The T5 Q&a Thread

[Surfside74]

okay,

If i run aquactinics constellation 7x54 watt T5, what bulbs should I use for full reef/sps tank?

 

[Todd March]

Grim, my local hardware store has some GE 4100K T5's. And cheapâ€"$9. I was wondering if you have any experience with these bulbs? I was assuming that they would be somewhere in between the orange of the 3000K and the whiter 6500K...?

 

[pIankton]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13576784#post13576784 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Todd March
Grim, my local hardware store has some GE 4100K T5's. And cheapâ€"$9. I was wondering if you have any experience with these bulbs? I was assuming that they would be somewhere in between the orange of the 3000K and the whiter 6500K...?

Make sure they're HO lamps, otherwise you'll blow them.

 

[urville]

Grim...
Well I have this Aquactinics MH/T5 light, on a standard all glass 125rr.

I'm running 3 250watt reeflux 12k's
It also has 4 slots for 4x39w T5's
It came with two of them 460nm and two 420nm.

I replaced the 420nm's with UVL Super Actinics
The 460nm's were some weird russian brand. Anyway I forgot to replace thema nd they literally burned out.

Since I run 12k's which are all 460nm blue, should i go all 420's on the t5's? Or should I buy a mixed bulb for those two burned out 460's to get some par back?

How important is 420 vs 460. i read 420 is the scientifically proven area where chemical change happens in corals. But thats just something i read.

 

[easygoer2]

I've made up my mind and going with a constellation fixture. I will have two 250 watt, 10K ushio's in the front. what 7 bulbs should I order for the fixture? I will have clams and SPS in the tank.
Thanks easygoer2

 

[jlaurence32]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13575880#post13575880 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Run 3 Blue Plus, 2 Aquablues and a GE 6500K Daylight or Giesemann Midday

What's your thoughts on the ATI procolor? Ever try one?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13575950#post13575950 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 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

No official tests. I can only guestimate going off what I've tested in the shorter fixtures. The 39 watt Aquactinics fixture uses Workhorse Ballasts and doesn[t have as good of cooling as the Constellation so I am guessing the output will be closer to the ATI on the Constellation.

I have a 48" Constellation and know it will be plenty of output for a 24" tall tank

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13576740#post13576740 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Surfside74
okay,

If i run aquactinics constellation 7x54 watt T5, what bulbs should I use for full reef/sps tank?

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13576784#post13576784 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Todd March
Grim, my local hardware store has some GE 4100K T5's. And cheapâ€"$9. I was wondering if you have any experience with these bulbs? I was assuming that they would be somewhere in between the orange of the 3000K and the whiter 6500K...?

Be worth a try, just make sure they are the correct wattage

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13577700#post13577700 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by urville
Grim...
Well I have this Aquactinics MH/T5 light, on a standard all glass 125rr.

I'm running 3 250watt reeflux 12k's
It also has 4 slots for 4x39w T5's
It came with two of them 460nm and two 420nm.

I replaced the 420nm's with UVL Super Actinics
The 460nm's were some weird russian brand. Anyway I forgot to replace thema nd they literally burned out.

Since I run 12k's which are all 460nm blue, should i go all 420's on the t5's? Or should I buy a mixed bulb for those two burned out 460's to get some par back?

How important is 420 vs 460. i read 420 is the scientifically proven area where chemical change happens in corals. But thats just something i read.

I'd do the 460's. The Blue gives an effect the 420's don't

 

[ryanvan]

I have a 72 gallon bow front tank. Would I be able to keep sps corals with the Aquatinics tx5
fixture. I would like to use my canopy and at the ends it is only 12 inches wide so my space is limited.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13577945#post13577945 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by easygoer2
I've made up my mind and going with a constellation fixture. I will have two 250 watt, 10K ushio's in the front. what 7 bulbs should I order for the fixture? I will have clams and SPS in the tank.
Thanks easygoer2

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13580164#post13580164 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jlaurence32
What's your thoughts on the ATI procolor? Ever try one?

Lower PAR but nice for bringing out red and pink colors.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13580534#post13580534 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ryanvan
I have a 72 gallon bow front tank. Would I be able to keep sps corals with the Aquatinics tx5
fixture. I would like to use my canopy and at the ends it is only 12 inches wide so my space is limited.

SHould be fine, stick with a higher PAR lamp mix, 2 Blue Plus, 1 Aquasun and 2 Aquablues

 

[BBR23]

Wat do u recomend for a 4 X 24 Watt T5 setup...i already have aquablue plus, so wat other 2 bulbs that i should add.?? i am keeping a mixed tank. i want my tank to have a 20K look though. any thoughts?

 

[doihavethemoney]

thank you

 

[urville]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13580494#post13580494 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I'd do the 460's. The Blue gives an effect the 420's don't

Even with all the 460 from the halides? Sorry, not trying to be a jerk, just wasnt sure I was making sense when i typed my post originally.

 

[Travisxrs05]

Hey there grim, i just got one quick question for you. Im looking into getting a nova extreme fixture 4X24 for my 29 gallon tank (30"L X 18"H X 12"D). Im wanting to have enough light to keep any kind of coral (Softies, LPS, SPS, ect.) What bulb setup do u think i should run?

 

[SleepyJ]

Hi Grim,
I am starting a 75 gallon (48L X 18W X 21H). Would the Current Sundial 4 X 54W be enough to handle a mixed reef with SPS? If so, what bulbs would I get?

My other option would be the Nova Extreme Pro 6 X 54W. What bulbs would work for this fixture? Thank you.

 

[SSpiro]

Hey Grim.. one of these days i'm going to stop changing my mind.

What are your thoughts on 8 x 36" instead of the 6 x 60" for my 125g? They will be overdriven on IC660's.. 2 rows of 4 x 36.. Or should I go 10x36 instead?

And what would be your bulb combo recommendation for SPS, softies, anemones, and clams on sandbed with 14-20k look?