The T5 Q&a Thread

[texmexbigspring]

Hey there grim I am new to this site and new to this hobby. Anyways I have a t5 fixture that I plan on using for my tank. Its a 125 gal that is 72inch long and the light is 8ft long so it is longer than the tank I plan on putting my 12 gal nano rite next to it to share the light due to the nanos ballast is burnt out. Rite now the fixture has 8 bulbs. They are all 54w but they are only 6500K I think. So what do you think I sould run it has 4 bulbs on each side they all have there own reflector. Is this fixture HO I opened it up and and it has two ballast they say they run 4 54w bulbs each? So what bulbs do you suggest and what kind of coral do you think I would be ok with? I would also like to have clams is this possible with this fixture. Any advice would be great.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13559652#post13559652 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jlaurence32
One more question, I'm getting a 72" constellation for my 125gal. I'm planning on at least 75% SPS. What's the bulbs I want and the configuration?

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

 

[jlaurence32]

Thanks buddy, I was worried about ya. It had been over 24 hours since your last post. I'm still split between the constellation and just 6 overdriven 60inchers on a retro. I love the 3 ATI blue plus with the 3 ATI aqua blue look, like my buddy has down here.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13563590#post13563590 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PaintGuru
Grim,

Thanks for the thoughts on the previous question. One more if you don't mind. Looking at nano's, and I came across these two from CAD

http://www.cadlights.com/product_inf...products_id=83

http://www.cadlights.com/product_inf...products_id=39

One has 4-14W T5's wile the other has 4-24W HOT5's. I assume the bulbs cost the same so would it be silly to not get the higher output ones? Again I have no feel for T5's and their efficiency, and I don't want to get nailed later for not having enough, but I also don't want to get too much. Tank will mostly be for Z&P's along with maybe a small anemone. Just so you don't have to look for take dims, they are 23 3/4"length x 14 1/4"width x 14 1/2" height.

HO's The normal output dont have near the intensity and not a good selection of lamps.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13563724#post13563724 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SSpiro
Grim - Your thoughts on Giesemann vs ATI?

You had recommended to me this configuration:
ATI Blue Plus 1
GE 6500K 1
ATI Blue Plus 1
ATI Pro Color 1
ATI Blue Plus 1
ATI Aquablue 1

What if I used this instead?

Geisemann Actinic +
GE 6500K
Geisemann Actinic +
Geisemann Mid Day
Geisemann Actinic +
Geisemann Aqua Blue +

Geisemann is what is stocked locally; I'd prefer to buy the bulbs local so I can help reduce risk of breakage. Let me know if I crossed them right and would get the same par, look, and appearance.

The goal was sharp, precise 14k-20k look, SPS and softies throughout, and clams on floorbed.

THANKS!

Thats fine

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13568638#post13568638 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by texmexbigspring
Hey there grim I am new to this site and new to this hobby. Anyways I have a t5 fixture that I plan on using for my tank. Its a 125 gal that is 72inch long and the light is 8ft long so it is longer than the tank I plan on putting my 12 gal nano rite next to it to share the light due to the nanos ballast is burnt out. Rite now the fixture has 8 bulbs. They are all 54w but they are only 6500K I think. So what do you think I sould run it has 4 bulbs on each side they all have there own reflector. Is this fixture HO I opened it up and and it has two ballast they say they run 4 54w bulbs each? So what bulbs do you suggest and what kind of coral do you think I would be ok with? I would also like to have clams is this possible with this fixture. Any advice would be great.

I wouldn't suggest clams in a 125 with only 4 rows of lamps.

I would run 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Aquablue and 1 GE daylight on each bank.

That would allow you to keep softies and LPS and even a few SPS on the top of the rocks.

 

[SSpiro]

Thanks as always, Grim.

 

[eros]

Upgrade T5 or go with MH

Upgrade T5 or go with MH

Grim,
You helped me select my bulbs when I first picked up my retro kit so I'm back in need of more advice. I have a 75 gallon with 4-54watt T5's. I have 2 Giesemann Actinic Plus, 1 UVL Super actinic and a 10k(I broke the Aquasun). I would like to add another 2 bulbs and was thinking of adding an Aquasun and a Aquablue special. I definitely want more par out of my lighting. Also was thinking of getting an Icecap 660 and overdriving some of the bulbs then picking up 2 sets of endcaps and reflectors and running 2 bulbs off my existing ballast. What do you think? It's either this or get a Metal Halide setup, either way I want more light. I want my SPS to be happy and grow like crazy!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Upgrade T5 or go with MH

Re: Upgrade T5 or go with MH

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13570218#post13570218 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eros
Grim,
You helped me select my bulbs when I first picked up my retro kit so I'm back in need of more advice. I have a 75 gallon with 4-54watt T5's. I have 2 Giesemann Actinic Plus, 1 UVL Super actinic and a 10k(I broke the Aquasun). I would like to add another 2 bulbs and was thinking of adding an Aquasun and a Aquablue special. I definitely want more par out of my lighting. Also was thinking of getting an Icecap 660 and overdriving some of the bulbs then picking up 2 sets of endcaps and reflectors and running 2 bulbs off my existing ballast. What do you think? It's either this or get a Metal Halide setup, either way I want more light. I want my SPS to be happy and grow like crazy!

