The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13757056#post13757056 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by renisel
Thanks. Just out of curiosity, what is the purpose of replacing the pure actinics with actinic+? Will it just give better color or do they provide significantly more PAR?

Both

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13758581#post13758581 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hpglow
Hey grim I just wanted to give you an update. As you may or may not remember you suggested that I supplement my T5s with some HO LEDs to produce shimmer for my wife to be happy. I went ahead with that plan. I must say that they do in-fact produce some good shimmer, even better than the 150 HQI that I had there before. My light setup is True Actinic, AB Special, 12x Cree Q5 bin emitters, Blue+, True Actinic. I will be adding two more lamps after my corals get acclimated I don't want any mushrooms melting. I will also be taking one of the actinics out after the acclimation period. Anyway here are some pics of the tank.

The original 400w PC / 150W MH setup.

Two T5s comming on in the morning.

The same two lamps with the LEDs running. This is the setup I run most of the day.

And finally four T5s running with the LEDs.

Worked out nice.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13759404#post13759404 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by noboddi
I did a lot of reading and went with the Tek fixture. Given that I have 2 Geisemann bulbs, my bulb setup will be:

ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
Geisemann Midday
Geisemann Aquablue Plus
UVL 72.25
ATI Blue Plus

I can swap out the Geisemanns for a Aquasun and another Blue Plus at some point. Does this sound right?

Sounds like a plan. I would just add a Blue plus in place of the Aquablue. The 75/25 will give you a dose of red so the Midday will probably be a better choice than the aquasun.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13759820#post13759820 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TomRep
Hey Grim, have a question for you. i'm running a NEP on a 50 breeder. going to be sps/zoa dominated. just got the fixture and swapped out three of the bulbs for: AquaSun, Super Actinic, Actinic white. i'm looking at replacing the other three bulbs and was considering: KZ Figi Purple, ATI Blue plus, and a KZ next generation. my question is, depending on how I place the bulbs, what kind of color would I get out of this combo? i'm looking at placing the order for the last three bulbs tomorrow, but i'm afraid the tank will be too pink looking. thanks a bunch!
tom

Do the purple and 2 Blue Pluses, That should get you something around a 14K halide with VHO Actinic look.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13760344#post13760344 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gooli
hey grim, quick question...looking to do a very basic reef with softies only..it's a 90g standard sized tank - 48"x18"x24"

i want to have the absolute minimal T5 setup to avoid high evaporation and heat issues - i was thinking 2x36" HO T5 SLS retro with a glass cover on the tank to cut back evap...what do u think? would u recommend something different?

thanks!

I'd do 4 lamps just so you can get a nicer look.

 

[steelhant]

T-5's or T12's ?
Hi, On my 210, I'm presently running four T-12's early to late mourning, then three MH-250's for 6 hrs. then back to T-12 until late evening.
I was looking at 72" T-5 fixtures, trying to save some energy. Not sure if the T-5's would be enough. If I went to six T-12's would that give the same kind of light as a T-5's. I was was looking at the Aquactinics Constellation fixture, just not sure if the fixture would be bright enough. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Steelhant

 

[fareforce]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13761102#post13761102 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
If you have mainly SPS I recommend a different fixture. A Nova Pro isn't enough light for a tank that tall unless the stonies are all on top of the rocks.

At the moment I can't replace the fixture. However, my SPS is all showing great PE, and growth. What would you recommend for bulbs to maximize the fixture, and to get the correct color look?

 

[texhorns98]

Grim,

I don't know how you do it, man, but I can tell you I (we) sure appreciate all you do here. I have 1 Fluval 70G bowfront (about 22-23" deep) currently and I'm pretty sure I need to upgrade my lighting. Unfortunately, I really like the completely closed top I have now and I'm going to miss it. I just added a Frogspawn, Lemnalia, Ricordia, and Youngs' Leather.

