The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: retro for 72"

Re: retro for 72"

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12236466#post12236466 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beba
I'm setting up new 150g (72x18x29 inch) mixed reef

I would like to get this retrofit 4x (4x36" IceCap 660)
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...duct_Code=ICE-T5-4X36R&Category_Code=IcecapT5

And also what would be the best bulb configuration?

This one ?
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
UVL Aquasun
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus


I would like to have my tank crispy white and have nice coral color.

Thanks for help

Should be fine (assuming you mean 3x 4x54 retros) except for lamps

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquasun
Aquablue

 

[pledosophy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12236437#post12236437 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Get the Ice Cap. If you want sps and such get the VHO version with the Ice Cap ballast. Otherwise the HO with the regulart T5 ballasts is fine.

Thank You.

 

[creepdogg]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12236391#post12236391 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
OOne more ballast. Get a UVL Aquasun and a ATI Aquablue for lamps

Thanks for the quick response, however could I run the 6 bulb set up with my 2 existing IC 430's ? And if so what wattage bulbs would I be using? I dont fully understand the difference between standard and overdriven ballasts and bulbs. Sorry for my ignorance. I will gladly pick up another ballast if its completely necessary.

 

[beba]

Re: Re: retro for 72"

Re: Re: retro for 72"

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12236802#post12236802 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Should be fine (assuming you mean 3x 4x54 retros) except for lamps

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquasun
Aquablue

sorry, no I mean 3x (4x36 inch)
I don't have a room for 3x (4x54 inch) I have only 18 inch tank

 

[jennmac415]

"If it aint broke don't fix it. You should be fine"


thanks for the response, Grim...let me clarify something... this cobo just went into the fixture yesterday...before that I had a ATI Aquablue Special in place of the Sfilogi Actinic...soooo... all the good growth and color of the corals was with the other combo...BUT I really didn't like the color of that combo sooooo I decided to try another actinic to see if I liked it with 2 actinics and no Aquablue...

What I need to know is with no Aquablue and the addition of another actinic bulb will THIS NEW combo be enough light???

 

[jennmac415]

"If it aint broke don't fix it. You should be fine"


thanks for the response, Grim...let me clarify something... this combo just went into the fixture yesterday...before that I had a ATI Aquablue Special in place of the Sfilogi Actinic...soooo... all the good growth and color of the corals was with the other combo...BUT I really didn't like the color of that combo sooooo I decided to try another actinic to see if I liked it with 2 actinics and no Aquablue...

What I need to know is with no Aquablue and the addition of another actinic bulb will THIS NEW combo be enough light???

 

[shoprat001]

Thanks Grim. I should tell them at Aquactinics that you talked me into the 72" constellation, maybe they'll start giving you some kind of kickback for all the referrals you give them.

I believe there are 7 rows of lighting in the fixture. If I wanted to include a Figi Purple how should I arrange my lighting?

Norm

 

[jennmac415]

you will love the Constellation... that is what I have and I am very happy with it and my corals are too! Be sure and post a pic when you get it up and running.

 

[lubyone1]

Hey Grim,

Below is what you advised me to do a while back and I've decided to run 4 80watt bulbs instead of 8 39watt bulbs.

Since my tank is viewable from three sides, I've left about 4-5" empty on each end consequently convincing me to go with the 60" bulbs. This will save me considerable cost up front and down the road in bulb replacement.

My question is what bulb to replace the aquasun with since they don't make a 60" aquasun.

I've got the two VHOs and was planning to order two blue plus, an aquablue and whatever else you recommend!

I was thinking that you'd probably recommend either a midday bulb or a pro color. If you'd change the other 3 t5 bulbs that's fine too as I haven't placed my reefgeek order yet.

Thanks,

Brian

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by lubyone1
Hello,

I'm setting up a new 125 gallon (72x18x23) in the next few weeks/months and I'm looking for some lighting advice. I know I want to go the T-5 route as we already have a moisture problem in the house (3 halides will only make this worse).

Right now I currently run 6 VHOs off 2 660 ballasts on my 75 so utlizing these ballasts would be best. I'm fairly certain I want to go to a retro fit canopy on my 125.

How many bulbs do you think I'll be able to fit over my tank (2 rows of 6)? Should I go all t-5 or should I use 2 72" VHOs for supplementation?

Also, which bulbs would you recommend. I was thinking the V-HO bulbs but have no clue what combination to get.

