The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13376171#post13376171 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by KRASHPD
Hey Grim,

I saw you recommend this setup on another 10 bulb set and wanted to make sure this would look the best on a 48" 10 X 54w powermodule as well before I order them. I like the 14k Phoenix bulb look with a decent amount of blue. Tank is an Elos 160XL that is 32" wide so I need a larger T5 setup. The bulbs you recommended before are:

Front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aqualue
UVL Super Actinic
GE 6500K Daylight OD
ATI Pro Color
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight OD
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

Would that be the setup you would recommend for the Powermodule as well?

Thanks!

J

Yep, PICTURES when it done!!!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: 4 ft 120

Re: 4 ft 120

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13377166#post13377166 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vlepouce
Hi Grim,

Have a few questions. I just ordered a Sfiligoi 12 x 54 for my tank with it wired to turn on the bulbs in this grouping:

Front
1 Ballast A
2 Ballast B
3 Ballast C
4 Ballast A
5 Ballast C
6 Ballast B
7 Ballast B
8 Ballast C
9 Ballast A
10 Ballast C
11 Ballast B
12 Ballast A

What bulbs in what order in order to give me a Dawn/Dusk Morning/Evening and Midday lighting scheme?

Looking to do SPS and Clams on the sand. Want to maximize color and growth.

Thanks for all of the help.

Vic

First off make sure the fixture has the cooling, they have crap output without it.

1 Ballast A Blue Plus
2 Ballast B Aquablue
3 Ballast C Aquasun
4 Ballast A Super Actinic
5 Ballast C GE 6500K Daylight
6 Ballast B Blue Plus
7 Ballast B Aquablue
8 Ballast C Aquasun
9 Ballast A Super Actinic
10 Ballast C GE Daylight
11 Ballast B Aquablue
12 Ballast A Blue plus

Order an extra Aquablue and Blue Plus lamp, then you can play and have a spare in case one goes bad. Maybe an extra GE too, they are cheap.

Just turn the ballasts on in order, A, B, and C. They actually put some thought into the ballast configuration.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13377924#post13377924 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SSpiro
Have to be honest; not overly excited about the look.

What if I were to stagger them, so there weren't any dark spots? Would that give me problems?

The dark corners were not as pronounce in real life as they look in the pic. Look at the sand.

But yes, staggering the lamps even a few inches each way would completly elininate the dark areas, You could wire up the lights just sitting on top of the tank and take a reas world look at how well the edges will be lit. Make sure you sit the lamps on something to raise them to the height they will be inside the canopy. The setup in the picture had the lamps mounted very low. within about an inch of the top of the tank. Having them higher would have spread the light better.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13378575#post13378575 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BullDZR
He Grim,

I am getting ready to start my 20L nano and was planning on using T5's The tank is 30"X12"X12"

I keep mostly LPS.

Would you recommend 4 or 6 bulbs, and what bulbs would you recommend in what order. I would like to keep the color look somewhere between 14K and 20K

Thanks for you help!!! You really should be paid for what you do here on the boards.

Wayne

4 will do

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun or GE Daylight
Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13381371#post13381371 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gone_postal
Grim - first off thanks for your amazing help!!

I have a standard 55g w/ a 4x54W t5 fixture. It came w/ no name cheapo bulbs - 2 actinic, 2 10k daylights. Bulbs 1 & 3 are on one switch, bulbs 2 & 4 are on the other. I'm only running zoas, polyps, open brain at the moment, but would like to try an SPS or clam down the road if possible. The tank looks good w/ just actinics - colors pop, but noticeably blue. Once the daylights come on though, it is completely ugly - everything looks dull, no color, etc. They completely wash out the actinics. So, what do you suggest? I pulled these two from previous recommendations earlier in this thread, but not sure if they'll work for me.

Blue +
Super Actinic
10k AquaSun
Blue +

or

Blue +
75/25
AquaSun
Blue+

Will the first be a lot bluer than the second? How will PAR compare between the two for what I'd like to keep? Thanks again.

If you want a clam do this

Front
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Aquasun
Blue Plus

I am assuming you have a bargin bin fixture here. If its the Tek or better you could do the actinic in place of the aquablue but if not you need the extra PAR>

 

[KRASHPD]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13381413#post13381413 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Yep, PICTURES when it done!!!

