The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13542754#post13542754 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mark426
Grim,

I want to thank you with helping me/us with the 1000’s of T5 questions, quite a labor of love. I would have wasted many $$ trying to get the right look with my fixture without your help.

The only thing I am confused about is the use of Actinic lamps along with ATI Blue+. I experimented with a pair of Blue+ and Actinic lamps and by turning on/off the Actinic, I could tell absolutely no difference in the way my corals looked (fluoresced). As a matter of fact, the Actinic seemed to only wash out my colors slightly with no increase in the so called pop. For my use, it seems just a waste of available PAR. I have some highly fluorescent corals in my tank.

I would really appreciate if you or someone else could try this experiment and see if Actinic used in combo with Blue+ (or other manf equivalent) makes any difference in the way YOUR corals look or is it just my eye/tank/corals.

Thanks,
Mark

edit: Used UVL Actinic lamp

Where you really notice the effect of the actinic lamps is in green fluorescent corals. It is not a huge difference. For the record I no longer run Actinics in my mix. It allows me to get what I think is a more balanced look but if I have an 8th lamp I would probaly use one.

 

[jfl14609]

thanks grim if i went with the 6 t5s i wouldnt need the 400 watter anymore would i?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'd do 8 although they wouldn't all have to be overdriven.

 

[Mark426]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13543312#post13543312 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Where you really notice the effect of the actinic lamps is in green fluorescent corals. It is not a huge difference. For the record I no longer run Actinics in my mix. It allows me to get what I think is a more balanced look but if I have an 8th lamp I would probaly use one.

Thanks again Grim..... about the same observation/thoughts I had.

Mark

 

[Todd March]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13542754#post13542754 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mark426
Grim,

I want to thank you with helping me/us with the 1000’s of T5 questions, quite a labor of love. I would have wasted many $$ trying to get the right look with my fixture without your help.

The only thing I am confused about is the use of Actinic lamps along with ATI Blue+. I experimented with a pair of Blue+ and Actinic lamps and by turning on/off the Actinic, I could tell absolutely no difference in the way my corals looked (fluoresced). As a matter of fact, the Actinic seemed to only wash out my colors slightly with no increase in the so called pop. For my use, it seems just a waste of available PAR. I have some highly fluorescent corals in my tank.

I would really appreciate if you or someone else could try this experiment and see if Actinic used in combo with Blue+ (or other manf equivalent) makes any difference in the way YOUR corals look or is it just my eye/tank/corals.

Thanks,
Mark

edit: Used UVL Actinic lamp

I much prefer the G-mann Pure Actinics over the UVL Actinic. Pure Actinics are more violet and actinic-ish (like the VHO's), but are dimmer than the UVL. In my 10 lamp mix, when I turn on or off the 2 Pure actinic's, I can tell the difference. It's not HUGE, but I can tell...

 

[Aquarist007]

Perhaps you might have some thoughts on this question Grim reefer. Related to lighting but not close enough to post here

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1489773

 

[achillestang]

Hey guys I want to switch from MH to T5s. I am putting up a 46 gallon bow front and I will be doing clams and sps. Does anyone have any suggestions on a fixture and bulbs? I wanted to do a 6 bulb tek fixture but the 16 inches is a little wider then my 13 inches on each side. I have been looking at the nova extreme pro. I was hoping someone new of a little better t5 that doesn't cost a arm and leg.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13543794#post13543794 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by achillestang
Hey guys I want to switch from MH to T5s. I am putting up a 46 gallon bow front and I will be doing clams and sps. Does anyone have any suggestions on a fixture and bulbs? I wanted to do a 6 bulb tek fixture but the 16 inches is a little wider then my 13 inches on each side. I have been looking at the nova extreme pro. I was hoping someone new of a little better t5 that doesn't cost a arm and leg.

A Aquactinics TX5 might just fit the bill. Aquarium Specialty from the sponsors page has them.

 

[scunfcu]

UV Super actinic PAR too low for SPS

UV Super actinic PAR too low for SPS

Grim, as per advise, I'll be switching my 5 combo.

from 14k look

Blue +
Super Actintic
Aquasun
Blue +
Aquablue


Blue +
Super Actintics
Aquasun
Super Actintics
Blue +

Goal was to pop colors in my acan and other LPS. However I have quite a number of SPS also. Since the PAR on UV Super actintics is around 210 and actintintics may not do much for photosynthetics of the corals, wouldn't this affect the health/ grow of my sps,lps and softy?

 

[noblerot]

I am sure that this has been asked before, however, I could not find it. What are the major differences in quality and output of the 36 inch 6 bulb tek and the current nova extreme 36 inch 6 bulb. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[noblerot]

Sorry double post

 

[2dawghouse]

Grim have you tested the new UVL lamps with the internal reflectors yet from AS? The UVL 454 is basically their version of the B+ correct?

