The T5 Q&a Thread

[ernordstrom]

Grim,
You said I should mount the fans, one on each side blowing in from the back and not from the endcaps blowing along the length of the bulbs? Meaning one fan blowing cool air in and one blowing hot air out? Would blowing cooler air from behind the canopies open back be suffiecient o keep my bulbs from burning out to quickly? Should I aim one from the back into the canapy and aim the other away from the canopy? What is the easiet and best cooling method? Also, how long can I expect these bulbs to last prior to needing replacement? I know I have seen it somewhere on this thread before...Thanks again.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11783192#post11783192 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ernordstrom
Grim,
You said I should mount the fans, one on each side blowing in from the back and not from the endcaps blowing along the length of the bulbs? Meaning one fan blowing cool air in and one blowing hot air out? Would blowing cooler air from behind the canopies open back be suffiecient o keep my bulbs from burning out to quickly? Should I aim one from the back into the canapy and aim the other away from the canopy? What is the easiet and best cooling method? Also, how long can I expect these bulbs to last prior to needing replacement? I know I have seen it somewhere on this thread before...Thanks again.

It doesn't take much, you just need to move the air around. Having a way to vent the hot air out the top of the canopy is always good. Be it at the back or out the top. If the air is pushed in from the back at the sides it will be pushed back out the center so it will push the hot air away from the lamps.

You should be able to get a year out of the lamps.

 

[Milhouse]

This thread seems to get a lot of attention so I guess I'll post here. I'm setting up a 29g that's 30"x12"x18". Current USA has a 30" fixture(the Sundail). It has 4 24w bulbs. I'm a little concerned since the bulbs won't run the full length. Should I be or am I thinking too much? I could get the 36" version that has 39w bulbs. Would I be better off getting the longer one? Also, I've seen your suggestions on bulbs. I'm looking for a 14k look(like my Hamilton 14k MH). This tank is gonna be mostly softies, a few lps and an anemone. I saw another suggestion on the 4 bulbs was Blue plus, ATI actinic, UVL Aquasun, Blue Plus. The fixture comes with Current USA's 10k and Actinic bulbs. Would any of those be reusable? Meaning could I skip maybe a bulb or two? Also, I was ordering the fixture from PA and they don't have all of those bulbs. So would I be able to go with Geissman Aquablue Plus(2), UV Aquasun and UV Super Blue Actinic be a compromise? Thanks.

 

[tinnghe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11783045#post11783045 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I just like the physical design of the Constellation better and the extra lamp is nice.

The Flare is a very nice unit

the flare doesnt have any fans on their wouldnt make it like a tek 8 bulbs? solar flare has fans

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11783605#post11783605 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Milhouse
This thread seems to get a lot of attention so I guess I'll post here. I'm setting up a 29g that's 30"x12"x18". Current USA has a 30" fixture(the Sundail). It has 4 24w bulbs. I'm a little concerned since the bulbs won't run the full length. Should I be or am I thinking too much? I could get the 36" version that has 39w bulbs. Would I be better off getting the longer one? Also, I've seen your suggestions on bulbs. I'm looking for a 14k look(like my Hamilton 14k MH). This tank is gonna be mostly softies, a few lps and an anemone. I saw another suggestion on the 4 bulbs was Blue plus, ATI actinic, UVL Aquasun, Blue Plus. The fixture comes with Current USA's 10k and Actinic bulbs. Would any of those be reusable? Meaning could I skip maybe a bulb or two? Also, I was ordering the fixture from PA and they don't have all of those bulbs. So would I be able to go with Geissman Aquablue Plus(2), UV Aquasun and UV Super Blue Actinic be a compromise? Thanks.

24" will be fine on the length. You can use the 10K in place of the Aquasun but order a real Actinic and at least one good blue lamp (Actinic Plus)

 

[martinphillip03]

Grim, I have been following this thread for awhile and your preference for the Constellation surprised me! I always thought of you as an ATI man. But, hey, looks are looks. Two questions, for now. The T5 lights for a 120 48"L 24"W 24" H tank. I was thinking either the 8 bulb ATI or the Aquactinics Constellation. I want SPS and clams. Other stuff will be in it. My thought for the 7 or 8 bulb configuration was for width. My other thinking was I could put in one or two low par bulbs for looks. Your thoughts
2) Another statement shocked me. An ATI T5 light will produce double the par of a Tek light. Could you please confirm this . I saw some rating of fixtures in the Nova extreme pro thread. Is there a thread dedicated to fixture performance you know offhand? I have learned alot following this thread, thanks

Marty

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11778519#post11778519 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
As far as ATI vs Solar Flare the Flare will probably but a little more light to the bottom. If I had to pick I would get the Aquactinics Constellation and move light demanding critters a little higher in the tank.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11784884#post11784884 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tinnghe
the flare doesnt have any fans on their wouldnt make it like a tek 8 bulbs? solar flare has fans

The Solar Flare has fans. Tek wont come close to it

 

[Milhouse]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11787029#post11787029 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
24" will be fine on the length. You can use the 10K in place of the Aquasun but order a real Actinic and at least one good blue lamp (Actinic Plus)

Sounds good and thank you. This is a great thread with a lot of good advice. Thanks for doing it.

So I was thinking about leaving one of the 460nm actinics and one of the 10k's that come with the light. I was then going to put in a UVL Super Blue actinic and an ATI Aquablue. What do you think of that combo? I could replace the 460nm as well and use a Giesemann Actinic Plus. Would I have a problem either way?

