The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13165221#post13165221 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CoralKing
Would the 7x54w Aquactinics Constellation (with miro silver reflectors) be equivalent to the ATI 6x54w Powermodule in terms of overall PAR? (Assuming the same bulb combinations were used)

Be close one way or the other. I spect the Constellation has a small advantage,

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13165697#post13165697 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snaza
Hi Grim,

I got an $80 solar max 4x24w unit for my new nano. sinces its only 24x8x8 i figure it will work fine. Im using the stock chinese 3 x actinic and 1 x 10k and the thing is putting out 600 PAR at the water level (about 7 inch above). I was seriously shocked as my 48 inch IC SLR do about the same. It has an acrylic sheild which doesnt block any output but after running about 10 mins the PAR drop to about 500. I understand this is because of the heat so where should i mount some small fans. I could mount some on top to pull the air out or mount them in the ends which would be blowing across the ballasts. The bulbs and ballast are only separated by the reflectors.

thanks

Blow the air in through one of the ends. You could probably use one of the azoo clamp on fan arrays to so it.

When you do it try installing the lamps with the label ends of the lamps all at one side and then check the output after it has ran a half hour or so. Then switch them so the labels are at the other end and see which way gets you the best output.

 

[ReefingBuddha]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13166589#post13166589 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
If you can afford it they are a cool toy, Not really sure they have a real practical advantage but then again since when do we have a reef tank for practibility's sake

Thanks for taking the time to answer all of our questions. I know it must get old after a while but its truly appreciated.

Now just one last question .

I contacted the dealer here in the UK with my system specs and he things that my corals (mostly SPS) may have trouble adjusting to the decrease in light as I am currently use 2x 400w MH and a 80w T5 on my setup. How do you feel about the change in lighting? Do you agree?

Thanks again!

 

[youngtimothy]

thanks, you the man

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13165929#post13165929 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eggiel
Hi Grim

How do you compare UVL t5 lights to ATI

Colors,PAR,spectrum

UVL's are nice but they really don't have close enough spectrum to the ATI's at this point to try to compare the two except for the actinics. The UVL has a PAR advantage but the look I can't really tell apart

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13166033#post13166033 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snaza
Oh sorry 1 more Question,

I like how fiji and pro colour bulbs bring out reds but i think its to much for my new 4 bulb fixture. do aqua suns bring out reds and pinks?

thanks

Yes, the aquasun will help with reds, pinks and purple

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13166670#post13166670 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thirschmann
Thanks for taking the time to answer all of our questions. I know it must get old after a while but its truly appreciated.

Now just one last question .

I contacted the dealer here in the UK with my system specs and he things that my corals (mostly SPS) may have trouble adjusting to the decrease in light as I am currently use 2x 400w MH and a 80w T5 on my setup. How do you feel about the change in lighting? Do you agree?

Thanks again!

Ewwww, 36" tall tank. Yep they are right. You came upon a class dealer there who was willing to give up a sale for the sake of their customer and your critters, try to throw some business their way and spread the word.

 

[jayreef1213]

Hey grimm could you give me your perspective on what bulbs and colors I should use for my 95 wave the light is 8x54watt I house a mixed reef. Thanks

 

[ReefingBuddha]

great to hear... I surely will.

Thanks again Grim.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13167056#post13167056 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jayreef1213
Hey grimm could you give me your perspective on what bulbs and colors I should use for my 95 wave the light is 8x54watt I house a mixed reef. Thanks

Front
Blue Plus
Suer Actinic
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
ATI Aquablue
Super Actinic
Blue Plus

 

[serum153]

Thinking about lighting the new oceanic with dimensions. 48x36x27. I currently have an icecap 660 retro with 4 bulbs and was hoping that another retro would be ok being as both will be overdriven. What do you think would light this tank good enough Grim? Mainly lps, but I feel the sps itch coming in a year or so.

 

[mrpet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13166571#post13166571 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Not sure if we are talking 12 rows or 6 rows of 2 lamps each but try using pro color in place of the actinics and see what you think. Having the red spectrum does a lot for the colors while actinic doesn't make a huge difference when you have blue pluses in the mix.

yes its 12 rows of 80w lamps will try a couple of pro colors thanks grimm...

 

[crypul]

Hi Grim - I think it is time to change out my bulbs because my corals are all starting to look a little dull and washed out. I have the TEK 6X54 fixture. What bulb combination would you recommend to get the best coral color?

Thanks!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13167708#post13167708 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by serum153
Thinking about lighting the new oceanic with dimensions. 48x36x27. I currently have an icecap 660 retro with 4 bulbs and was hoping that another retro would be ok being as both will be overdriven. What do you think would light this tank good enough Grim? Mainly lps, but I feel the sps itch coming in a year or so.

If you get serious about SPS you may need to add more lamps down the line

For now do 4 Blue Plus, 2 Aquasun and 2 Super Actinic lamps

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13168336#post13168336 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by crypul
Hi Grim - I think it is time to change out my bulbs because my corals are all starting to look a little dull and washed out. I have the TEK 6X54 fixture. What bulb combination would you recommend to get the best coral color?

Thanks!

Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus

 

[Labman48076]

Grim thanks my debate is over I went with KZ Korallen-Zucht they were on sale so I could resist. hopefully I will be happy with them.

6 of the kz 10,000 k
4 of the kz 14,000k
4 of the kz fiji purple

 

[serum153]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13170270#post13170270 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
If you get serious about SPS you may need to add more lamps down the line

For now do 4 Blue Plus, 2 Aquasun and 2 Super Actinic lamps

Thanks Grim...What would be ideal in your opinion if I stay with retro t5's?

 

[hpglow]

Looking at ballasts is there nothing that compares to an icecap ballast?

I was looking at the fulham workhorse ballasts and looking at overdiving using their vho wiring diagram. What are your thoughts on this?

The project I am working on is for a 72" 125gal tank that has been up for over a year. Right now I am planning for there to be 10 lamps, 2 columns of 5 36" lamps. What lamp setup would you reccomend to accheave a color simular to 14k pheonix 250w mh lamps?

 

[Zestay]

hey grim!
i already have 4x54 watt t5ho
and might grab another 4 for my 90 gallon tank
the bulbs i already have are
UVL super actinic
UVL super actinic
Geisiemen aquablue
geisiemen blue+

if i were to get another kit would you say go with 2x VHO t5 ( icecap ) or try and squeeze 4 more regular t5hos ? money is an issue can only grab one of the 2 options

and which bulbs would you reccomend? im thinking about a pro color.

also
do you feel theres a diffrence between ATI bulbs and geisiemen bulbs? of the same caliber?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13170346#post13170346 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by serum153
Thanks Grim...What would be ideal in your opinion if I stay with retro t5's?

12x54 Ice Cap t5 VHO (overdriven) retrofit system/