Thanks Grimm,

I'm sorry but I forgot to ask. With a tank that is 32" wide and the Powermodule being 22" wide, how far off the water would you mount the fixture? It is the 48" 10 X 54w T5 fixture. I was thinking that the bulbs should be 8" to 12" off the water. I will post pictures of it when it gets in and mounted over the tank.

Thanks,

J

 

[Gravesj1s]

Grim Reefer-
Just wondering if you or anyone else have any insight on the newly available aquatinics reflectors swapped in a nova extreme fixture.
Without testing what kind of par would you expect ?
So far ive been on waitlist for a ATI powermodule and it looks like its going to be atleast another month,I was thinking about trying out the NEP with aquatinics reflectors and would actully be willing to send the unit to you for testing if interested. All shipping will be on me .That is if you feel this mod would or could be a candidate for comparison to the higher end fixtures.
Thanks again for all your time and efforts in this forum.
-Graves

 

[BullDZR]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13381562#post13381562 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
4 will do

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun or GE Daylight
Blue Plus

Thanks Grim, your DA MAN

 

[jeepboy_90]

Grim,

Two more questions from me.

I have a 60g (48x15x18) I am going to be getting a 4X54W retro kit for it. Shrooms,zoas,sps,lps,etc.

1) Is TEK or Icecap pretty close or is one better than another?

2) Should I go HO or VHO? VHO is about $100 more will fans, is it worth it.

 

[LisBorden]

Hi Grim

A few months ago, I posted a question about bulb combinations for 55gl tank that would predominantly house LPS and softies with the potential for some SPS later on and my options with Giesemann and URI. At the time you recommended Gmann Actinic Plus and URL AquaSun. I went with your suggestions and couldn't be happier. Thank you so much for your help on that.

I am now planning to move the 55gl into a 90gl and am in need of your help again. I picked up a IC660 ballast and wiring harness and, as I understand it, can run 4 T5s on that. So in addition to the 4 bulbs I already have, what bulbs should I now get and in what configuration? I am still keeping mostly softies, LPS and a SPS but I do want a clam at some point down the road. I don't want anything too blue or pink or washed out. There was a pic posted by fijiblue in this thread about half way down the 1st page. That's the look I am after. How do I achieve that in either 6 or 8 bulb combination? Thanks again in advance

Lis

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13382624#post13382624 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by KRASHPD
Thanks Grimm,

I'm sorry but I forgot to ask. With a tank that is 32" wide and the Powermodule being 22" wide, how far off the water would you mount the fixture? It is the 48" 10 X 54w T5 fixture. I was thinking that the bulbs should be 8" to 12" off the water. I will post pictures of it when it gets in and mounted over the tank.

Thanks,

J

Thats one of them things you will have to setup and decide what looks good to you but i would say you are in the ballpark.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13382695#post13382695 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gravesj1s
Grim Reefer-
Just wondering if you or anyone else have any insight on the newly available aquatinics reflectors swapped in a nova extreme fixture.
Without testing what kind of par would you expect ?
So far ive been on waitlist for a ATI powermodule and it looks like its going to be atleast another month,I was thinking about trying out the NEP with aquatinics reflectors and would actully be willing to send the unit to you for testing if interested. All shipping will be on me .That is if you feel this mod would or could be a candidate for comparison to the higher end fixtures.
Thanks again for all your time and efforts in this forum.
-Graves

I would love to try it BUT, assuming it worked and you got a decent increase you are driving the price of the fixture up quite a bit. Weigh out the cost difference between that and just buying like an Aquactinics TX5 or even a Tek with external fan and if you still want to try it I would be pleased and proud to retro it and get the before and after numbers.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13383066#post13383066 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeepboy_90
Grim,

Two more questions from me.

I have a 60g (48x15x18) I am going to be getting a 4X54W retro kit for it. Shrooms,zoas,sps,lps,etc.

1) Is TEK or Icecap pretty close or is one better than another?

2) Should I go HO or VHO? VHO is about $100 more will fans, is it worth it.