 

[Mykel Obvious]

Ok, so it seems I fell in a "Post Hole" yesterday... me posting while you were replying to someone else, so I'll try again

Hey Grim,
Change of plans yet again I'm doing a 120 gallon (48"x24"x24" with 6" DSB)... this will be a "temporary" upgrade (for the next year or so) and I will be using an 8x54w Icecap retro from ReefGeek in the canopy (ugly tank, no choice right now)

FRONT:
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue/G'mann Aquablue (depending on backorder status)
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
ATI Aquablue/G'mann Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

My question is should I go with the VHO version or will the HO version be fine for an SPS heavy mixed reef... all LPS on sand bed, but I would like to be able to keep clams if I decide to go that way

Also, any other bulbs I should order for color options? I'm looking for blueish (14K?) with good pop and I want my red/pink LPS and SPS to have nice color... a few bulb options for playing with the look in that range would be nice

Thanks again for your tireless work on helping make our corals both more beautiful and happier!!

 

[PaintGuru]

Are T5's out of play when considering a 30x30x24 tank? I would likely be stuck with 24" lamps, and I'm guessing it would take a good amount to light a 24" deep tank? Right now I have a 250W MH on the system, but I have been debating about switching to T5s.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: UV Super actinic PAR too low for SPS

Re: UV Super actinic PAR too low for SPS

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13544483#post13544483 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scunfcu
Grim, as per advise, I'll be switching my 5 combo.

from 14k look

Blue +
Super Actintic
Aquasun
Blue +
Aquablue


Blue +
Super Actintics
Aquasun
Super Actintics
Blue +

Goal was to pop colors in my acan and other LPS. However I have quite a number of SPS also. Since the PAR on UV Super actintics is around 210 and actintintics may not do much for photosynthetics of the corals, wouldn't this affect the health/ grow of my sps,lps and softy?

Try this if you are concerned with PAR.

Front
Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus
Aquablue

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13545154#post13545154 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by noblerot
I am sure that this has been asked before, however, I could not find it. What are the major differences in quality and output of the 36 inch 6 bulb tek and the current nova extreme 36 inch 6 bulb. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tek is still a step ahead because of the reflectors but the Nova Pro is getting closer. Tek is a better built unit but could really use active cooling

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13546021#post13546021 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 2dawghouse
Grim have you tested the new UVL lamps with the internal reflectors yet from AS? The UVL 454 is basically their version of the B+ correct?

Nope

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13546302#post13546302 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mykel Obvious
Ok, so it seems I fell in a "Post Hole" yesterday... me posting while you were replying to someone else, so I'll try again

Hey Grim,
Change of plans yet again I'm doing a 120 gallon (48"x24"x24" with 6" DSB)... this will be a "temporary" upgrade (for the next year or so) and I will be using an 8x54w Icecap retro from ReefGeek in the canopy (ugly tank, no choice right now)

FRONT:
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue/G'mann Aquablue (depending on backorder status)
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
ATI Aquablue/G'mann Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

My question is should I go with the VHO version or will the HO version be fine for an SPS heavy mixed reef... all LPS on sand bed, but I would like to be able to keep clams if I decide to go that way

Also, any other bulbs I should order for color options? I'm looking for blueish (14K?) with good pop and I want my red/pink LPS and SPS to have nice color... a few bulb options for playing with the look in that range would be nice

Thanks again for your tireless work on helping make our corals both more beautiful and happier!!

I would go VHO on at least half the lamps anyway. The Aquasun and Aquablues are the highest PAR lamps So I would run those on the IC ballast. Grab a spare Blue Plus and a GE 6500K daylight for spares to play with.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13546496#post13546496 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PaintGuru
Are T5's out of play when considering a 30x30x24 tank? I would likely be stuck with 24" lamps, and I'm guessing it would take a good amount to light a 24" deep tank? Right now I have a 250W MH on the system, but I have been debating about switching to T5s.

You could do it with 8 24 watt lamps but I think you are better off with the Halide.

 

[ashdo]

Help Again Please, Grim

Help Again Please, Grim

Have a 75 gal mixed tank (sps, lps, clams, softies), viewable both sides with Aquactinics Constellation light. This is the current setup:
F
UVL Super Actinic
50/50 daylight
UVL AquaSun
UVL Actinic Plus
UVL Aqua Sun
50/50 daylight
UVL Super Actinic
B

Would like more "pop" for color and tank seems a bit white. Would like a more "natural" blueish tint. Please make suggestions on new bulbs. Also would appreciate suggested time for each light sequence to come on and off. Your help is always appreciated. Thanks.