I was going to get the Current Sundial 4x54 and possibly swap one of the blues for a daylight. I've been told in the newbie forum that that is still not going to be enough! So, I'm looking at the Nova Extreme Pro, but that means I'll be running topless since that puppy is 12" deep. I'm wondering if the Sundial will be enough for what I have (I know SPS if off limits) and if not, will getting the Nova Pro allow me anything more?

 

[JOSEPHLB]

Used to own a 65 and had the following bulb combo:
----------------------
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue
----------------------

When all was on, I thought it was a little too white and would like a little bit more blue look.

What bulb combo (for 24w, 4 bulbs) for a 20 gallon, long?

And will four 24w T5's with individual reflectors be sufficient for a mixed reef? (hopefully everything but the most light intensive corals)

 

[Jarrod Corby]

To much T5?

To much T5?

Hi All,

I have a 55 gallon TrueVue (I know its old I should have glass) LPS Reef Tank. I currently run two 24 inch 55 watt half actinic blue, half 10k lights....running end-to-end over the 48 inch tank.

Was thinking about upgrading to a T-5 8 bulb 48 inch setup. I saw a couple folks say the lights are quite intense. I want to branch into a few SPS and finally be able to handle a Clam or two. Is this to big of a jump of lights?

I currently have a huge group of bubbles, 200 or so candy canes, some yellow pollops, a hydrpora(sp?), daises, a few mushrooms, birdsnest, and a few Zoas. Sorry, I dont know all the technical names. I run an old Berlin Skimmer rated for 300 gallons, a Fuge, Phosphate reactor, and a UV Sterilizer. Pretty low-maint tank by some of the thread-standards I read on here.

Thanks!!

 

[texhorns98]

Bump. I just wanted to give Grim a chance to check out the last few posts, here.

 

[daveonbass]

update

update

"Front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus



quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by daveonbass
ok I bit the bullet and bought a 24" 4 bulb t5 (with 3 moon leds) from the website "fishneedit.com".

This is for a temporay set up...it is not for my upgrade with will be the ATI 36" 6 bulb fixture. But since my tank NOW needs light too...I figured I'd get a cheap one to pass the time while I save more money and set this one up.

I got the 2 blue, 2 white set up...and the white are the 20K range bulbs...(I'm hoping for a pretty blue set up). I'm already guessing that it will not be the look I REALLY want...and so I ask you.

In a 24" 4bulb light...what would be a better bulb set up for good growth...and over all good appearance? And it what order?

Thanks in advance...

dave"

sorry this quote is so wonky...I had to copy and paste.

I have a question. the 4 bulb set up you gave me is great but I have been reading more and more and have noticed that you give other people a different 4 bulb recommendation.

such as this:
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Aquablue

So my question is what is the main difference...and why did you tell me what you did? I love it...don't get me wrong...but I'm just curious what the difference is....?

thanks in advance

dave

 

[gindobuck]

what do you guys think of this light setup?
any other suggestions?

Back
ATI Blue Plus
ATI 12k aqua blue
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Korallen Zucht Fiji Purple
ATI possible 12k aqua blue
ATI Blue Plus
Front

i am doing a bit of every zoo, sps, lps

 

[snaza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13764439#post13764439 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gindobuck
what do you guys think of this light setup?
any other suggestions?

Back
ATI Blue Plus
ATI 12k aqua blue
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Korallen Zucht Fiji Purple
ATI possible 12k aqua blue
ATI Blue Plus
Front

i am doing a bit of every zoo, sps, lps

Will look good. I run 7 bulbs with the above combo. i have 1 extra blue plus. I would get an extra Blue plus to play around with.

 

[lsudiva]

Hi Grim! Thank you so much for all of your time and expertise. I was looking through the thread and didn't see any mention of suggestions for 5 foot 80W bulbs. I am looking for an end result of about a 20k Radium on a HQI Ballast and I have room for 6 bulbs. Thank you so much in advance for your advice. The bulb selection is a little more limited for the 80W. Or should I bite the bullet and just go with 12 36" for my 125? Do you think I'll lose a lot of light by only having 5 foot bulbs over my 6 foot tank?

