The T5 Q&a Thread

[crashrat]

The more I read this log thread the more confused I get. A couple of questions I have, 1. Is actinic really needed, or is it just for aesthetics, could one just replace with a Blue+ to get more PAR? I understand the goal is to get a good spectrum and PAR, but would one compromise spectrum for PAR, and what about usable spectrum. What part of the spectrum is used most by SPS, LPS or softies. This may seem like a huge question but it's been on my mind for a while. The second question is a request for a t5 prescription from Grim, I have a 6 bilb tek with SPS/LPS and clams. I currently have
ATI
Blue+
Aqua Blue
Actinic
Pro Color
Aqua Blue
Blue +

It's about time to get new bulbs so what's would work good for me? I was thinking of getting the ATI Super Actinic and replace the pro Color with another Blue +. Is this too much Blue, should I go with a Aquasun instead?
Thanks

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13669911#post13669911 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rpierce
Grim- If I wanted to keep my 2 VHOs (Actinics) that I currently have, could I just replace the MHs with the Very High Output retro kit that we talked about earlier. Would this be enought light?

Here is our past posts:


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Rpierce
Ok- I am switching from 2-400s on a 120 gallon tank to T5s. I have ordered the two IC 660s. Now I need reflectors, end caps and bulbs.

My reef is mostly SPS. I assume I need 8 bulbs?

I was thinking of using the IceCap SLR reflectors. Is that right?

I have no idea on bulbs (I like the 14K look)

...and I assume that end caps are all the same for the most part, correct?

Any help would be appreciated.

Sorry, I am sure this has been discussed in this thread, I just cant bring myself to read 40 pages worth of info.

Rick
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



To replace those halides you want to go with the Ice Cap retros Reefgeek sells. The VHO T5 version uses the Ice Cap ballast which overdrives the lamps.

I would go with 1 4x54 watt VHO t5 kit and one 4 x 54 watt HO T5 kit. That will allow you to turn your lamps on in 3 stages, the HO kit will have 2 ballots.

Front
ATI Blue Plus Ballast 1
UVL 75/25 Ballast 2
ATI Aquablue
UVL Aquasun Center 4 on IC 660 ballast 3
ATI Bluie plus
GE 6500K Daylight
UVL 75/25 Ballast 2
ATI Blue Plus Ballast 1

Thanks again for all the help.

Rick

It would work, use 6 T5's dropping the 75/25 lamps.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13670061#post13670061 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ukroylisa
Originally posted by ukroylisa
Need advice for T5 setup (Posted accidentally outside this thread)
Dear Grim,
I have a custom acrylic tank bought used, with DIY lighting hood. Tank 36" wide, 18" front to back and 28" from water level to top of DSB (What a pain). Due to bracing, open water area is 23" x 12". I am upgrading the lighting from 5 ODNO T8 GE daylights OD x2 on GE ultramax ballasts, and I VHO actinic. I want maximum PAR and a slight blue look with good coloration of corals. We plan to expand from mainly corralimorphs and rock anemones to zoa's, SPS, leathers and possibly a clam or two. I will be using 34" Aquactinic relectors to get maximum number of bulbs in the space available. Would you suggest we stick with 6 39W lamps or go for the 8 I can fit in, and OD'd or not? My LFS sells UVL and Geissman, and I bought 4 Sfiligoi super actinic 03 when they were on offer recently online. What would be your suggestions for a six and 8 bulb set-up, and would it be to my advantage to go for the ATI bulbs from reef geek.? Thanks in advance.
Roy

Interests: Reef/Fish
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Go with 6 lamps and overdrive the middle 4

Front
Actinic
Aquablue
UVL Aquasun
Actinic Plus
Aquablue
Actinic Plus


__________________

Thanks Grim. Would using ATI bulbs offer any real advantages? Why do you suggest only overdriving the center four?
Roy

A Little advantage with ATI lamps. You dont need to overdrive all 6 lamps.