Thanks in advance for your help!

edit: I should mention I want to go SPS/LPS!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Order an 8 x39 watt Ice Cap Retro MINUS BALLASTS from reefgeek. Then grab a cheap VHO ballast to run 1 VHO Actinic

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
VHO Actinic
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

If you want to use 2 VHO's
Front
Blue Plus
VHO Actinic
Aquasun
VHO Actinic
Aquablue
Blue Plus

The Aquablue is nearly white and the Aquasun is slightly pink so the look isn't going to be nearly as blue as you might think.


__________________
I love the smell of horse manure - Bluerug

Hobby Experience: Long enough to know better
Current Tanks: 105 gallon 6x54 T5 Lighting Tunze 9010 Skimmer 2 Korillia 4, 1 Korillia 3 CPR Aquafuge
Interests: 5 1/4%

 

[ooja3k]

Grim,

I just ordered a 36" Aquactinics TX5 for my 30long reef.

With this fixture will I be able to keep sps/clams??? How low in the tank could I keep them?? The tank is 18" deep.

Thanks in advance!

Im going to be running this bulb combo:

ATI Blue +
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue +
ATI Aquablue

I should get a decent amount of PAR out of these lights... Right??



Also,

I am switching from a 4x39 watt Nova Extreme fixture. Will I have to acclimate my livestock to the new lighting???

 

[Saldarya]

T5 thoughts on a 36" Deep tank

T5 thoughts on a 36" Deep tank

Grim,

Tank Dimensions are 72"x36"(w)x24"(tall)

Tank is full blown SPS tank with a few Acans/Clams along the bottom.

I am used to running Radiums on PFO HQI Ballasts. (A fairly crips/blue color)

I am looking to go to T5's and am considering (2) 72" Constellation fixtures.

First: I believe the amount of light will be adequate, but please confirm.

Secondly, being a Old Dog MH die hard, I am at a loss of bulb selection and would appreciate any feedback on bulbs that would come close to the color produced by the Radiums.

Thanks much for the feedback!!

 

[jkst06]

Looking for some advice on a t5 setup for a 64 gal (36x18x24). My plans are to have some softies, LPS and maybe a few SPS and a clam but very little sps.

I'm looking at the Aquactinic tx5. What would be the best bulbs?

Thanks

 

[pjr300]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12240621#post12240621 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lubyone1
Hey Grim,

Below is what you advised me to do a while back and I've decided to run 4 80watt bulbs instead of 8 39watt bulbs.

Since my tank is viewable from three sides, I've left about 4-5" empty on each end consequently convincing me to go with the 60" bulbs. This will save me considerable cost up front and down the road in bulb replacement. ......

Tagging on.... does anyone know what retailer(s) sell a 60" fixture or retro?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12237880#post12237880 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by creepdogg
Thanks for the quick response, however could I run the 6 bulb set up with my 2 existing IC 430's ? And if so what wattage bulbs would I be using? I dont fully understand the difference between standard and overdriven ballasts and bulbs. Sorry for my ignorance. I will gladly pick up another ballast if its completely necessary.

430 can only run 2 T5 lamps. The wattage of the lamp depends on the length. The IC ballast runs a 48" 54 watt lamp around 80 watts.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12238341#post12238341 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jennmac415
"If it aint broke don't fix it. You should be fine"


thanks for the response, Grim...let me clarify something... this cobo just went into the fixture yesterday...before that I had a ATI Aquablue Special in place of the Sfilogi Actinic...soooo... all the good growth and color of the corals was with the other combo...BUT I really didn't like the color of that combo sooooo I decided to try another actinic to see if I liked it with 2 actinics and no Aquablue...

What I need to know is with no Aquablue and the addition of another actinic bulb will THIS NEW combo be enough light???

Dunno, if it looks good run it a while and let us know.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12239302#post12239302 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shoprat001
Thanks Grim. I should tell them at Aquactinics that you talked me into the 72" constellation, maybe they'll start giving you some kind of kickback for all the referrals you give them.

I believe there are 7 rows of lighting in the fixture. If I wanted to include a Figi Purple how should I arrange my lighting?

Norm

Tom's a tight wad, NO DISCOUNT I did get something off the Constellation I bought from them. I was PAR testing it and rather than paying to ship it back and selling it as a demo or refurb he knocked like 40 bux off.

Just mix the lighting up. Put a blue in front and keep the purple towards the center.

