The T5 Q&a Thread

[ultimate125]

I found this pic...whatcha think?
is one purple?

 

[Vauche]

Last lights I would need to buy?

Last lights I would need to buy?

To Grim et al, I'm starting a 90G and am looking into a T5 setup. Tank dimensions 48L x 18W x 24H. I plan on doing a 3-5in DBS so actual height will be about 20" plus or minus. I am wondering if there is a T5 setup that would be strong enough that it could handle the toughest light requirement species and ideally keep them on or around the bottom. I guess the point is I don't want to have to upgrade if I find something I like but don't have the power or PAR. My only real stipulation is it would have to be able to be set on the tank, I really do not want to hang from ceiling

I've read most of the posts and it seems the two leaders so far are the aquactinics Solar Flare or Constellations. Would either of these do the trick or something else better? If yes what would be the best lamp configuration?

Any thought would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

[Corndork2]

Grim what setup in a 4 lamp Tek II fixture would give me the most par over a standard 90g (24" deep) and still look somewhat acceptable? A couple blue plus, GE 6500k, and an actinic or aquasun or something? What could I keep with your proposed bulb layout? Thanks again man, your always a huge help

 

[Corndork2]

Grim what setup in a 4 lamp Tek II fixture would give me the most par over a standard 90g (24" deep) and still look somewhat acceptable? A couple blue plus, GE 6500k, and an actinic or aquasun or something? What could I keep with your proposed bulb layout? Thanks again man, your always a huge help

 

[Jabbajaw]

Anyone have any links to building/setting up a T5 retrofit? Mine will be in wall and I am looking at a 6X80

 

[JFarb]

Grim, 5-bulb 36" aquactinics fixture good for a 30 breeder (36x18x12" high) mixed reef? Overkill for a short tank? Other suggestions? Much appreciated!

 

[laud]

I just read that you said you'd need 16 bulbs to get 30" deep. If this is true, how would you recommend lighting a 210 72" x 24w x 29"h?

Thanks again Mr. Grim

 

[Vauche]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Gtstricky
Grim-

Wow there is a lot of info here. Thank you in advance for your help.

I am looking to buy the Aquactinics Constellation. I have a couple of questions.

I am just starting a 90 gal reef. I will not have much in it until it seasons for a while and then will add softies and SPS down the road (9 months). Should I start with one bulb set and then change it down the road as I add 'stuff' or should I just use the same bulbs that I start with?

Which brings up the next question which 7 bulbs would you recommend?

How often should they be changed?

Do you recommend any LED add on for night viewing?

Thanks again!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grim's reply

Do this until you get into high light critters

Front
ATI Blue Plus
Blank
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
Blank
ATI Aquablue

Just leave the switch off for the 2 blank slots. Once you get ready to start adding SPS check back and we'll come up with a 7 lamp combo. Lamps should last a year.

Seeing as this basically answers the question I posted earlier, thank you. Couple more questions.
1)What would go in the blank spots or would the whole lamp combo change-I would like to have all lights from the start (I hate waiting and I can't get locally) and would like to do dawn/dusk effect?
2)Read somewhere that the Constellation is on 3wk back order so if I went with Solar Flare what would lights be? Would this be too much for anenomes and lower light critters though? (fyi: be about 20" or so to DBS)
3)Any other light fixture suggestions such that any high light critters can be anywhere in tank without frying low light critters possible higher up?

I'm a newb, can't you tell!

Thanks

 

[reznor252]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12362277#post12362277 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reznor252
Grim,

I currently have a IC660 retro over my 75 and am about to change the bulbs. The current bulb combo I am running and was recommended by my whole seller is:

Front
UVL Actinic White
UVL Actinic White
UVL Super Atinic
UVL Actinic White

I am getting great growth rates on my sps but my colors aren't "popping" as much as I would like. Any recommendation on a new bulb combo? I saw you recommend another reefer this combo:

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus

Thanks.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

[drtrash]

What is a 10K or 14K bulb ? Is there a color associated with this #.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12373380#post12373380 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ultimate125
Hi Grim,

I'm also new to T5 lighting and need to order 14 bulbs for a 72" constellation fixture. Would like to know which bulbs you suggest and what order to have them installed?

The tank is 20" deep, and will be a FOWLR. Not sure which bulbs to go with so your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

thanks in advance!

You could go with anything lamp wise but I gotta ask, why a Constellation over a FOWLR tank? Way overkill.

What kind of a look do you want for the tank?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Last lights I would need to buy?

Re: Last lights I would need to buy?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12374784#post12374784 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Vauche
To Grim et al, I'm starting a 90G and am looking into a T5 setup. Tank dimensions 48L x 18W x 24H. I plan on doing a 3-5in DBS so actual height will be about 20" plus or minus. I am wondering if there is a T5 setup that would be strong enough that it could handle the toughest light requirement species and ideally keep them on or around the bottom. I guess the point is I don't want to have to upgrade if I find something I like but don't have the power or PAR. My only real stipulation is it would have to be able to be set on the tank, I really do not want to hang from ceiling

I've read most of the posts and it seems the two leaders so far are the aquactinics Solar Flare or Constellations. Would either of these do the trick or something else better? If yes what would be the best lamp configuration?

