The T5 Q&a Thread
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wharfrat48
Premium Member
Any suggestions on how to improve SPS coloration with T5 only lighting? I've had my 180 up and running for over a year and although I'm very happy with the growth of most of my SPS and other corals, the coloration seems to be lacking (especially compared to this month's T5 only, TOTM). I currently have 3 Blue +'s, 1 super Actinic, 1 GE daylight, 1 aquablue, and a GE300K. Green slimer not very green at all, purple tip milli not very purple tipped, most corals just not as deep a coloration as I would like. My orange monti cap is the only SPS I would consider a great colored coral. Any suggestion on how to achieve better coloration like seen in this months TOTM?
Thanks
Thanks
Jon
Got CaCO3...
Some what new to T5's and was interested in using them with my new tank upgrade. Moving from a 75g to a 250g (96" x 24" x 25"). Have always used MH's and have been happy, but what would I need to light the 250g with only T5 and be SPS dominated. Could I do it and reduce my heat and electricity or do I still need to subliment with MH?
BTW, I currenty have on hand (4) Advance T5 ballasts. Each one will drive (2) of 54W bulbs. Tank is also built into wall light fixture does not have to be pretty. Thanks so much,
Jon...........
BTW, I currenty have on hand (4) Advance T5 ballasts. Each one will drive (2) of 54W bulbs. Tank is also built into wall light fixture does not have to be pretty. Thanks so much,
Jon...........
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Re: T5
Re: T5
I think overdriven the 39 watt lamps are going to be brighter. The 54 watt lamps are a lot brighter. The 39 watt lamps are pushed to over 60 on the ice cap. The 60" ones will work but you will have about a foot at each end of the tank dimly lit. With the 39 watt lamps you can space them apart a bit at the center to balance the light across the length of the tank.
Ice Cap reflectors are a lot better.
Re: T5
I think overdriven the 39 watt lamps are going to be brighter. The 54 watt lamps are a lot brighter. The 39 watt lamps are pushed to over 60 on the ice cap. The 60" ones will work but you will have about a foot at each end of the tank dimly lit. With the 39 watt lamps you can space them apart a bit at the center to balance the light across the length of the tank.
Ice Cap reflectors are a lot better.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
If the lamps are over a year old its time for a change. Instead of the GE 6500K and the 3000K try two UVL aquasuns. I would check with the guy with the TOTM to see if he is supplimenting with anything. Sometimes things besides light affects the color.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
I spose 8 rows of 2x54 watt lamps to cover the length will do. I would get 2 8x54 Ice Cap retrofits from reefgeek, the overdriven VHO version with Ice Cap ballasts but have them omitt 2 ballasts and you can use the ones you have for those lamps. That will leave you with 4 rows regularly driven and 4 overdriven.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
T5's should last around a year and produce less heat than PC lamps.
mojo~
Skimmer Guy
Just thought aI would post some pics of my current setup. Thank to everyone and grim for the help. I now have a some extra bulbs to play with color a bit too. I had to turn the light down on m camera so you could see the bulb color. The icecap reflectors make a big difference . Thanks again...
Ati Blue +
ATI Aquablue special
UVL SuperActinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI blue special
BLUE +
and taking a normal picture.
Ati Blue +
ATI Aquablue special
UVL SuperActinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI blue special
BLUE +
and taking a normal picture.
My brother in law decided to keep the lights so know I think I'll be ordering the tek lights most probably.
Also for forgot to ask about electricity, do this t5's consume less than the pc's. Asking because long time ago I had a huge bill and I'm a bit worry about this.
Actually at that time I was running a chiller too, but anyway the bill is getting higher every month and I want to know what to expect.
Trying to do it the right way without spending a fortune for now.
Thansk again for the help.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
65 watts of PC lamp covers about 22" in length. 54 watts of T5 covers 46.5" and throws more light into the tank with a good reflector. You might say they are a little more efficient 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12977804#post12977804 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
65 watts of PC lamp covers about 22" in length. 54 watts of T5 covers 46.5" and throws more light into the tank with a good reflector. You might say they are a little more efficient
You mentioned to get something with a good reflector, I'm trying to decide between you recommendations, tek or nova extreme pro, which one has better reflectors if any?
Any other suggestion on T5 lights. I guess I will have to spend now around $500 in lights if I want to do it the right way.
Again thanks for the help.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Aquactinics TX5 would be best in your price range followed by the Tek then the Nova Pro
What do you thimk about this one?
http://saltycritter.com/lighting/aquactinics/aquactinics-tx5-t5.htm
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Jump on it!!!! The new reflectors are a tad better but the difference isn't huge. SHould be fine for your tank.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Front
Blue Plus or Actinic Plus
UVL Super Actinic or ATI Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus or Actinic Plus
Aquablue (ATI or Giesemann brand)
Blue Plus or Actinic Plus
UVL Super Actinic or ATI Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus or Actinic Plus
Aquablue (ATI or Giesemann brand)
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