The circuits are

Front
1 fan control
2 no fan, should be last on first off
3. Fan 2 control good for dusk/dawn
1
2
3
1

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Midday. Pro Color doesn't have enough PAR

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12240621#post12240621 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lubyone1
Hey Grim,

Below is what you advised me to do a while back and I've decided to run 4 80watt bulbs instead of 8 39watt bulbs.

Since my tank is viewable from three sides, I've left about 4-5" empty on each end consequently convincing me to go with the 60" bulbs. This will save me considerable cost up front and down the road in bulb replacement.

My question is what bulb to replace the aquasun with since they don't make a 60" aquasun.

I've got the two VHOs and was planning to order two blue plus, an aquablue and whatever else you recommend!

I was thinking that you'd probably recommend either a midday bulb or a pro color. If you'd change the other 3 t5 bulbs that's fine too as I haven't placed my reefgeek order yet.

Thanks,

Brian

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by lubyone1
Hello,

I'm setting up a new 125 gallon (72x18x23) in the next few weeks/months and I'm looking for some lighting advice. I know I want to go the T-5 route as we already have a moisture problem in the house (3 halides will only make this worse).

Right now I currently run 6 VHOs off 2 660 ballasts on my 75 so utlizing these ballasts would be best. I'm fairly certain I want to go to a retro fit canopy on my 125.

How many bulbs do you think I'll be able to fit over my tank (2 rows of 6)? Should I go all t-5 or should I use 2 72" VHOs for supplementation?

Also, which bulbs would you recommend. I was thinking the V-HO bulbs but have no clue what combination to get.

Thanks in advance for your help!

edit: I should mention I want to go SPS/LPS!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Order an 8 x39 watt Ice Cap Retro MINUS BALLASTS from reefgeek. Then grab a cheap VHO ballast to run 1 VHO Actinic

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
VHO Actinic
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

If you want to use 2 VHO's
Front
Blue Plus
VHO Actinic
Aquasun
VHO Actinic
Aquablue
Blue Plus

The Aquablue is nearly white and the Aquasun is slightly pink so the look isn't going to be nearly as blue as you might think.


__________________
I love the smell of horse manure - Bluerug

Hobby Experience: Long enough to know better
Current Tanks: 105 gallon 6x54 T5 Lighting Tunze 9010 Skimmer 2 Korillia 4, 1 Korillia 3 CPR Aquafuge
Interests: 5 1/4%

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12241330#post12241330 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ooja3k
Grim,

I just ordered a 36" Aquactinics TX5 for my 30long reef.

With this fixture will I be able to keep sps/clams??? How low in the tank could I keep them?? The tank is 18" deep.

Thanks in advance!

Im going to be running this bulb combo:

ATI Blue +
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue +
ATI Aquablue

I should get a decent amount of PAR out of these lights... Right??



Also,

I am switching from a 4x39 watt Nova Extreme fixture. Will I have to acclimate my livestock to the new lighting???

You should be ducky swell for PAR pretty much to the bottom. I would start the 3 lamp main lights out at maybe 3 hgours a day with the dusk dawn at 12. Add an hour a week to the mains until its where you want it.

 

[ooja3k]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12250758#post12250758 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
You should be ducky swell for PAR pretty much to the bottom. I would start the 3 lamp main lights out at maybe 3 hgours a day with the dusk dawn at 12. Add an hour a week to the mains until its where you want it.

Ducky swell meaning I can keep pretty much anything I want anywhere in the tank??

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: T5 thoughts on a 36" Deep tank

Re: T5 thoughts on a 36" Deep tank

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12241824#post12241824 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Saldarya
Grim,

Tank Dimensions are 72"x36"(w)x24"(tall)

Tank is full blown SPS tank with a few Acans/Clams along the bottom.

I am used to running Radiums on PFO HQI Ballasts. (A fairly crips/blue color)

I am looking to go to T5's and am considering (2) 72" Constellation fixtures.

First: I believe the amount of light will be adequate, but please confirm.

Secondly, being a Old Dog MH die hard, I am at a loss of bulb selection and would appreciate any feedback on bulbs that would come close to the color produced by the Radiums.

Thanks much for the feedback!!

If you run the fixtures right on the tank you might even see an increase in PAR.

For lamps I would try both fixtures

Front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus

Try to get some before and after pics. I'd be interested to see how close this is.