Oh, and on a side note....I have another tank with a combo of MH and T5's on it. I'm looking to replace the t5's that came with it. I have a 14k bulb in the MH. What would be a good replacement bulb/s for the T5's?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11787032#post11787032 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by martinphillip03
Grim, I have been following this thread for awhile and your preference for the Constellation surprised me! I always thought of you as an ATI man. But, hey, looks are looks. Two questions, for now. The T5 lights for a 120 48"L 24"W 24" H tank. I was thinking either the 8 bulb ATI or the Aquactinics Constellation. I want SPS and clams. Other stuff will be in it. My thought for the 7 or 8 bulb configuration was for width. My other thinking was I could put in one or two low par bulbs for looks. Your thoughts
2) Another statement shocked me. An ATI T5 light will produce double the par of a Tek light. Could you please confirm this . I saw some rating of fixtures in the Nova extreme pro thread. Is there a thread dedicated to fixture performance you know offhand? I have learned alot following this thread, thanks

Marty

Either the Constellation or ATI will do fine. The 4x39 watt Tek did 154 over my tank. Same lamps, same location, same time the 4x39 Powermodule did 302

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11787311#post11787311 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Milhouse
Sounds good and thank you. This is a great thread with a lot of good advice. Thanks for doing it.

So I was thinking about leaving one of the 460nm actinics and one of the 10k's that come with the light. I was then going to put in a UVL Super Blue actinic and an ATI Aquablue. What do you think of that combo? I could replace the 460nm as well and use a Giesemann Actinic Plus. Would I have a problem either way?

Oh, and on a side note....I have another tank with a combo of MH and T5's on it. I'm looking to replace the t5's that came with it. I have a 14k bulb in the MH. What would be a good replacement bulb/s for the T5's?

That would be fine for your T5 setup. The halide setup I would do one T5 actinic and one blue.

 

[Milhouse]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11787341#post11787341 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
That would be fine for your T5 setup. The halide setup I would do one T5 actinic and one blue.

So do you think the Giesmann Actinic Plus will be neccessary or should I not bother for now. I have the current USA 420nm and 460nm on my other tank right now(with the MH) and they seem to look pretty good. I'm not sure which of the two if the better bulb and the light I'm getting only has the 460's.

And as far as "one blue", is there any specific bulb you are refering to? I'm going to buy those later so I'm not limited to what PA sells. I know reefgeek has ATI Blue pluses. I'm assuming that's what you are refering to. So two Blue Pluses and two UVL Super Actinics sound like a good combo for the MH?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11787426#post11787426 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Milhouse
So do you think the Giesmann Actinic Plus will be neccessary or should I not bother for now. I have the current USA 420nm and 460nm on my other tank right now(with the MH) and they seem to look pretty good. I'm not sure which of the two if the better bulb and the light I'm getting only has the 460's.

And as far as "one blue", is there any specific bulb you are refering to? I'm going to buy those later so I'm not limited to what PA sells. I know reefgeek has ATI Blue pluses. I'm assuming that's what you are refering to. So two Blue Pluses and two UVL Super Actinics sound like a good combo for the MH?

The current Blue lamp sucks, I assume the actinic isn't much better but if it looks good use it. 460 is blue, 420 is actinic. ATI Blue Plus is the best blue IME. I would use 2 Blue Pluses and 2 either ATI or Sfigioli actinics for the halide. There is an issue with UVL's actinics I haven't experienced but others are having problems with them not lasting over about 5 months. Makes me a little nervous about reco ing them until we hear whats up.

 

[reefboy12]

hey everyone,

figured I would post my latest t5 bulb combo
#2 Ati plus plus
#2 Kz fiji purple

I love the color this combo produces...I have tried every 4 bulb combo there is.

more pics

And the full tank shot of my 25g

reefboy

 

[chark]

T5 Lighting for 120 gal

T5 Lighting for 120 gal

I am setting up a 120 gal (48x24x24) mixed reef tank including clams. I have been reading that you are recommending the Aquactinics fixtures. Would it be better to use the Solar Flare or the Constellation?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: T5 Lighting for 120 gal

Re: T5 Lighting for 120 gal

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11788765#post11788765 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chark
I am setting up a 120 gal (48x24x24) mixed reef tank including clams. I have been reading that you are recommending the Aquactinics fixtures. Would it be better to use the Solar Flare or the Constellation?

I would go for the constellation. Like the extra lamp.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Sweet Tank reefboy

 

[markjglover]

Grim I just discovered the Nove extreme pro 48" 6 lamp fixture. It is cheaper than the Tx5 and still fits on my 12.5" 55g. What do you know about this model? Would love to hear. Thanks alot for all the great info

Mark

 

[greg_mills]

Hey Guys,

I'm interested in upgrading my lights and i'm looking between the Giesemann set-up and the Tek set-up! T5's are the only thing in my price range and i'm wary of getting MH's. I'm worried about what kinda of corals i'll be limited too. What your opinion on the matter?

Thanks

 

[Panduriniii]

Who sells the fiji purple bulbs?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11789947#post11789947 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by markjglover
Grim I just discovered the Nove extreme pro 48" 6 lamp fixture. It is cheaper than the Tx5 and still fits on my 12.5" 55g. What do you know about this model? Would love to hear. Thanks alot for all the great info

Mark

Not quite as much output as a Tek but if you replace the blue lamps that come with it it will be fine on a 55