 

[stonedage]

what would a 4 bulb with aqua science 54w look like using
2x15k 2 x22k? any pics? ideas? what order would they be in?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13671276#post13671276 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rtparty
Grim,

I am looking at getting either the ATI Powermodule (6x54W) or the Constellation 7 bulb fixture. Which would you recommend and what bulb setup? I would like it to be in the 16k-18k range.

Also I know this is reefcentral but with christmas around the corner I want to get my Dad some new bulbs for his FW planted tank. What are the best daylight bulbs for this?

Thanks so much!

I'd probably do the ATI given the choice.

Front

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

For a planted FW I'd use an Aquasun and ATI Aquablue

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Lighting a 150g

Re: Lighting a 150g

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13672430#post13672430 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by toledoreefer
Hello, first I would like to thank all involved with RC, this is an amazing resource( sometimes a little overwhelming). I have a 150 g measuring 72L X 18W X 26 1/2H ( standard 150 I assume) I currently have 4 T5 bulbs 2 12k whites, 2 54watt atinic (not sure the K value) I also have 2 stripes one with 40w atinic marine glo and also a coral life atinic which is more purple. I am looking for a good lighting system that will last a couple of years until solaris fixtures drop in price a little$$$. Should I go with all T5's or a mixture with a metal halide. I've seen a few fixtures that have 2 or 3 MH with 4 T5 bulbs. just not sure what is the best route to take with what I want my tank to be.

Entering the hobby of saltwater only a year ago I thought fish only was the way I was headed but I couldn't have been more wrong. Now I seem myself having a stocked reef tank loaded with corals, which ones I'm not sure of. first I will start with what I already have in the tank.


I currently have a mixture of mushrooms, ricos, zoo's, clove polyps, xenias, branching hammer, bubble tip anenome, tube anenome, one clam, fire goby , one pair ocellaris clowns, turbo and sand snails. i'm sure im forgetting something. Can all corals be in the same aquarium as far as softies, LPS, SPS hards ect.

I'm not sure if the mixture I have now is good or not. My tank is setup in a basement so i am not limited for space at all. This week installing a 100g sump and a cpr refugium. getting off topic a little so back to the lighting questions, What would you recommend is a good lighting overall? Being in the basement I dont have a chiller yet( havn't needed it up to now, with the lighting I have) So I will also have to address the heat issue as well while choosing my light.

Well before I ramble to long, I appreciate any help. Seeing as lighting is a major expense I feel the trial and error would get quite costly, so asking the vetrans of RC is the way I'm heading. again thanks for the help hopefully I provided enough info. I have just scratched the surface of the hobby and can already tell that I m addicted to it.

If your sold on the LED system see if you can score a 3x250 watt halide system used. It will cost you a ton to do T5's right and what you have now aint gonna cut it for the animals you have in there now. You have a better shot at scoring a used halide fixture than a used T5 setup.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13674940#post13674940 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by elderfo
Grim,

I have a 120G Long (60x18x26). I was planning on doing a 6 bulb retro (60" bulbs). I have two icecap 660s to drive. Do you think that is enough? Also what bulb config?

Thanks

Aquarium Specialtys have RG 60" reflectors that will fit in there.

For lamps

ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight or Giesemann Midday
Blue Plus
Daylight or midday
Blue Plus
Aquablue

 

[holdyourlight]

hey Grim-just to recap the advice you have given me on my 4 bulb tek: i can go with 3 Blue Plus's and one UV 75/25 and still get as good growth (zoos and acan dominated) as if i had some true daylights in there (10ks, 6500's) ??? apparently this is a hard concept for my brain to grasp!! :rollface:

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13675934#post13675934 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by crashrat
The more I read this log thread the more confused I get. A couple of questions I have, 1. Is actinic really needed, or is it just for aesthetics, could one just replace with a Blue+ to get more PAR? I understand the goal is to get a good spectrum and PAR, but would one compromise spectrum for PAR, and what about usable spectrum. What part of the spectrum is used most by SPS, LPS or softies. This may seem like a huge question but it's been on my mind for a while. The second question is a request for a t5 prescription from Grim, I have a 6 bilb tek with SPS/LPS and clams. I currently have
ATI
Blue+
Aqua Blue
Actinic
Pro Color
Aqua Blue
Blue +

It's about time to get new bulbs so what's would work good for me? I was thinking of getting the ATI Super Actinic and replace the pro Color with another Blue +. Is this too much Blue, should I go with a Aquasun instead?
Thanks

The actinic isn't needed. Just adds to the look

The mix you have is fine. You could swap the procolor out for a Aquasun and just drop the red some instead of completly

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13676597#post13676597 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stonedage
what would a 4 bulb with aqua science 54w look like using
2x15k 2 x22k? any pics? ideas? what order would they be in?

