The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

I'd do the TX5. I like having the option for that 5th lamp.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12077958#post12077958 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skerz
what would be the best lighting for a 36"x13"x24"tall mixed reef Aussi biotope.

TX5 Series Aquactinics 36" 5

Icecap 24" 4 Lamp T5 Retro Kit w/ 660 ballast

Icecap 36" 4 Lamp T5 Retro Kit w/ 660 ballast

36" Tek Light: 4-39W T5 High-Output Fixture

24" 4x24W Powermodule T5 High-Output Fixture

36" 2x39W Powermodule T5 High-Output Fixture

36" 4x39W Powermodule T5 High-Output Fixture

or I would be open to any other suggestions.

Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12078243#post12078243 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DazedandConfuse
Oops. That should have been TEK light! That's what happens when I post in the middle of the night!

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

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12079495#post12079495 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ihopss
Grim I have a tek 8x54w and my bulbs or
ati12k abs
uvl sa
ati b+(4)of this
ati pro color
uvl75/25 14k

How would you place these in the fixture.

BP
SA
Pro Color
BP
12K
BP
75/25
BP

 

[jfl14609]

I have a 90 gallon mixed reef with clams. this is a 4 foot tank but I already have 2 ice cap 430 ballast so I was thinking about using them to overdrive 6 3 foot bulbs staggerred whats your thoughts on this

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12080595#post12080595 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Frozn
Grim-

I think I have settled on the Aquactinic Constellation for my 90g.

I can get a good price on a new fixture and you say they are equal to the ATI fixture. I was having a hard time deciding between the two and then I found out I could get the Constellation at a good price.

Question: Bulbs- I have no clue. ATI and UVL seem to be the thing. Also I'm reading a Blue plus and tru actinic for dawn/dust.

What about the other 5 bulbs. What ones do I use? If you could me names with brands would be much appreciated Looking to keep sps (upper half more then likely) and would like to be able to keep clams in the sand.

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
UVL super actinic
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

Dont mess with the cheapy brand lamps. If you happen to end up with them and they work great but you get what you pay for and 10 bucks doesn't build a good T5 lamp.

Once again thank you, I see your very busy with all these questions. Your doing a super job.

I will be ordering my setup as soon as I know what bulbs to include hehe.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12081812#post12081812 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by harsh12ka4
Hi
grim
i currently have 2 nova extreme (4x54) total 8bulbs on standard 75 gallon with some zoos and mushrooms.

first question how high should i keep the lights?

and second will i be able to put clams and sps?

If the fixtures have splash shield you can set them right on the tank. If not about 4" above the water. If you keep the clams and SPS up on the rocks a ways they will be fine.

 

[DazedandConfuse]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12081906#post12081906 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

Thank you Grim! You're a sweetheart!

 

[harsh12ka4]

thanks grim

 

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12081821#post12081821 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I'd go with the 4 lamp Ice Cap normally driven retro using 3 Blue Plus and 1 Super Actinic lamp.

If you only have room for 2 do the Blue Plus.

Thanks for the response

 

[jfl14609]

do you think 6 36 inch bulbs staggerred over my 90 will be enough light for sps and a clam on the bottom if run off 2 ice cap 430s with tek reflectors and geisman bulbs?

 

[bakana]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12081789#post12081789 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Should be fine.

ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Aquablue

Thank you so much!

 

[fishyz]

I think its about time I switched over to t5's for my 90g. I plan to have mainly lps, and a clam or 2. I was thinking of going with the 6 bulb tek fixture, but the lack of cooling has kind of shyed me away from it. After reading some of the posts in this thread, I'm now leaning toward the Aquactinics TX5 fixture. Both systems are in my budget range (around $500). Do you think I will be better off in the long run by ordering the aquatinics over the tek? Is there an online source which you would recommend to purchase the aquatinics through? Also, what do you think of the Current USA Nova Extreme Pro comparred to the 2 listed above? Thanks in advance

 

[Fuzznutz]

Hey Grim...first of all, thank you for all the time you put in on the forum and with these lights. You are a valuable asset to the community.
My buddy has a 65g, looking to pick up the Tek 4 bulb light (getting a good price) and would like to know what bulb combo would be best for a softy/lps/easy sps (plating monti)? He likes a bluer look, but I want to make sure he has success with growth (he can alway just run actinics when he wants to veg out on just blue).

Again, THANKS!

 

[snaza]

Hi,

i have 4 x 6inch fans blowing air in at the back of my hood. i have room for 2 more. should i install the extra 2 and have them sucking air out?

thanks

 

[Fuzznutz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12084392#post12084392 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snaza
Hi,

i have 4 x 6inch fans blowing air in at the back of my hood. i have room for 2 more. should i install the extra 2 and have them sucking air out?

thanks

How is heat getting out of the hood now?

 

[snaza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12087022#post12087022 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fuzznutz
How is heat getting out of the hood now?

the top is vented.

 

[Fuzznutz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12087148#post12087148 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snaza
the top is vented.

Then it probably wouldn't hurt, but is probably not necessary. I would think putting them on the top would actually be better for flow dynamics.

 

[jefnalyssa]

Grim,
Thanks for all your efforts.

I plan on buying a 120 4x2x2. It is acrylic with clear euro bracing. Does the bracing weaken the light?I will definitley get the icecap 4ft VHO t5 retro. I will strart out with softies and lps. Since I'm new to keeping corals I'm not sure if and when i'll switch to sps. It would be nice to know I could keep some sps up high. Would that be enough light for them? My main question is what else should i get?

Should I get nothing
2 more normal driven t5s
2 more over driven t5s
4 more normal driven
4 more over driven

TIA,
Jeff

 

[coralnub]

My bulbs are due a replacement and I want to try out the fiji purples. I have an 8 x 39W fixture.

I'm thinking:

20k
actinic
purple
12k
purple
12k
actinic
20k

Would this work, or do I need more yellow?

 

[LostinTime]

Grim Reaper:

This may be a dumb question. But thought that i'd ask.

Do the reflectors actually help with the UV bulbs which have a reflector built in? It would on first glance it would help only if they are put in upside down.