The T5 Q&a Thread

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Hey Grim,
I am planning on implementing the GHL I Bars into my system.
I like them as they are two bulb units with dimmable ballasts and that I can put the Ice Cap reflectors in them.
The only drawback they have is that they do not come with fans.

Here is a pic:
c483036b751c770d18895b02948d3e0e.jpg



Do you have any recommendations on which fans I should use to cool the bulbs and placement etc.?

Thanks,
Sean
 
Finally picked my new Fixture, Need help with bulb selection

Finally picked my new Fixture, Need help with bulb selection

I finally decided to buy a TEK T5 HO fixture to go over my standard size 75 Gal Reef tank. I been looking at ReefGeek and will probably order from there. I will buy either the 48" 6 or 8 bulb fixture w/bulbs (leaning towrds the 8). My questions are:

The writeup for the fixture says you can choose any bulb combination you want when ordering. Does any one know if this option is presented to you when you place the order. I have not seen anyway of selecting my bulb choice before clicking to place the order. This will be my first order from reefgeek and Im just looking for some heads up on this matter.

Second, I have seen all the different bulb combos people use in this thread. Reefgeek offers about 15 different bulbs. Could some one please tell me what bulb types I should get for both the 6 and 8 bulb configuration and which order they should be in.

This is my first time trying customize my bulb selection and I don't know what Im doing and I have no idea on the pros/cons of the different bulb types. Any help would be appreciated. Im looking for a lighting combo that will pop like some of the photos posted on this thread. I plan on a mixed reef w/softies, LPS, SPS, fish and liverock.
Thanks in advance.
 
Mr. Grim Reefer,

Newbie reefer here. We're wanting to keep some fish along with LPS and some SPS. We're looking at a 180 RR tank and initially were considering MH lighting but the more I hear about T5 lighting, the energy savings, etc.. I'm very interested in going this route instead.

The tank is 6'X2'X2'. What T5 lighting setup would work best for what we're considering? I'd be interested in hearing about a retrofit option as well as a fixture.

Thanks in advance. Appreciate the help.
 
What's your budget? 6 feet length tanks are sort of difficult - you could do 2 sets of 3 foot fixtures/retrofits or a 4 foot fixture/retrofit with the idea that the majority of the corals would be in the center of the tank.
 
I know they make for instance the Aquactinics Constellation in a 72" fixture but will that work for what we want to do and then what bulbs do you get in it if it will work?

Don't retrofit applications come in 72". What is this TEK many have mentioned?

As far as budget goes, I want something that will work and I won't feel the need to upgrade in the near future. If I go T5, I want to make sure that whatever I buy will not make me wish I had gone MH instead. I figure most anyway you look at it, a good lighting system for a 180 will cost me at least a grand? Curious for other options but hope the Grim reefer will repsond to my original post when he has a chance.
 
I have the 72" Constellation over my 180 right now and it works very well.

I am changing to a new tank and I am almost sad to get rid of it lol.
 
I have the Constellation over my 180 gallon tank also and I really love it! I never see myself going back to halides. The colors and growth I am getting in all of my corals isamazing , plus my tank temp never varies more than a degree or so...And I KNOW it is using less electricity. I also really love the fact that you can select bulbs with many different spectrums and colors to customize your tank to your own liking...and STILL get awesome colors and growth!
 
Sean and Jenn, Do you have the 14 or 7 bulb fixture?

Sean, Will you be selling your fixture. PM me if you are.

Still looking to find out what the TEK is?
 
Hey Grim, I have a 65 AGA (36x18x24) with some LPS and a few SPS now. I am running a Nova extreme 4X39 with the stock bulbs and also running my original 2 bulb T8 with Power Glo bulbs and 2 Power Bright LED that are fit in between the T8 bulbs. Do you think is enough light for a clam and what bulbs would you recommend for replacements? Thank you
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12468588#post12468588 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bmwaaron
Hey Grim,
I am using 3 400w MH Radium 2 Vho Super Actinic and I have 4 39w T5s for some extra pop. What bulb would you recomend if you were using this setup over a 6X2X2 tank?
I was thinking either ATI power color or the Fiji purple.
What do you think would give me more pop over a sps tank.
Click to expand...

Pro Color is going to add some red which will help. I'd maybe do 2 of those and a couple Blue Plus or UVL 75/25. Blue Plus will help if you want more blue and the 75/25 adds some actinic with a little daylight spectrum.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12468983#post12468983 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jay-sun
Hey Grim or anyone that can help,
I am setting up an Oceanic 58 gallon tank 36"LX18"WX21"H and am going to use the Aquactinics TX5 T5 fixture. My question is will this light be enough to support a mixed reef with clams and SPS? What bulbs should I use? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanx, Jason
Click to expand...

Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquablue

Yes on the clams and SPS as long as the fixture is sat right on the tank.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12469233#post12469233 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SeanT
Hey Grim,
I am planning on implementing the GHL I Bars into my system.
I like them as they are two bulb units with dimmable ballasts and that I can put the Ice Cap reflectors in them.
The only drawback they have is that they do not come with fans.

Here is a pic:
c483036b751c770d18895b02948d3e0e.jpg



Do you have any recommendations on which fans I should use to cool the bulbs and placement etc.?

Thanks,
Sean
Click to expand...

You really just need mild air movement with good ventlation to keep the lamps in range. just even airflow will do the trick.
 
Re: Finally picked my new Fixture, Need help with bulb selection

Re: Finally picked my new Fixture, Need help with bulb selection

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12469813#post12469813 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by keeperofdareef
I finally decided to buy a TEK T5 HO fixture to go over my standard size 75 Gal Reef tank. I been looking at ReefGeek and will probably order from there. I will buy either the 48" 6 or 8 bulb fixture w/bulbs (leaning towrds the 8). My questions are:

The writeup for the fixture says you can choose any bulb combination you want when ordering. Does any one know if this option is presented to you when you place the order. I have not seen anyway of selecting my bulb choice before clicking to place the order. This will be my first order from reefgeek and Im just looking for some heads up on this matter.

Second, I have seen all the different bulb combos people use in this thread. Reefgeek offers about 15 different bulbs. Could some one please tell me what bulb types I should get for both the 6 and 8 bulb configuration and which order they should be in.

This is my first time trying customize my bulb selection and I don't know what Im doing and I have no idea on the pros/cons of the different bulb types. Any help would be appreciated. Im looking for a lighting combo that will pop like some of the photos posted on this thread. I plan on a mixed reef w/softies, LPS, SPS, fish and liverock.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

When you add the fixture to your cart a window will be below where you can choose lamps.

For 8 lamps get

4 ATI Blue Plus
1 UVL Super Actinic
1 UVL Aquasun
1 GE 6500K Daylight
1 ATI Pro Color
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12469888#post12469888 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by KCMO Reefer
Mr. Grim Reefer,

Newbie reefer here. We're wanting to keep some fish along with LPS and some SPS. We're looking at a 180 RR tank and initially were considering MH lighting but the more I hear about T5 lighting, the energy savings, etc.. I'm very interested in going this route instead.

The tank is 6'X2'X2'. What T5 lighting setup would work best for what we're considering? I'd be interested in hearing about a retrofit option as well as a fixture.

Thanks in advance. Appreciate the help.
Click to expand...

Aquactinics Constellation or a 12x39 watt Ice Cap VHO T5 retro. Maybe a 16 lamp retro.
 
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