14K ish/

Put a blue lamp at the front and the second one wherever pairs it with the first blue for dusk/dawn

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13676752#post13676752 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by holdyourlight
hey Grim-just to recap the advice you have given me on my 4 bulb tek: i can go with 3 Blue Plus's and one UV 75/25 and still get as good growth (zoos and acan dominated) as if i had some true daylights in there (10ks, 6500's) ??? apparently this is a hard concept for my brain to grasp!! :rollface:

Acording to what I was told by someone who attended a conference Sanjays Joshi got higher PAR readings from blue plus lamps than a UVL Aquasun using a lot better meter than I have. You'll be fine

 

[stonedage]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13676788#post13676788 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
14K ish/

Put a blue lamp at the front and the second one wherever pairs it with the first blue for dusk/dawn

Thanks Grim
but its on a n icecap 660 so there is only the option of them all on at once no dusk dawn effect

 

[crashrat]

Thanks Grim for all the great advise and response time in this thread.

 

[DGonci]

I just managed to pick up a 36" Nova Extreme Pro from the CurrentUSA refurbished dept on ebay for 180. I was wondering if the stock bulbs will suffice over my 40 breeder until I purchase new ones. I am currently unning a mix of softies / LPS / and a couple of SPS pieces.

 

[jbob]

alright i gotta ask too...
right now i have a 40br. with a nova extreme pro 36". i've got the stock slimpaq bulbs in it. i currently have zoas, mushrooms, some lps, and a crocea. some things are getting a little bleached so i want to take one of the daylights bulbs out and replace it with an actinic. what do you recommend?

 

[jbob]

lol you beat me to the question!

 

[BaNDiTo_RoX]

Hi Grim,

I'm really new to this hobby and would like some help from you.

I'm setting up a 40g Breeder for a frag tank which will have SPS,LPS,Zoas,Chalice,Mushroom. Well you get the idea. Going with a Tek 5 6 Bulbs would love some awsome colors and growth. Also this will go on a timer and would like to know what settings and how high from the water should I have it.

Now I have a 65g and would like the same as above so not sure if the same bulbs will help. Right now I have a MH and PC setup on it now which is Phoenix 250w 14k with 2 PC-R UVL Super Actinic 03 (420) 96w Can you suggest another PC for me.

thx in advance

 

[mikeandjenn99]

Hi Grim,
Thanks for your time first off.
I have a 55g (48x20x12) mixed reef and I can't get good color from my corals. Sadly, with only 12 inches of depth, I am limited to 4 T-5s since they all have parabolic reflectors. As of now, I am running from front to back:
ATI Blue Plus
Coralife 10k
Giesemann Pure Actinic
Coralife 10k
The 10ks and blue pluss are on an icecap 660, the pure actinic is on a workhorse.
I know the coralife lamps are crap, but they are all I had on hand. I have a spare blue plus if I should swap one out. My GBTA and RBTA are colored nicely, but I have a tabling acro, a purple bonsai, and even a green digi that just don't pop like they used to.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[CFranklin25]

for a 4 bulb fixture, I am looking to run 2 ATI blue plus on the outside with any combination of these in the middle:

aqua blue special
procolor
Aquasun
super actinic

Can grim or anyone else please suggest what would be best...keeping mainly LPS with some SPS

also, what is the deal with fiji purple...are people not recommending them anymore?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13676856#post13676856 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stonedage
Thanks Grim
but its on a n icecap 660 so there is only the option of them all on at once no dusk dawn effect

Oops, just space them out then.