The T5 Q&a Thread

[Richieboy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13390319#post13390319 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Yeah, long as it isn't a low end fixture.

It's a sunlight supply tek light. Is that considered low end? If it is, should I go with a different bulb combo?

 

[tmn_3]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13393406#post13393406 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
The individual reflectors make a big difference, Nova does make some fixtures with cheap individual reflectors that help a bit and seeing as how your tank aint that tall so one of those would work. Take a look at the Sun Pod T5. Be a great choice for that tank.

So are you basically saying that Nova Extreme 4x39 watt T5HO or the Nova Extreme Pro will both work on the tank that I want, but if I could you would recomend that I but the unit with Individual reflectors? I will look into the Sun Pod as well.
Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13393514#post13393514 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jennmac415
I tried 2 blue plus before for dusk/dawn it was too bright...do I need to add an actinic to the mix?

If you thought 2 blue plus were too bright you aint gonna like a blue and Fiji Purple, go with an actinic

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13394264#post13394264 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Richieboy
It's a sunlight supply tek light. Is that considered low end? If it is, should I go with a different bulb combo?

The Tek would be fine, they are mid level now IMHO.

 

[hpglow]

Has anyone conducted any tests to determine weather the Tek 2s are worth the extra realestate under your lid vs the SLRs?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13394536#post13394536 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tmn_3
So are you basically saying that Nova Extreme 4x39 watt T5HO or the Nova Extreme Pro will both work on the tank that I want, but if I could you would recomend that I but the unit with Individual reflectors? I will look into the Sun Pod as well.
Thanks

Yes, if you can swing it I would. The sunpod has their cheap individual reflectors, moonlights and built in timers, a slick little unit for a tank that isn't too tall.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13395592#post13395592 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hpglow
Has anyone conducted any tests to determine weather the Tek 2s are worth the extra realestate under your lid vs the SLRs?

Hahnmeister did some testing and as I recall he came to the same conclussion I did, the Tek II still can't match the Ice Cap.

 

[hpglow]

I really wish Icecap would release an 60" SLR. There are very few 60" options. Option 1 is buy two 36" and bolt them togather and spend twice as much money. Option 2 is the TEK 2 which is 3.125" wide.

 

[sperry]

Grim,

What type of setup would you suggest for a standard 75G mixed reef? I would like to be able to have SPS midlevel and a clam on the sand bed. Originally I was planning 2x250W MH and 2 VHO actinics but would like suggestions on T5s. Would I need the 6 or 8 bulb fixture?

 

[bnum1]

Grim,
Thanks for all the info in the past. What is the difference between the 60" 3x80W Tek 2 T5 Very High-Output Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs by Sunlight Supply and the 60" 3x80W SLR T5 Very High-Output Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs
by IceCap? Would the effect of the lighting end up being the same? They are both powered by a icecap 660.
Please help.
Thanks, Sandy

 

[snaza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13393606#post13393606 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jennmac415
snaza please post pics of this and by the way, what is your whole bulb combo??

Sorry but this is an old photo with 1 blue plus and 1 fiji

This is a slightly more recent photos with all 7 bulbs

Blue plus
blue plus
fiji
aqua blue
blue plus
aqua blue
blue plus

 

[jennmac415]

OMG that is amazing!! Is that really what that combo looks like with that many aquablues??? don't they have more of a bright white look to them? If that pic is true then thats what I am doing!!! do you think that the fiji purple really helps pop the colors like that?

 

[jennmac415]

oops sorry I looked at your combo again... thought I saw more aquablues than there are... LOL Ok I really like this look...thanks so much for sharing!

do you get good growth with this combo too?

do you run dusk/dawn and if so what bulbs do you use for that?

 

[jennmac415]

man I am dumb tonight... you already told above that you use the fiji and blue plus for dusk dawn... sorry

 

[jennmac415]

now I am even dumber dbl post

 

[Susie921]

Diff w/PC-T5 or MH, brand
T5 or MH
I will need new lighting. I am changing from PC to either T5 or MH.
I have low lighting corals doing wonderful now. I do not want to harm them. Frogspawn, open brain, xenia, indo/pacific mushrooms. And, I am looking for places to purchase specific brands. Any recommended brands, or places to purchase. Had a coralife PC and needed 2 fixtures in 5 years. Looking for something more durable and longer lasting fixtures with a moderate price. So my corals have about 260 watts now. ( except 1 bulb doesn't work due to malfunction in fixture).

I would also need help in understanding how to hang the fixtures over the tank or putting them into the canopy. Currently, I have mine on legs over glass vs open water.

Please advise, I would appreciate and learn. I have seen the 6 bulb Nova Pro. After Coralife not being such a good brand, I am skittish about the Nova Pro.

Sue

 

[spleen93]

Current is a much more reputable manufacturer than Coralife ...

 

[Susie921]

Is that who makes the Nova Pro?
I felt it was horrible to have to go through 2 fixtures, from coralife, made in my hometown!
sue

 

[reefer4sho]

hey there was wondering if the giesemann aquablue+ is the same as Blue Plus that is always referred to on this thread?

also, i have this config on my lights, giesemann pure actinic, uvl aquasun, uvl super actinic and giesemann aquablue+, and my question is how can i get my corals colors to pop? i've been running this set up for a couple of months and looks descent with excellent growth but colors look a bit bland...

TIA

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13395672#post13395672 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hpglow
I really wish Icecap would release an 60" SLR. There are very few 60" options. Option 1 is buy two 36" and bolt them togather and spend twice as much money. Option 2 is the TEK 2 which is 3.125" wide.

Option 3 is to cantact Aquarium Specialty from the Sponsors page and order reefgeek brand 60" T5 reflectors, they are 2 1/2" wide.