The T5 Q&a Thread

[wharfrat48]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14153445#post14153445 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Nice tank, you sure you really want to change anything

Before I can recommend lamps I need to know...

What lamps are you running right now?

How are the 80 watt lamps placed in the tank right now?

As far as reflectors there are better ones out there now than the Ice Caps. Unless you reflectors are really scrunged up I would probably wait one more lamp change to replace them. Unless you used 2 Ice Cap reflectors for each 80 watt lamp I assume those have the Tek reflectors. It would be worth dumping them for the 60" reflectors reefgeek sells under their name (you have to call them about those, they arent listed on the web site yet)

Here was the original layout (suggested by you). I could change the oreintation if needed, as I need to replace one of the fans and do some cleaning of the hood. Also, can I replace all the bulbs at once or should I gradually replace them?

Front
80 Blue Plus
54 GE 6500K Staggered
54 GE 6500K Staggered
80 Blue Plus
54 UVL Super Actinic
80 Blue Plus
54 Aquablue

I think I played a bit with the bulbs over the past year, I tried the really red bulb (cant remember brand), but wasn't real thrilled. Have the T5 actinic bulbs changed much? I have never been too excited about how they perfomed in the past either.

As for the reflectors, I do have two ICs put together for the 80Wers. Are you recommending I change them out for the RG ones?

Sort of off-topic I'm going to order some bulbs for my fuge; GE6500 would be the best choice, right?

Thanks again

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14153733#post14153733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wharfrat48
Sort of off-topic I'm going to order some bulbs for my fuge; GE6500 would be the best choice, right?

Thanks again

For my fuge I used to go to Home Depot and buy the cheap 6500k PC screw in bulbs. My chaeto went nuts under it! Just an idea. May save you money.

 

[Challenge]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14150237#post14150237 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I'd do the Aquactinics reflectors and standoffs with 6 lamps.

Thanks Grim for the quick response.
Next question ... Based on my reading through this thread and other areas I plan on 2 ballasts for now each driving 3 bulbs -> 1,3,5 and 2,4,6. Given that would the following bulb setup be correct;

front
Blue Plus
6500K
Aqua Blue
Pro Color
Blue Plus
Aqua Blue

My LFS has the Geissman Pure Actinic, Actinic +, Aqua Blue and 6000K. I get a big discount at this store so are they a good swap for the ATI's?


Thanks

 

[kpendarvis]

Too much light?

Too much light?

I have a 40 breeder. I am currently using two overdriven t5's from UVLCo, one actinic white and one super actinic. I am pleased with the color, but my concern is that it is too much light for the tank. Over time many of my corals have gotten very light, lighter than I would like. Many of them are Euphyllia about 8-12 inches from the bulbs. I have a few montipora as well which are looking wonderful. I don't want to raise the bulbs for fear I will brown out the montiporas. From what I have read here I should not have too much light at all, if anything I could add more bulbs with no problems.
What do I do? Or should I approach this problem entirely differently. Perhaps not enough nutrients in the tank for the LPS. Suggestions welcome, as I am at a loss.

 

[wharfrat48]

Just wanted to thank Grim and the rest of you for posting all this info. Sure makes things alot easier. Also wanted to post an updated tank shot of my 180g--- T5 only

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14153733#post14153733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wharfrat48
Here was the original layout (suggested by you). I could change the oreintation if needed, as I need to replace one of the fans and do some cleaning of the hood. Also, can I replace all the bulbs at once or should I gradually replace them?

Front
80 Blue Plus
54 GE 6500K Staggered
54 GE 6500K Staggered
80 Blue Plus
54 UVL Super Actinic
80 Blue Plus
54 Aquablue

I think I played a bit with the bulbs over the past year, I tried the really red bulb (cant remember brand), but wasn't real thrilled. Have the T5 actinic bulbs changed much? I have never been too excited about how they perfomed in the past either.

As for the reflectors, I do have two ICs put together for the 80Wers. Are you recommending I change them out for the RG ones?

Sort of off-topic I'm going to order some bulbs for my fuge; GE6500 would be the best choice, right?

Thanks again

You could maybe change the Blue Pluses first.

As far as the rest instead of the super actinic try out a UVL 75/25. It adds a tiny bit or red, has a lot of actinic ans still has decent amount of PAR.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14156601#post14156601 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Challenge
Thanks Grim for the quick response.
Next question ... Based on my reading through this thread and other areas I plan on 2 ballasts for now each driving 3 bulbs -> 1,3,5 and 2,4,6. Given that would the following bulb setup be correct;

front
Blue Plus
6500K
Aqua Blue
Pro Color
Blue Plus
Aqua Blue

My LFS has the Geissman Pure Actinic, Actinic +, Aqua Blue and 6000K. I get a big discount at this store so are they a good swap for the ATI's?


Thanks

I'd get a 4 lamp and a 2 lamp ballast. Drive the two blues on one for dusk/dawn and the other 4 on the other ballast. I assume reefgeek still has the 4 lamp ballasts available. Order an extra blue plus , you may find the middle aquablue needs to be changed out for the blue plus. In either case that gives you a spare lamp.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Too much light?

