The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13416533#post13416533 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skirossi
Grim, I have a 40 breeder (36" long) with a 4 bulb retrofit kit with individual reflectors (39w). The ballasts (2) are accustart. It's essentially a mixed reef with some sps, lps, mushrooms, and zoos. I bought the lights used and was told the bulbs are old and need replacing. What bulbs would you recommend for this setup? Thank you.

Blue Plus
SUper Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13417656#post13417656 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snaza
Hi again,

Second question (-:

I looking at replacing my current 4x2x2 with a 64Lx32Wx24H.

Yes im in australia and we dont have powermodule, constellations or even teks but i can certainly order one for over seas.

What would be the BEST lighting (regardless of cost) for this size tank. im very happy to order from america which i guess ill have to do. The is going to be mainly SPS. I want to be able to keep them anywhere.

Would 54w bulbs cut it if put lower light corals and the ends? or would i really need 80w?

thanks

Depending on the mix of lamps and the fixture I get anywhere from 180's to over 300 PAR on the sandbed of my tank.

The fixture I would use for that tank would be the 10 x 54 watt ATI Powermodule. You wouldn't want to have SPS within about 6" of each end but ATI doesn't make a 60" fixture for the 110 volt market. so there isn't another choice.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13417665#post13417665 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rockymtreefer
I am looking at diffrent t5 lights and wanted an opinion..my tank is 60x18x20.I have been thinking about getting 6 bulb tek light 48"..is this gonna be enough light?If it isnt what other lights should i look at?If it is a good choice which bulbs should i get with it.I have been looking at reef geek for buying it..Is there other places i should look for a better price? Thanks in advance

The Tek light will be fine

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI BLue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus

 

[DodgeDude99]

this dude is awesome.

 

[snaza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13417888#post13417888 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Depending on the mix of lamps and the fixture I get anywhere from 180's to over 300 PAR on the sandbed of my tank.

The fixture I would use for that tank would be the 10 x 54 watt ATI Powermodule. You wouldn't want to have SPS within about 6" of each end but ATI doesn't make a 60" fixture for the 110 volt market. so there isn't another choice.

Cheers grim,

I get about 800 par at my water level (bulbs are 4inch above) does that sound right. i cant test on the sand bed but with 7xIC slr what would you expect on the sand on a 20inch high tank? rough guess as i'm just interested if my numbers sound right.

I'm in australia so i would have to order my powermodule from US, singapore or UK. UK and singapore have 60inch versions. In that case would 10x80 be a much better option. Is it worth the extra 260Watt of power consuption? i dont really need SPS at each end? If i go with 10x54w do you reckon i'd get shaded areas at the ends?

Thanks heaps for all your advice. You've been a great help with my current 3 tanks.

not that you care but we can now get ATI bulbs at very reasonalbe prices here in aust now. under $30

 

[greennd79]

hey grim reefer, my buddy has a 120 tank will a 6 bulb 54watt setup be enough to house clams and lps? and what bulbs for it as he wants the colors to pop?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13418172#post13418172 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snaza
Cheers grim,

I get about 800 par at my water level (bulbs are 4inch above) does that sound right. i cant test on the sand bed but with 7xIC slr what would you expect on the sand on a 20inch high tank? rough guess as i'm just interested if my numbers sound right.

I'm in australia so i would have to order my powermodule from US, singapore or UK. UK and singapore have 60inch versions. In that case would 10x80 be a much better option. Is it worth the extra 260Watt of power consuption? i dont really need SPS at each end? If i go with 10x54w do you reckon i'd get shaded areas at the ends?

Thanks heaps for all your advice. You've been a great help with my current 3 tanks.

not that you care but we can now get ATI bulbs at very reasonalbe prices here in aust now. under $30

I know of a guy with a 6x54 watt Tek light with sheild on was putting 170 to the bottom of a 20" tall tank with 670 at the water so I spect your in the 200's

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13419868#post13419868 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by greennd79
hey grim reefer, my buddy has a 120 tank will a 6 bulb 54watt setup be enough to house clams and lps? and what bulbs for it as he wants the colors to pop?

WHat kind of 6 x 54? Good retro done right would be OK for clams but a fixture without active cooling and good reflectors ain't gonna cut it.

