The T5 Q&a Thread

[WinnipegDragon]

Hi Grim!

You helped me out once already on my 120g 8x54w TEK system, and I'm hoping you can suggest some nice lighting for my new 20g shallow nano.

The fixture is a Current Sundial 24". Not true individual reflectors, but one reflector that is contoured around each bulb. This will be a SPS tank maybe a clam as well, but it's only 12" deep so huge PAR is not that important.

This tank will be in my Kitchen which is predominately Orange/Black in tones, but I am using blue accents, so a slightly bluer colouration would be nice.

My bulb brand selection is a bit limited: Geisemann, URI, K-Z Fiji Purple, Coralife (ugh) and Aqua Science (?).

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14144841#post14144841 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trmiv
I recently got done switching the bulbs in my Aquactinics TX5 (they were old). Here is what I had:

ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue Special

I wanted a bit more pop, so when I switched, I went with this combo:

ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue Special
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue Plus

I like the look, and blue, green, and pink corals look good, but yellows and oranges could look better in my opinion. The tank looks amazing during the dawn/dusk cycle when just the Blue Pluses and Super Actinics are running though, tons of florescence. I was actually tempted to switch an Aquablue for a Blue Plus, but that may be too blue. Anyway, my question is, is there a bulb with decent par that I can switch out an Aquablue for that won't overpower the blue pluses too much, but will get better color out of orange, yellow and red colors in corals?

You could change the Super Actinic to a 75/25. With your mix of bulbs you don't have a lot of red hitting the corals and that is why they don't pop. Changing even an Aquablue with a 75/25 would possibly help.

Try this:

ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue or ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
GE 6500K
ATI Blue Plus

Or change out one of the Aquablues with an ATI Pro Color.

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14146609#post14146609 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WinnipegDragon
Hi Grim!

You helped me out once already on my 120g 8x54w TEK system, and I'm hoping you can suggest some nice lighting for my new 20g shallow nano.

The fixture is a Current Sundial 24". Not true individual reflectors, but one reflector that is contoured around each bulb. This will be a SPS tank maybe a clam as well, but it's only 12" deep so huge PAR is not that important.

This tank will be in my Kitchen which is predominately Orange/Black in tones, but I am using blue accents, so a slightly bluer colouration would be nice.

My bulb brand selection is a bit limited: Geisemann, URI, K-Z Fiji Purple, Coralife (ugh) and Aqua Science (?).

Isn't URI also UV Lighting? If so...

Try this:

Geisemann Actinic Plus
UVL 75/25
UVL Aquasun or Geisemann Aquablue
Geisemann Actinic Plus

 

[WinnipegDragon]

I think they are the same brand.

 

[Bill14]

Grim - First off thanks for providing so much useful info. I've been researching T5 lighting and learned a great deal from your posts in various threads.

I'm considering upgrading my current lighting (2x150W DE MH, 2x96W PC) on my 90g tank. I'm just not getting the penetration I'd like out of my setup and my growth lower in the tank seems very slow. It looks like my choices are 2x250W MH or 6-8x T5s. I'm leaning towards T5s now because of the power effeciency and flexibility in coloration.

So, it appears there are 2-3 front runners on the T5 fixtures capable of penetrating to the sand bed in my tank with reasonable PAR to keep most anything. The ATI Powermodule, ATI Sunpower, and Aquactinics Constellation. It appears the Powermodule leads the pack and has a price tag to match. The Constellation seems like it will meet my needs and looks pretty nice. I really like the 7th bulb for the added flexibility. I haven't seen much info on the Sunpower yet. The price seems great and from one post I've seen of yours the performance seems good too.

So, break it down for me Grim. Can you compare the three fixtures and help me pick which would be the best fit for my tank (value and performance)? Also if there is another fixture that should be in the conversation, I'm open to that as well.

Thanks!

 

[jlemoine2]

I have the same question as Bill14.

I'm looking to get into T5 and there is very little information from the manufacturers in regard to these fixtures.

Great thread, thanks!

-James

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14146744#post14146744 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WinnipegDragon
I think they are the same brand.

Then I like my recommendation knowing that now. lol


The Actinic Plus is the same as an ATI Blue Plus as far as color. So two of those with the 75/25 is way sweet. Then if you want bluer go with the Aquablue. The Aquasun is a little more purple if I remember correctly.

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14146795#post14146795 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jlemoine2
I have the same question as Bill14.

I'm looking to get into T5 and there is very little information from the manufacturers in regard to these fixtures.

Great thread, thanks!

-James

Click on the red house in Grim's posts. You will learn everything you need to know.

 

[WinnipegDragon]

Who are you? The miniGrim?

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14146753#post14146753 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bill14
Grim - First off thanks for providing so much useful info. I've been researching T5 lighting and learned a great deal from your posts in various threads.

I'm considering upgrading my current lighting (2x150W DE MH, 2x96W PC) on my 90g tank. I'm just not getting the penetration I'd like out of my setup and my growth lower in the tank seems very slow. It looks like my choices are 2x250W MH or 6-8x T5s. I'm leaning towards T5s now because of the power effeciency and flexibility in coloration.

So, it appears there are 2-3 front runners on the T5 fixtures capable of penetrating to the sand bed in my tank with reasonable PAR to keep most anything. The ATI Powermodule, ATI Sunpower, and Aquactinics Constellation. It appears the Powermodule leads the pack and has a price tag to match. The Constellation seems like it will meet my needs and looks pretty nice. I really like the 7th bulb for the added flexibility. I haven't seen much info on the Sunpower yet. The price seems great and from one post I've seen of yours the performance seems good too.

So, break it down for me Grim. Can you compare the three fixtures and help me pick which would be the best fit for my tank (value and performance)? Also if there is another fixture that should be in the conversation, I'm open to that as well.