I know someone that overdrove 4 of 6 T5's on a 75, really good PAR. If you add another Aquasun I would add another Blue Plus with it rather an Aquablue

 

[eros]

Re: Re: Upgrade T5 or go with MH

Re: Re: Upgrade T5 or go with MH

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13570425#post13570425 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I know someone that overdrove 4 of 6 T5's on a 75, really good PAR. If you add another Aquasun I would add another Blue Plus with it rather an Aquablue

Grim,
Why would you prefer the Blue Plus, better color? Which bulbs should I overdrive? Would I get comparable output to a dual 175 watt halide setup? Sorry for the barrage of questions.

 

[tskinner]

t5 for 20gal...

t5 for 20gal...

Hey. I need some help deciding on new bulb combo. The fixtures I'm currently using aren't that great though. I'm using 2 x 24inch Hagen Glo fixtures. Currently I'm currently 2 x Marineglo in one fixture and 2 x powerglo in another fixture. My front to bulbs are on one plug and back two bulbs are another plug so its kinda hard for me to stagger the bulbs. I really like have my actinics come on before my daytime bulbs. Any suggestions on what kind of bulbs I should run for a 4 x T5HO setup. The tank is a 20gal high with zoo's, shrooms, rics, lps and softies. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Re: Re: Upgrade T5 or go with MH

Re: Re: Re: Upgrade T5 or go with MH

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13570481#post13570481 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eros
Grim,
Why would you prefer the Blue Plus, better color? Which bulbs should I overdrive? Would I get comparable output to a dual 175 watt halide setup? Sorry for the barrage of questions.

Aquablue is nearly white, Aquasun is reddish. The two together will result in nearly white light. Using the blue Plus will give you more pop and keep it close to your current color.

You are probably talk the output of a good 250 watt halide setup with the 4 lamps overdrven. Overdrive the Aquasun and Aquablue lamps for sure and then any Blue Pluses you have room on the ballast for it.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: t5 for 20gal...

Re: t5 for 20gal...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13571520#post13571520 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tskinner
Hey. I need some help deciding on new bulb combo. The fixtures I'm currently using aren't that great though. I'm using 2 x 24inch Hagen Glo fixtures. Currently I'm currently 2 x Marineglo in one fixture and 2 x powerglo in another fixture. My front to bulbs are on one plug and back two bulbs are another plug so its kinda hard for me to stagger the bulbs. I really like have my actinics come on before my daytime bulbs. Any suggestions on what kind of bulbs I should run for a 4 x T5HO setup. The tank is a 20gal high with zoo's, shrooms, rics, lps and softies. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic

GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus

Problem solved.

 

[jlaurence32]

Hey Grim, upon pondering for the 50th time (OCD sucks), I'm looking at a 60" six bulb IC overdriven setup for my 72" 125 gal. It's gonna be 75% SPS with the retro bolted to the canopy at about 8" above the water. I know every company doesn't make a 60" bulb, so what's a good six bulb combo. I like the blue look, but I understand your thoughts on the 3 ATI blue+ and 3 aquablue only setup. It washes out the other colors. Thank you brother, I'm just about ready to make the plunge.

 

[pIankton]

I'm getting ready to change out my bulbs just due to age and am looking for something a little redder in spectrum to make my reds and yellows pop some more.

My current configuration is a nice 14 - 15k look (Front to back)
blue+
blue+
aquasun
aquablue special
blue+
blue+

I'm thinking something like a 11 - 12k look:
blue+
aquablue special
aquasun
aquablue special
aquasun
blue+

Sound good?

Any other suggestion?

Thanks!

 

[doihavethemoney]

hey grim sorry to be bothering you but i am having trouble finding the par values of the ati power module and the constellation and the tek light.

im leaning towards the powermudule any thought

o yea i figure ill ask while im here it will be an 8 buln fixture for my 120 and im looking for a white with some blue

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13574895#post13574895 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jlaurence32
Hey Grim, upon pondering for the 50th time (OCD sucks), I'm looking at a 60" six bulb IC overdriven setup for my 72" 125 gal. It's gonna be 75% SPS with the retro bolted to the canopy at about 8" above the water. I know every company doesn't make a 60" bulb, so what's a good six bulb combo. I like the blue look, but I understand your thoughts on the 3 ATI blue+ and 3 aquablue only setup. It washes out the other colors. Thank you brother, I'm just about ready to make the plunge.

Run 3 Blue Plus, 2 Aquablues and a GE 6500K Daylight or Giesemann Midday

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13575488#post13575488 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pIankton
I'm getting ready to change out my bulbs just due to age and am looking for something a little redder in spectrum to make my reds and yellows pop some more.

My current configuration is a nice 14 - 15k look (Front to back)
blue+
blue+
aquasun
aquablue special
blue+
blue+

I'm thinking something like a 11 - 12k look:
blue+
aquablue special
aquasun
aquablue special
aquasun
blue+

Sound good?

Any other suggestion?

Thanks!

Give it a shot, Will definatly give you a boost in red.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13575761#post13575761 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by doihavethemoney
hey grim sorry to be bothering you but i am having trouble finding the par values of the ati power module and the constellation and the tek light.

im leaning towards the powermudule any thought

o yea i figure ill ask while im here it will be an 8 buln fixture for my 120 and im looking for a white with some blue

The Module and Constellation will be close with the Module winning out but either should give you enough mojo to grow anything

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquablue
GE 6500k Daylight
Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
ATI Aquablue
Blue Plus

 

[doihavethemoney]

thanks for the quick response your a MACHINE lol
has any body taken par values from them because if they are close it may be good to go with the constellation it uses less bulbs less energy and it cost less to replace each time.

has someone ever done a test