 

[tmn_3]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the hobby and need some lighting advise. I have a empty 46g bow tank, the hight on it is 22". I would like to have a few SPS and down, just a good mixture of everything. So here is my question I can get the Nova Extreme 4x39 watt T5HO (old model) that has one large reflector or Nova Extreme 4x39 watt T5HO (new model) that has individual reflectors? Will it make a big difference on which unit I get between the new and older model? The older unit is cheaper in price. Or should I be looking at the looking at the Nova Extreme Pro 6x39watt T5HO? This unit will be much more in money. I know that I have more choices to choose from when it comes to color spectrum and more wattage or would the Nova Extremes be enough? Sorry for so many questions.....I just have so much to ask.
Thanks,
tmn_3

 

[jeepboy_90]

What Would The Grim Do?

Grim,

I have asked you a few questions over the past few weeks on the new lighting for my 60g (48x15x18). Keeping LPS,SPS,Zoas,softies,etc.

I have a what would you do question.

I have a custom hood that will only allow me to fit something 48x15. Now the big question. Would you try your best to fit the Icecap retro 6x54W under that hood, or run with either a 4x54W HO or 4x54W VHO.

WWGD

 

[ooja3k]

Hey Grim,

Got a question for you.

Will there be any increase in light/par entering my tank if I lower my aquactinics tx5 from 2-3" of the tank to 1"?

Thanks in advance!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13420082#post13420082 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tmn_3
Hello everyone. I'm new to the hobby and need some lighting advise. I have a empty 46g bow tank, the hight on it is 22". I would like to have a few SPS and down, just a good mixture of everything. So here is my question I can get the Nova Extreme 4x39 watt T5HO (old model) that has one large reflector or Nova Extreme 4x39 watt T5HO (new model) that has individual reflectors? Will it make a big difference on which unit I get between the new and older model? The older unit is cheaper in price. Or should I be looking at the looking at the Nova Extreme Pro 6x39watt T5HO? This unit will be much more in money. I know that I have more choices to choose from when it comes to color spectrum and more wattage or would the Nova Extremes be enough? Sorry for so many questions.....I just have so much to ask.
Thanks,
tmn_3

The sunpod T5 nova has will probably be fine for that tank

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13420835#post13420835 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeepboy_90
What Would The Grim Do?

Grim,

I have asked you a few questions over the past few weeks on the new lighting for my 60g (48x15x18). Keeping LPS,SPS,Zoas,softies,etc.

I have a what would you do question.

I have a custom hood that will only allow me to fit something 48x15. Now the big question. Would you try your best to fit the Icecap retro 6x54W under that hood, or run with either a 4x54W HO or 4x54W VHO.

WWGD

4 x 54 watt HO Ice Cap retro Ice Cap reflectors, Triad or Sylvania ballasts) willl be enough to raise whatever you want in thet tank

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13420901#post13420901 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ooja3k
Hey Grim,

Got a question for you.

Will there be any increase in light/par entering my tank if I lower my aquactinics tx5 from 2-3" of the tank to 1"?

Thanks in advance!

Yeas, not sure how much, not a huge gain

 

[steveoutlaw]

Grim-
A couple of questions for you. First, I have a 120g (48x24x24), would you recommend going with a retro kit or going with a fixture? I can't decide between the TEK 8 bulb or the TEK retros.

Second, If I'm looking for a color combination close to that of the 15-20K MH lights, what bulb combination would I run?

Last, have you heard anything about the new line of T5 bulbs (I think UV) the have the reflector built in?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[tmn_3]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13421046#post13421046 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
The sunpod T5 nova has will probably be fine for that tank

The only sunpods that I can find are MH?

 

[DheereCrossing]

Try SunPak or pack. The Sunpod is MH. The sunpac is floresent

 

[steveoutlaw]

Or could he mean NOVA Extreme Pro?

 

[Aquarist007]

I have pretty well settled on a 220gal 72 by 24 by 30 high
What T5 system would you recommend for it--I will be adding sps corals to it this time.

 

[paintballingajs]

Ok so here is what i got.

- 30 gal tank i think?
- 10 gal sump with 2 inches of sand and a uv sterilizer in refuge and live rock where the water goes in.
- 80 gal. Eheim canister filter
- 1 small power head.
- 1 overflow box.
- 1 small hang on filter
- 1 4 x 24 Watt T5 HO 24” with moon light 3 6,000k and 1 antic
- 27 pounds of live rock
Is the light i have ok to grow corals and such? maby even an anemone?