under T5s. You seem to know more than most...lol. Thanks for any info or advice you're able to provide!!
It would seem you're the T5HO GURU!!! I currently have a Tek5 48"X6 bulb fixture over my 75 gallon reef. My current bulb configuration is as follows:
ATI 54W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
UV Lighting 54W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent
ATI 54W 12000K Aquablue Special T5 HO Fluorescent
GE 54W 3000K Daylight T5 HO Fluorescent
UV Lighting 54W 10000K AquaSun T5 HO Fluorescent
ATI 54W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
This was what Greg at Reefgeeks suggested. Awesome costumer support!!
Anyway, my question is this...my bulbs are about 14 months old and I sure don't notice any visible difference but am sure noticing what I think is a degradation of color in my corals due to the bulbs needing replaced. I plan to make an order very soon. My tank is a mixed tank with some soft corals, some LPS and some SPS. I also have 2 T. Croceas and a T. Derasa. I'd like to shift more towards SPS and maybe a T. Squamosa or T. Maxima. I would really like to have some Acropora but just don't know if I have enough light with this fixture.
What would you recommend for bulb replacement? Also, I no absolutely nothing about the different ballasts but understand that I could get a larger ballast and over drive the bulbs. Would you have any recommendations in this area?
My current SPS corals consist of several different Monti. Digitata, Monti Caps, Poccilipora, and Hydnophora (both encrusting and branching) As I mentioned, I'd like to be able to do some Acropora. I read differing opinions on Acros under T5s. You seem to know more than most...lol. Thanks for any info or advice you're able to provide!!
Heya Grim,
I appreciate the comments earlier.
I have decided to go with the Tek 8 light for my 90 Gal. I am going to order it from the geek complete with bulbs and "legs".
It looks like I can choose any combo of eight bulbs. The fixture is set with two switches. One controls the outer four bulbs (2 at the front and 2 at the rear).
What would be your recommended bulb combo and ordering. I will be keeping a mixed reef.
Thanks Grim!
-Brent
I appreciate the comments earlier.
I have decided to go with the Tek 8 light for my 90 Gal. I am going to order it from the geek complete with bulbs and "legs".
It looks like I can choose any combo of eight bulbs. The fixture is set with two switches. One controls the outer four bulbs (2 at the front and 2 at the rear).
What would be your recommended bulb combo and ordering. I will be keeping a mixed reef.
Thanks Grim!
-Brent
unbreakable
D:
Hey Grim, what would be the best lighting fixture for an SPS dominated 75g tank? How many bulbs in the fixture and what bulb configuration?
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
You just want to stick with lamps that aren't too far off in color if you dont want to see banding. A mix of GE 6500K and blue Plus would probably give a pretty uniform look
Roland Jacques
Premium Member
Does anyone have the link to the T-5 lamp PAR comparasion?
Im just looking for a good 2 lamp combo for a grow out system.
Im just looking for a good 2 lamp combo for a grow out system.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Re: When to change T5's
Re: When to change T5's
Anytime after a year is about right on the lamp change. Reefgeek has good selection and prices on lamps.
Re: When to change T5's
Anytime after a year is about right on the lamp change. Reefgeek has good selection and prices on lamps.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
You really don't want to put a fixture inside a canopy, the heat and humidity will cause problems. Get a retrofit kit and mount it inside your canopy
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Do like an Aquasun and a Blue Plus, gives you growth and color
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=8051316#post8051316
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
I tested a 4x39 ATI against a 4x39 Tek. The ATI had nearly twice the output
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
You'll lose some light but it cant be helped. Turn the reflectors 45 degrees , not towards each other.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Cant tell exactly what reflector they are using but they look like good kits although the lamps probably suck.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Use a UVL 75/25 in place of the GE 3000K and see what you think. Not quite a harsh a color but does have a little red.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquasun
Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
Blue Plus
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
I would probably use the Aquactinics TX5
Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquablue
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