Thanks!

The ATI Powermodule is top of the line. Best of the best. Like you said it has a price tag to match also. Plus I think they are coming out with a newer model soon so the old ones may drop price soon?

The ATI Sunpower, from talking to Grim, is the next best possible. I believe Grim was getting 375 PAR at the sand with all Aquablues running. His Constellation is getting 275ish I think? But was with a combination of bulbs, not all Aquablues. Grim correct me if I am wrong.

The Constellation is a good fixture. But for the price I like the Sunpower more. One cool thing the Constellation has is 3 stage lighting. That is a lot of fun!

If you have the money for a Powermodule get that but I reco the Sunpower.

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14146837#post14146837 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WinnipegDragon
Who are you? The miniGrim?

HAHAHA no I can't even be put in the same category as he is!

I have followed this thread for almost 4 months I think. Only 2 of which I have said anything. I read all the info I can about T5. I also watch what Grim says and apply it. I also ask him a lot of questions as to why he recommends certain things.

I started using T5 over 2 1/2 years ago before it was really really popular. I loved what it did for my tank and have loved it since.

So I will say I feel comfortable recommending things but I am not Grim himself or his knowledge. I just read and study A LOT!

 

[WinnipegDragon]

No problem, I didn't mean it in a bad way.

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14146906#post14146906 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WinnipegDragon
No problem, I didn't mean it in a bad way.

Oh I know. No harm done! I am here to try and help people with what I can. I know Grim is busy and watching this thread during the day is hard. So I try to help when I can.

 

[customdusty]

New Bulbs

New Bulbs

I got my new T5 bulbs and I'm just seeking some input in how to arrange them:

I have an 8 bulb fixture and 9 bulbs to choose from - They alternate on 2 different switches - depicted by switch "X" and switch "O"

X
O
X
O
X
O
X
O

I'm not sure what order to place them in, or which combination to choose:

I have the following:

3x ATI Aquablue Special
3x ATI Blue +
2x UVL Aquasun
1x Geisemann Pure Actinic

I have a healthy mixture of corals - A bunch of large softies and LPS, a couple of clams, and would like to continue to grow my collection of SPS.

My priorities would be growth first and aesthetics second. If there are different arrangements I should use to acheive growth or color more so than the other, I'd like to know.

 

[tboneman]

Hi Grimm,
I have a question about what bulbs I could run to make the reds and oranges in my corals pop more. I have just installed a two bulb, overdriven set of 48" T5's to my existing 2X250 watt de Phoenix 14K's. I currently have 2 URI 110 watt, VHO super actinics serving as supplementals that I run together with the Phoenix bulbs. I like the overall colors very much but feel I could use something to bring out the the colors better in my orange monti cap. Any suggestions you have would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[volcom69]

I just transfered my tank from my old 55 to my 70 gal. My 55 had 2-250 MH and my new 70 is under aquatinics tx5 T5s. My question is i dont want to bleach any of them so right now i have my main lighting on for 6hrs with my blue lights on for longer. Should i wait awhile to up the 6hrs for a couple of weeks. Also how long is everyone running there T5s thanks.

 

[ernordstrom]

Grim,
I am thinking of picking up some of the new UVL T-5 Bulbs with the internal reflectors. I currently have a 4 bulb icecap 660 retro on mine now with SLR reflectors. Will this improve the light output or is this just a waste of a couple dollars with the internal reflectors. Any thoughts. I am planning on going with this setup if I get em.

UV Lighting 54 W Super Actinic T5 W/ Internal Reflector
ATI Aquablue Special
UV Lighting 54 W AquaSun T5 W/ Internal Reflector
ATI Blue Plus

How would this lighting combination look? Should I go for the internal reflector bulbs? Shoulb I get another blue plus instead of the super actinic. My bulbs are due for a change (getting dark near the ends) so I want to get this right.

I like the look off my tank now but I wouldn't mind a bit more pop. Give me some suggestions please...I have mostly SPS

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14144841#post14144841 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trmiv
I recently got done switching the bulbs in my Aquactinics TX5 (they were old). Here is what I had:

ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue Special

I wanted a bit more pop, so when I switched, I went with this combo:

ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue Special
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue Plus

I like the look, and blue, green, and pink corals look good, but yellows and oranges could look better in my opinion. The tank looks amazing during the dawn/dusk cycle when just the Blue Pluses and Super Actinics are running though, tons of florescence. I was actually tempted to switch an Aquablue for a Blue Plus, but that may be too blue. Anyway, my question is, is there a bulb with decent par that I can switch out an Aquablue for that won't overpower the blue pluses too much, but will get better color out of orange, yellow and red colors in corals?

You could try a UVL 75/25

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14144853#post14144853 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vyerous
One more thing, looking at the bulbs on reefgeek.com The length of the bulb is 45.8", I assume this is the correct length for any t5 48" fixture? Just making sure, never heard the actual length of the bulb.

Thanks for your guys' help, I am excited to see how this looks when its all said and done.

yes

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14146552#post14146552 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Challenge
I have recently set up a 70 gallon Oceanic Tech and am preparing to change the lighting to something more permanent. The light right now is a USA Current 4 bulb T5 and was part of the "gifted initial setup"

Looking to build my own custom wood pendant light.

The tank is of course 36x18X24, opening is 12".

If I use the TEK or ICEcap reflectors I can only get 4 maybe 5 lights into the pendant, with the Aquactinics I can get 6.

Question is do I need 6 with the individual reflectors?

Intend on this being a full mixed tank, including SPS, Clams and maybe LPS at some point.

If 5 will do what bulb mix and should I overdrive them with ICEcap 660's or not.

Thanks

I'd do the Aquactinics reflectors and standoffs with 6 lamps.