The T5 Q&a Thread

[rcranf1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13807932#post13807932 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
You want the air temp at the ends around 95 degrees. Or you can measure the metal lamp cap directly, about 115 degrees.

so if I go with the aquactinics constellations is there any need to use the icecap 660s

 

[rcranf1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13807916#post13807916 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
If you are content with your current mix of corals a Novs Extreme pro fixture would work. its 6 rows of 2x39 watt lamps. If you want Clams or a lot of SPS then a Aquactinics Constellation would work, 7 rows 2x39 watt lamps but way better reflectors.

so if I go with the aquactinics constellations is there any need to use the icecap 660s
also what type of bulbs should i purchase im looking for bulbs that will make the corals stand out in my tank and also promote growth

 

[rcranf1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13807916#post13807916 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
If you are content with your current mix of corals a Novs Extreme pro fixture would work. its 6 rows of 2x39 watt lamps. If you want Clams or a lot of SPS then a Aquactinics Constellation would work, 7 rows 2x39 watt lamps but way better reflectors.

so do i need the icecaps 660 with this fixture? and what type of bulb should I get im looking for bulbs that will bring out the colors in my corals and also promote growth, overall intsnseifying the tank overall

 

[trigs]

hey grim i have a 48" long 25" deep 20" width tank and i have a 8bulb tek fixture it came with all geisman bulbs half blue half 10k i am wondering what would be a good bulb set up for my reef tank containing sps lps and softies thanks.

 

[gmatta]

grim i am looking to set up a standard 48" 75 gallon mixed reef with 55 gallon sump/refugium with the knowledge that I will go 120 gallon in 2 years or so. would u sugest a light that will work for both current and upgrade along with bulbs to go with 12k - 14k color

 

[hansmatt]

Grim...You are awesome for all the work you do, and yes, I've been reading but have an unusual situation...a peninsula tank.
I've got a 6x54 powermodule that is due to be shipped soon, and need some bulb suggestions for a 90g mixed reef. This is a viewed on both sides so I don't know how/if that matters for optics. I was looking at
blue +
aqua blue
pro color
blue +
aqual blue
blue +

maybe a fiji purple thrown in the mix?
too blue?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I'm coming from 4x110vho's, 2x super actinics, and 2 50/50's

 

[hansmatt]

Grim...You are awesome for all the work you do, and yes, I've been reading but have an unusual situation...a peninsula tank.
I've got a 6x54 powermodule that is due to be shipped soon, and need some bulb suggestions for a 90g mixed reef. This is a viewed on both sides so I don't know how/if that matters for optics. I was looking at
blue +
aqua blue
pro color
blue +
aqual blue
blue +

maybe a fiji purple thrown in the mix?
too blue?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I'm coming from 4x110vho's, 2x super actinics, and 2 50/50's

 

[bozoman]

Peninsula Tank

Peninsula Tank

Hansmatt, I have a 90g peninsula with a 6 bulb t5 retro. As long as the two bulbs closest to each end are identical on each side I wouldn't worry too much about banding.
I think your bulb choices, like mine, will end up being somewhat brighter and noticeable less blue on the side with the pro color.
I went with:
Blue+
Blue+
Aquablue
GE6500K
Blue+
Blue+

After trying:
Blue+
Blue+
GE6500K
Aquablue
UVL Super Actinic
Blue+

which had noticeable difference in lighting color on both sides. Don't underestimate the difference in bulbs when dealing with a peninsula tank.

Hope that helps.

 

[NVTE]

HI Grim
I have Tek 8x54W on top my 150g . I want to maximum the output of T5. Which combination is best and put out 14K color? thanksss.

My current combination are (from back to front)

1 Geisemenn Actinic + (time to replace)
2 Fiji Purple ( 3 month old)
3 Geisemenn Aquablue + (new)
4 Geisemenn Aquablue + (new)
5 Geisemenn Aquablue + (new)
6 Geisemenn Aquablue + (time to replace)
7 ATI Blue Plus (new)
8 Geisemenn Pure Actinic (6 month)

The light cycle :
1,2,7,8 are on from 6:00 PM to 3:30AM
3,4,5,6 are on from 7:00 PM to 2:00AM

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13808483#post13808483 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rcranf1
so if I go with the aquactinics constellations is there any need to use the icecap 660s

I don't know that the cooling on a Constellation would handle the overdriven ballasts. Unless your tank is over 30" tall it isn't needed unless you are all SPS ans clams.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Grim, these ones.

Re: Grim, these ones.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13808167#post13808167 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ukroylisa
Posted by The Grim Reefer on 07/17/2008 06:41 PM:


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by 46bfinGA
Anyone using the SfIligoi lamps that are 4 sale on Reef Geek??? I bought 4 of them figured for the $$$ they can't be all that bad.