Do the normally driven Ice Cap retro and use fans. At 18" there isn't a huge difference between the two except the Ice Cap reflectors aren't so wide.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13383510#post13383510 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LisBorden
Hi Grim

A few months ago, I posted a question about bulb combinations for 55gl tank that would predominantly house LPS and softies with the potential for some SPS later on and my options with Giesemann and URI. At the time you recommended Gmann Actinic Plus and URL AquaSun. I went with your suggestions and couldn't be happier. Thank you so much for your help on that.

I am now planning to move the 55gl into a 90gl and am in need of your help again. I picked up a IC660 ballast and wiring harness and, as I understand it, can run 4 T5s on that. So in addition to the 4 bulbs I already have, what bulbs should I now get and in what configuration? I am still keeping mostly softies, LPS and a SPS but I do want a clam at some point down the road. I don't want anything too blue or pink or washed out. There was a pic posted by fijiblue in this thread about half way down the 1st page. That's the look I am after. How do I achieve that in either 6 or 8 bulb combination? Thanks again in advance

Lis

I'd do 4 overdriven and 2 normally driven lamps

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

This should be close to what that picture looks like.

 

[SSpiro]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13381532#post13381532 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
The dark corners were not as pronounce in real life as they look in the pic. Look at the sand.

But yes, staggering the lamps even a few inches each way would completly elininate the dark areas, You could wire up the lights just sitting on top of the tank and take a reas world look at how well the edges will be lit. Make sure you sit the lamps on something to raise them to the height they will be inside the canopy. The setup in the picture had the lamps mounted very low. within about an inch of the top of the tank. Having them higher would have spread the light better.

THANK YOU!!!

Is there an ideal height for mounting the bulbs from the surface of the water? I don't have the canopy in front of me, but I'm guessing its 8-12"? The previous owner had 2 x 250w MH, so its tall enough to use the lumenarc reflectors. Any issues here?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

About 4" above the water is optimum. Just high enough you don't get a lot of salt spray. Anything up to about 8" should still give you geed intensity though.

 

[Todd March]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13384216#post13384216 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
About 4" above the water is optimum. Just high enough you don't get a lot of salt spray. Anything up to about 8" should still give you geed intensity though.

I recently lowered my Powermodule to about 2" off the water on my rimless tank. The intensity is better, but not blinding with my heavy blue and purple bulbs, plus the light spill into the rest of the room is greatly reduced, and the acrylic lens of the PM now functions as a "tank cover", so that I can keep jumping fish like wrasses and firefish...Win-win. I never thought I'd have the light this close, but it works. I say keep an open mind.

 

[Altpers0na]

quote:Originally posted by Altpers0na Im six months into my 6x54 t5 HO setup.. its a NEP W/ reflectorS on my 75aga i have been using the stock bulbs.. but its time to change em out... my light pref tends to lean towards more white than blue... over all im looking for a 10 - 12 K appearance... i have a hodgepodge of stuff in the tank... abit of everything.. so, im looking for a 6 bulb mix, ty for any suggestions.. Front ATI Blue Plus UVL Aquasun UVL Super Actinic GE 6500K Daylight ATI Blue Plus ATI Aquablue 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%

i just installed my bulbs, looks good..

i think next time i may aim for a hair more blue, but its all good..

as it is, its a bit pink, but maybe the bulbs will adjust abit...

not bad by any means..

now i wonder how my corals will like it...

my original nova bulbs after six months or so all had blackened ends, and the middle one had a large yellow area on the bulb..

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13384916#post13384916 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Todd March
I recently lowered my Powermodule to about 2" off the water on my rimless tank. The intensity is better, but not blinding with my heavy blue and purple bulbs, plus the light spill into the rest of the room is greatly reduced, and the acrylic lens of the PM now functions as a "tank cover", so that I can keep jumping fish like wrasses and firefish...Win-win. I never thought I'd have the light this close, but it works. I say keep an open mind.

You have a fixture WITH A SPLASH SHIELD. He has a retrofit which leave the reflectors etc. exposed to spray.

 

[A.VOID]

Grim or Anyone HELP!

One end of my hanging Tek came out of the ceiling and dipped into the water. It never submerged, but the lights went out immediately. Basically the ends went in.

The green lights for the power to the ballasts still glow.

I took all the bulbs out and blew out the water. Put the bulbs back in. When I turn it on, it flashes and then goes out.

Any hope or am I seriously screwed?