The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

The Blue Plus have a lot of PAR, only about 10% less than the Aquablue.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12143373#post12143373 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LiveRock27
I am working on a 29g SPS tank and wanted to go with T5s for this setup, but I have never used T5s at all. I have a setup from a buddy that runs 8x24" T5s (every two bulbs share a reflector) in a custom hood. I was wondering what bulb combo you would suggest for keeping SPS? Thanks.

Front
Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Pro Color
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
Blue Plus

 

[LiveRock27]

Thank you for your help.

 

[kenyacat]

I am trying to figure out my electric usage for my upgrade and the calculator here wants full spectrum and actinic. I will be using:
Super Actinic
Blue Plus
Aquasun
Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus

Would any of them other than the Super Actinic fall under the Actinic catagory in the calculator?
Thanks

 

[Schwe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12141543#post12141543 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Schwe
Hey folks, I need some help with lighting.

I am a relative newbie and need some advice.

My specs are:
90 Gallon AGA with Canopy.

Canopy dimensions are:
6 3/4" from water surface to inside height of Canopy.
48 3/4" from end of canopy to end.
18 5/8" from front to back.

I would like to do a retrofit T5 setup to accommodate a versatile coral assortment. Since this will be my first time caring for corals I will be starting out with easier softies, etc. but will like to eventually have more advanced corals without having to spend excess money on updating lighting.

My budget is about $300.00 USD. I was thinking maybe a quality 4 light T5 setup and then later adding two more lights. Opinions? Is there a quality fixture that I can get with 6 lights out there?

Thank you in advance.

I forgot to add, what bulb setup should I use? I would like the colors to be vivid, but also "white" and not overly blue.

 

[norcal99]

Hey Grim, I need some opinions on new bulb choices. I have a 4x24w Tek retrofit over a 20H and want to do more SPS. I'm running the current bulbs on my tank:

back
- UVL Super Actinic
- Gieseman 11K
- UVL Daylight
- ATI Blue +
front

Would you recommend a different combination of bulbs? I'm looking to go with a variety of SPS and want good growth and great coloration.

 

[ericad289]

hey sana,
I just ordered my ati from reef geek last week, It is due to arrive on Mar 26. Just wondering how you are liking yours? Also my boyfriend and i are trying to decide how to hang it, any suggestions? I can't wait for mine to come in, i am upgrading from 2 40 watt flourescent. So this is a big change for my tank.

 

[PrisonCityReef]

Wow Grim. This is an awesome service you're providing for everyone.

I've got a 72x18x22 125g tank. I plan on a 3" or so substrate bottom.

I'm currently planning on 3x250MHs and 4xT5 HOs for actinic effects. After reading a fair amount of this thread, I'm leaning towards T5s for the whole thing to cut down on heat concerns.

I intend to make my own canopy.

3 Questions for you when you get a minute:

1. Will T5 HOs limit my livestock with this depth of tank and a 3" bed? I'm not against some creative placement, but I want to be able to keep just about everything under the sea once my tank is stable enough.

2. Brands out there are confusing me. What fixture / retro kit would fit my needs? I've heard nothing but great things about icecap.

3. What lights to go with the above fixture?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Chris2500DK]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12143250#post12143250 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Do either 2 ATI Blue Plus or Giesemann Actinic Plus, One of either companies Aquablues and a UVL Aquasun, Giesemann Midday or a GE 6500K Daylight. Oodles of PAR and those two blue lamps will pop colors really nice. The Aquablue is a white lamp that is nice for a little fluorescent but nothing like what the blues will do.

Thanks Grim Reefer

Do you know the Narva Aquascience Blue bulbs? I have those already, but if the Giesemann Actinic Plus or ATI Blue Plus bulbs are much better I guess I might upgrade them.

 

[shred5]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12140285#post12140285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sanababit
hello grim, i just got my new ATI fixture and installed these bulbs
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

But it looks kind of blue, can i change a blue plus to a pro color?
will i get enough PAR out of that bulb???, what about growth???
thanks

sana

If you just set it up give it a little time ... The blue seems to die back allot after the bulbs burn in....

When I first set up my first t-5 set up I went omg this is too blue but after a few weeks it was much better.

Dave

 

[sanababit]

****hey sana,
I just ordered my ati from reef geek last week, It is due to arrive on Mar 26. Just wondering how you are liking yours? Also my boyfriend and i are trying to decide how to hang it, any suggestions? I can't wait for mine to come in, i am upgrading from 2 40 watt flourescent. So this is a big change for my tank.*****


Ericad, it is the best investment i have made, i went from 200w pc lights to 400w T5 from current (only one reflector) lights where really cheap, to my 324w ATI fixture with the bulbs mentioned above, all i can say is that the colors POP, not much heat, the fixture is really sexy, the way i hanged it is that i used some picture hanging wire with a couple of "L" brackets for shelving units, good luck

sana

 

[shackscs]

Hey Grimm,

I picked up a 72" Nova Extreme pro with 12 bulbs. I am looking to get the same 14k look that you hooked me up with on my 4 bulb 36" fixture for my 65.

What would you suggest for 14K or 20K look?

 

[shackscs]

Hey Grimm,

I picked up a 72" Nova Extreme pro with 12 bulbs. I am looking to get the same 14k look that you hooked me up with on my 4 bulb 36" fixture for my 65.

What would you suggest for 14K or 20K look?

 

[shackscs]

Hey Grimm,

I picked up a 72" Nova Extreme pro with 12 bulbs. I am looking to get the same 14k look that you hooked me up with on my 4 bulb 36" fixture for my 65.

What would you suggest for 14K or 20K look?

 

[ooja3k]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

No wonder i got 3 email notifications

 

[shackscs]

Yeah, the server gave the standard "too busy" message and I hit the back button and sent it again.

 

[Jeff]

Hey Grimm, I have been going thru this very long thread looking for your suggestions for a 14 bulb Constellation set-up. I already own the fixture and have had it for 8 months. I have found a couple of your recommendations for 7 bulb Constellation bulbs using mostly ATI's and UVL bulbs. Should I double your recommdations or is there a better way to go with 14 bulbs? I am still looking through the thread but thaught someone might have a list of your 14 picks.

 

[Jeff]

Double post

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The Blue Plus and Aquablues both have some actinic output but likely little or no UV like a real actinic lamp has.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12143685#post12143685 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kenyacat
I am trying to figure out my electric usage for my upgrade and the calculator here wants full spectrum and actinic. I will be using:
Super Actinic
Blue Plus
Aquasun
Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus

Would any of them other than the Super Actinic fall under the Actinic catagory in the calculator?
Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12143801#post12143801 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Schwe
I forgot to add, what bulb setup should I use? I would like the colors to be vivid, but also "white" and not overly blue.

Must have missed your original post anyway/

If you want a fixture get a 6 lamp unit to begin with. For retro starting with 4 is fine.

Front
Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
Aquasun
Blue Plus

for 6 add
Aquablue
Blue Plus.