54W Super Actinic Blue 03 T5 HO Fluorescent
by Sfiligoi

List Price: $25.95
Our Price: $9.95
You Save: $16.00 (62%)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



I am using them. They look great. I don't reco them because they are on clearance and I am not too sure how many they have left, I Stocked up at that price

I too stocked up. Have you any idea as to their PAR comparisons?
Roy

I checked one and it was about equal to a UVL Super Actinic. It's around half of what a Blue Plus does

 

[snaza]

Hey Grim,

do you know of any good websites or RC threads with lots of different tanks PAR readings? T5 of MH

Cheers

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13808541#post13808541 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rcranf1
so do i need the icecaps 660 with this fixture? and what type of bulb should I get im looking for bulbs that will bring out the colors in my corals and also promote growth, overall intsnseifying the tank overall

Front
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25 - UVL super actinic for more blue - ATI Aquablue more white
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus

I use the above with the 75/25 lamp. A good starting point. If you want a 20K look, something like a radium go with a Blue Plus in the middle (4th slot)

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13813695#post13813695 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snaza
Hey Grim,

do you know of any good websites or RC threads with lots of different tanks PAR readings? T5 of MH

Cheers

No. You should put up a thread asking people to post up their readings.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13809286#post13809286 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trigs
hey grim i have a 48" long 25" deep 20" width tank and i have a 8bulb tek fixture it came with all geisman bulbs half blue half 10k i am wondering what would be a good bulb set up for my reef tank containing sps lps and softies thanks.

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Aquablue or for a more blue look Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13809347#post13809347 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gmatta
grim i am looking to set up a standard 48" 75 gallon mixed reef with 55 gallon sump/refugium with the knowledge that I will go 120 gallon in 2 years or so. would u sugest a light that will work for both current and upgrade along with bulbs to go with 12k - 14k color

Aquactinics Constellation

For the 75 you can run it with 5 lamps and have enough light to raise anything. It is important to use the right slots though. The ballast that controls lamps 1, 4 and 7 also controlls one lamp and the ballast that controls lamps 3 and 5 does the second fan so make sure you use those two with 5. You could go with 4 lamps if you arent doing clams on the sand or a ton of SPS. If you do that use Slots 3 and 5 for dusk dawn as that will control the one fan you will be using.

Front
Empty
ATI Aquablue
UVL Super Actinic
Empty
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
Empty


Front
ATI Aquablue
Empty
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
UVL Super Actinic
Empty
ATI Aquablue

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13809446#post13809446 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hansmatt
Grim...You are awesome for all the work you do, and yes, I've been reading but have an unusual situation...a peninsula tank.
I've got a 6x54 powermodule that is due to be shipped soon, and need some bulb suggestions for a 90g mixed reef. This is a viewed on both sides so I don't know how/if that matters for optics. I was looking at
blue +
aqua blue
pro color
blue +
aqual blue
blue +

maybe a fiji purple thrown in the mix?
too blue?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I'm coming from 4x110vho's, 2x super actinics, and 2 50/50's

Go with what you have listed. It should look nice.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13813342#post13813342 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NVTE
HI Grim
I have Tek 8x54W on top my 150g . I want to maximum the output of T5. Which combination is best and put out 14K color? thanksss.

My current combination are (from back to front)

1 Geisemenn Actinic + (time to replace)
2 Fiji Purple ( 3 month old)
3 Geisemenn Aquablue + (new)
4 Geisemenn Aquablue + (new)
5 Geisemenn Aquablue + (new)
6 Geisemenn Aquablue + (time to replace)
7 ATI Blue Plus (new)
8 Geisemenn Pure Actinic (6 month)

The light cycle :
1,2,7,8 are on from 6:00 PM to 3:30AM
3,4,5,6 are on from 7:00 PM to 2:00AM

Replace the Actinic Plus and Pure Actinic with a ATI Blue Plus

Replace the Aquablue with either a UVL Aquasun, Giesemann Midday or GE 6500K Daylight. Move that lamp up to position 4.

 

[Otto2]

.

 

[Otto2]

Hey Grim, need some help with my Constellation line-up
Currently set-up like this.
F
ATI Blue Plus
UVL AquaSun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aqublue
Giesseman Actinic Plus
UVL 75/25 14000K
ATI Blue Plus

This combo looks like crap. To me the front seems to have a red hue and the back of the tank looks way to blue. I am going for a white look with some blue. Also I think my 75/25 bulb is bad. Looks like its purple color and when the other lights are on, it looks like its not even lit. I was thinking of switching it out with a GE 6500K and maybe switching another bulb for a blue plus towards the front. Any recommendations?

Here is a pic of the tank lit:

And here is a pic of the bulbs so you can see what the 75/25 bulb looks like. (I dont think this pic has the lineup listed before) Its the second one in from the right.

Grim, Thanks in advance for your help.