Thanks again!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13761372#post13761372 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by steelhant
T-5's or T12's ?
Hi, On my 210, I'm presently running four T-12's early to late mourning, then three MH-250's for 6 hrs. then back to T-12 until late evening.
I was looking at 72" T-5 fixtures, trying to save some energy. Not sure if the T-5's would be enough. If I went to six T-12's would that give the same kind of light as a T-5's. I was was looking at the Aquactinics Constellation fixture, just not sure if the fixture would be bright enough. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Steelhant

Unless you have Crocea clams and high light acros on the sand the Constellation would work

The T12's wont come close to the T5's.

If you just want better supplimentation for your Halides Current makes a 2 lamp Nova T5 unit with 2 lamps with a cheap individual reflector for the lamps. 4 of the 36 inch units would work well. (2 rows in front and behind the halides)

You would need to run the halides 4 hours a day or so and the 4 rows of T5's 10 to 12 hours

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13762618#post13762618 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fareforce
At the moment I can't replace the fixture. However, my SPS is all showing great PE, and growth. What would you recommend for bulbs to maximize the fixture, and to get the correct color look?

Front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue

CHange the lamps out every 10 months.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13763469#post13763469 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by texhorns98
Grim,

I don't know how you do it, man, but I can tell you I (we) sure appreciate all you do here. I have 1 Fluval 70G bowfront (about 22-23" deep) currently and I'm pretty sure I need to upgrade my lighting. Unfortunately, I really like the completely closed top I have now and I'm going to miss it. I just added a Frogspawn, Lemnalia, Ricordia, and Youngs' Leather.

I was going to get the Current Sundial 4x54 and possibly swap one of the blues for a daylight. I've been told in the newbie forum that that is still not going to be enough! So, I'm looking at the Nova Extreme Pro, but that means I'll be running topless since that puppy is 12" deep. I'm wondering if the Sundial will be enough for what I have (I know SPS if off limits) and if not, will getting the Nova Pro allow me anything more?

Sundial might be a little light because you are trying to cover an 18" footprint with only 4 lamps.

The Pro will work but I would dump the standard lamps withing 6 months.

Replace them with 3 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Aquablue, 1 GE 6500K Daylight and 1 UVL Aquasun. That will make you good with LPS and even a few SPS on top of the rocks.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13763487#post13763487 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JOSEPHLB
Used to own a 65 and had the following bulb combo:
----------------------
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue
----------------------

When all was on, I thought it was a little too white and would like a little bit more blue look.

What bulb combo (for 24w, 4 bulbs) for a 20 gallon, long?

And will four 24w T5's with individual reflectors be sufficient for a mixed reef? (hopefully everything but the most light intensive corals)

Same mix you listed except use a second Blue Plus instead of a Aquablue.

If you are using good reflectors you can grow anything in that 20 assuming the lamps are no higher than about 6" above the tank.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: To much T5?

Re: To much T5?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13763513#post13763513 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jarrod Corby
Hi All,

I have a 55 gallon TrueVue (I know its old I should have glass) LPS Reef Tank. I currently run two 24 inch 55 watt half actinic blue, half 10k lights....running end-to-end over the 48 inch tank.

Was thinking about upgrading to a T-5 8 bulb 48 inch setup. I saw a couple folks say the lights are quite intense. I want to branch into a few SPS and finally be able to handle a Clam or two. Is this to big of a jump of lights?

I currently have a huge group of bubbles, 200 or so candy canes, some yellow pollops, a hydrpora(sp?), daises, a few mushrooms, birdsnest, and a few Zoas. Sorry, I dont know all the technical names. I run an old Berlin Skimmer rated for 300 gallons, a Fuge, Phosphate reactor, and a UV Sterilizer. Pretty low-maint tank by some of the thread-standards I read on here.

Thanks!!

Get a 4 lamp Tek fixture. It will allow you to grow anything you want in that tank.