Any thought would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Probably do the Solar Flare.

For lamps
Front
Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquablue

You should be able to raise Acros on the sand if you want.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12375620#post12375620 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Corndork2
Grim what setup in a 4 lamp Tek II fixture would give me the most par over a standard 90g (24" deep) and still look somewhat acceptable? A couple blue plus, GE 6500k, and an actinic or aquasun or something? What could I keep with your proposed bulb layout? Thanks again man, your always a huge help

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus

SPS on the rocks, low light clams on the sand as long as they are under the lamps.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12377106#post12377106 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JFarb
Grim, 5-bulb 36" aquactinics fixture good for a 30 breeder (36x18x12" high) mixed reef? Overkill for a short tank? Other suggestions? Much appreciated!

Yeah, I'd grab a nice looking fixture that is activly cooled with fans. The Aquactinics will work fine but if you find find something you like the looks of for less money why not. Just make sure it has 6 lamps

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12379060#post12379060 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by laud
I just read that you said you'd need 16 bulbs to get 30" deep. If this is true, how would you recommend lighting a 210 72" x 24w x 29"h?

Thanks again Mr. Grim

same thing. 16 overdriven 39 watt (36") T5's. Ice Cap VHO T5 retro from reefgeek would work great. 8 rows of lamps side by side. You could keep most critters under that properly placed.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12380377#post12380377 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Vauche
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Gtstricky
Grim-

Wow there is a lot of info here. Thank you in advance for your help.

I am looking to buy the Aquactinics Constellation. I have a couple of questions.

I am just starting a 90 gal reef. I will not have much in it until it seasons for a while and then will add softies and SPS down the road (9 months). Should I start with one bulb set and then change it down the road as I add 'stuff' or should I just use the same bulbs that I start with?

Which brings up the next question which 7 bulbs would you recommend?

How often should they be changed?

Do you recommend any LED add on for night viewing?

Thanks again!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grim's reply

Do this until you get into high light critters

Front
ATI Blue Plus
Blank
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
Blank
ATI Aquablue

Just leave the switch off for the 2 blank slots. Once you get ready to start adding SPS check back and we'll come up with a 7 lamp combo. Lamps should last a year.

Seeing as this basically answers the question I posted earlier, thank you. Couple more questions.
1)What would go in the blank spots or would the whole lamp combo change-I would like to have all lights from the start (I hate waiting and I can't get locally) and would like to do dawn/dusk effect?
2)Read somewhere that the Constellation is on 3wk back order so if I went with Solar Flare what would lights be? Would this be too much for anenomes and lower light critters though? (fyi: be about 20" or so to DBS)
3)Any other light fixture suggestions such that any high light critters can be anywhere in tank without frying low light critters possible higher up?

I'm a newb, can't you tell!

Thanks

I would add another Blue Plus and a 75/25 to the mix but put those in the slots where the Aquasun and Aquablue lamps are.

If you go with the solar flare

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Blue Plus
Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquablue

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12380707#post12380707 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reznor252
Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

The Blue Plus, Super Actinic, Aquasun Blue Plus is probably going to get you the best pop.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12382653#post12382653 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drtrash
What is a 10K or 14K bulb ? Is there a color associated with this #.

K raitings are kinda a joke.

The 14K Aquablue is Ice white with a hint of blue. The 14K Actinic White UVL lamp has a sort of Pepto Bismal look to it. 10K's are generally white but so it the Aquascience 15K special is also white.

 

[daveonbass]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12330092#post12330092 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Yep, tested all those plus the ATI Sun Power

Where the ATI is built overkill making it the undisputed quality leader performance wise I'd put it even with the constellation. For raw output the Solar Flare is number 1. Aquactinic is getting ready to switch the material in the reflector to Miro silver. Once that happens I suspect their fixtures are going to be the ones to beat. The ATI already uses the Miro Silver but their reflectors are not as big as the Aquactinics.

Ok I hate to back track but I too now have a question, Grim. I noticed that many of the fixtures you mentioned above are only in 48" sizes. So, my question is what (IYHO) is the best 36" fixture? I like the ATI (6 bulb by the way), but it's expensive, and I don't want to settle for second best if I don't have to. Is there a preferred choice of T5 fixture out ther efor us 36" guys...?

thanks in advance...

dave

 

[kenyacat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12253778#post12253778 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Do the constellation. Reason being you can set the front lamps slots with lower PAR lamps so softies wont melt and high light in the rear for SPS and the anemone

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

You could set the fixture right on the tank or have it as high as you want. If its going to be more than about 4" above the tank use a second Aquablue instead of the UVL 75/25

Do I need to light acclimate the Sebae anemone from the 130 w PC it is under now to the constellation? If so, I was thinking of just turning on one of the fan switches for a week, then add the other fan switch for another week and finally turning on the last switch which is just 2 lights I think. Or would it be better to switch the bulbs around so certain ones are on?

I think we are placing this directly on the tank instead of the ceiling so I can't just adjust that way.

Thanks