Re: Too much light?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14156838#post14156838 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kpendarvis
I have a 40 breeder. I am currently using two overdriven t5's from UVLCo, one actinic white and one super actinic. I am pleased with the color, but my concern is that it is too much light for the tank. Over time many of my corals have gotten very light, lighter than I would like. Many of them are Euphyllia about 8-12 inches from the bulbs. I have a few montipora as well which are looking wonderful. I don't want to raise the bulbs for fear I will brown out the montiporas. From what I have read here I should not have too much light at all, if anything I could add more bulbs with no problems.
What do I do? Or should I approach this problem entirely differently. Perhaps not enough nutrients in the tank for the LPS. Suggestions welcome, as I am at a loss.

A 40 breeder with 2 lamps even over driven shouldn't be too much light.

I'd get more lamps and not overdrive them. You could try adding a ATI Blue Plus and Aquablue regularly driven to what you have now.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14161454#post14161454 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wharfrat48
Just wanted to thank Grim and the rest of you for posting all this info. Sure makes things alot easier. Also wanted to post an updated tank shot of my 180g--- T5 only

Purdy!

 

[ReefEnabler]

Quick question about 660 ballast.

It says a max of 440 watts.... but it also says only up to 16 lamp feet. That comes out to three 5 feet bulbs.

What does it overdrive the 80w bulbs to again?

 

[funkpolice]

can I wire my ati powermodule through a potentiometer without any adverse effects?
bill

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14162051#post14162051 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefEnabler
Quick question about 660 ballast.

It says a max of 440 watts.... but it also says only up to 16 lamp feet. That comes out to three 5 feet bulbs.

What does it overdrive the 80w bulbs to again?

About 100 watts

 

[ReefEnabler]

so then the inevitable question.... why cant you use Four of the 80w bulbs?? that would still be only 400w, yet they say a max of 16 lamp feet....

should we ignore that and just go by the watts?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14164270#post14164270 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by funkpolice
can I wire my ati powermodule through a potentiometer without any adverse effects?
bill

That wont work with any lighting that needs a ballast.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14164669#post14164669 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefEnabler
so then the inevitable question.... why cant you use Four of the 80w bulbs?? that would still be only 400w, yet they say a max of 16 lamp feet....

should we ignore that and just go by the watts?

440 watts or 16 feet of lamps

It might fire up 4 lamps but it would probably kill the ballast. It's trying to push those watts through too much resistance.

Ice Cap makes or made a cheaper VHO ballast sold under the URI name. Ice Cap originally said they weren't compatable with T5's then revised it to use a heatsink and I think two lamps only. I know of a few people who assumed they were a un dimable 660 and tried them early on and had them fry in a matter of months. Ice Cap is pretty straight up about their products. I would trust what they say about the lamps.

 

[o0jmadr0x0o]

i saw that sunlight supply sells replacement tek reflectors, does anyone know the dimensions of these reflectors?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

They are sections for 2 and 4 lamps. About 2" wide per lamp.

 

[rstriby]

hey Grim

the tank I am setting up is 60L x 18Wx 24. I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to keep but I want clams to be an option. I have been looking at reef geeks for retro kits. due to space limitations I can only have 6 lights.

My question is do I need to get 60'' bulbs or can I use 48''

I have been looking at the icecap retro's. Do I have to overdrive them or is HO enough.

If I have to overdrive them I have a question about the cooling. would 2 4inch icecap fans blowing from the back of the canopy in (down the caps) be enough. or do i need more than that. The back of the canopy will be open.


last question
can you give me the best bulb config. I would like it to look bright with a blue tint. enough to make the fish and corals pop. as well as healthy for sps corals and possibly a clam


Thanks for all your time and info. This is a great thread

 

[o0jmadr0x0o]

http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2808

how are those reflectors?
i am trying to replace the reflector that came with my light, it is one large reflector that is bent around each bulb so i guess it is "individual" reflectors but i just dont think its rely working that great. will this be a good upgrade or should i focus on getting quality bulbs?
what first...... bulbs or reflectors(if the ones i listed would even work)?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14166546#post14166546 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rstriby
hey Grim

the tank I am setting up is 60L x 18Wx 24. I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to keep but I want clams to be an option. I have been looking at reef geeks for retro kits. due to space limitations I can only have 6 lights.

My question is do I need to get 60'' bulbs or can I use 48''

I have been looking at the icecap retro's. Do I have to overdrive them or is HO enough.

If I have to overdrive them I have a question about the cooling. would 2 4inch icecap fans blowing from the back of the canopy in (down the caps) be enough. or do i need more than that. The back of the canopy will be open.


last question
can you give me the best bulb config. I would like it to look bright with a blue tint. enough to make the fish and corals pop. as well as healthy for sps corals and possibly a clam


Thanks for all your time and info. This is a great thread

I'd do 4 lamps overdriven and 2 normally driven The IC fans at each end are fine

Front
ATI Blue Plus Normally driven
UVL 75/25
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus Normally driven