The T5 Q&a Thread

[nickbme06]

Found it cheaper through reefgeek. What bulbs should i get, planning to go to SPS's one day

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...nch__4x54W_Tek_Light_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

 

[jennmac415]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14635666#post14635666 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I am finally burning in the UVL lamps.

Running

Actinic white
75/25
454
454
75/25
Actinic white

that tank doesn't look as awful as I would have expected. I don't have anything in the tank to judge how well it pick up color but I would imagine someone with a planted tank would love this look.

GRIM.... you know Jennis' rules....

I NEED PICS.........................................................PLEEEEEEAS...

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14637931#post14637931 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nickbme06
ok cool, so if i get it from reefgeek, what bulbs should i get using just 4? I want to have the dusk/dawn and also im goign to do LED moonlights.

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

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14637971#post14637971 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefEnabler
I know what you mean. I think this is one area where Retro's have an advantage: its so easy to angle the front reflectors to shine light into the tank at an angle to avoid spilling outside. I also think focusing the front reflectors at an angle helps illuminate the side tissue of branches better.

Yes I agree. Each system has its' pros and cons. I like fixtures for rimless tanks but if you have a canopy to mount everything in than retro is a great choice.

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14637978#post14637978 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dustinP
i have the nova extreme pro fixture on my 120 gallon (48 inches long) and im upgrading to a better fixture. what fixture should i get and what bulbs do you recommend for best growth and color. tank is SPS dominate with some LPS and clams on the sand

ATI Powermodule 8x54W version.

ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
GE 6500K
ATI Blue Plus or ATI Aquablue
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus

 

[nickbme06]

Thats what i was thinking,

ATI Blue Plus
ATI 12000k Aquablue

But whats the White for?

I was thinking maybe like a 6000K Midday Sun for growing?

With your setup suggested, when woudl the time frames be for dusk/dawn setup. I have a timer with 2 seperate outlet controls.

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14638218#post14638218 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nickbme06
Thats what i was thinking,

ATI Blue Plus
ATI 12000k Aquablue

But whats the White for?

I was thinking maybe like a 6000K Midday Sun for growing?

With your setup suggested, when woudl the time frames be for dusk/dawn setup. I have a timer with 2 seperate outlet controls.

The UVL bulbs will pick up your reds nicely and also add an actinic punch. The GE 6500K picks up your greens and oranges nicely.

Dusk/dawn would be an ATI Blue Plus and whatever UVL you choose. Run them for 10 hours and run daylight for 8.

 

[nickbme06]

Im not entirely sure i understand. Ill have the fixture with 4 bulbs, 2 chords. I have a timer that controls 2 cords. What config should i have and what times do they go on and off? If i add moon lights with LEDs, when do they come on and off? THANKS!!

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14638294#post14638294 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nickbme06
Im not entirely sure i understand. Ill have the fixture with 4 bulbs, 2 chords. I have a timer that controls 2 cords. What config should i have and what times do they go on and off? If i add moon lights with LEDs, when do they come on and off? THANKS!!

I am not sure on the firing order of the TEK but you want an ATI Blue Plus and the UVL bulb on one chord. You then want the other 2 bulbs on the other chord. The first 2 bulbs to come on are dusk/dawn and we will call them switch A. Once they have been on for an hour or so your daylight bulbs will come on, the other ATI Blue Plus and your GE 6500K, switch B. The LED's are switch C.

Switch A on at 8 AM and off at 6 PM - 10 hours
Switch B on at 9 AM and off at 5 PM - 8 hours
Switch C on at 6 PM and off at 8 AM - 14 hours

Of course you will want to change the times so that you can enjoy the tank when you are home to see it. Make sense?

 

[nickbme06]

Yes that does, thanks!!! I work from 8 to 5, so ill prob have the daylight at night time.

So technically, i dont need switch C until later just for viewing the tank during 'its night time", correct? Otherwise the tank is completely dark on Switch C's cycle?

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14638411#post14638411 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nickbme06
Yes that does, thanks!!! I work from 8 to 5, so ill prob have the daylight at night time.

So technically, i dont need switch C until later just for viewing the tank during 'its night time", correct? Otherwise the tank is completely dark on Switch C's cycle?

Correct! You got it.

If you get home at 5 or so I would have the tank turn on at like 12 or 1 so when you get home it is close to full glory for viewing fun. Then you will also catch the dawn effect just before bed.

 

[nickbme06]

So for starting out with FOWLR and a few hardy corals and a few fish, and planing to go to SPS's as well, this setup will be ok?

Switch A
ATI Blue Plus
12000K Actinic White (50/50)

Switch B
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus

 

[nickbme06]

Thinkin the aquablue special may be better

Switch A
ATI Blue Plus
ATI 12000K Aquablue Special

Switch B
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus

 

[dustinP]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14638217#post14638217 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rtparty
ATI Powermodule 8x54W version.

ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
GE 6500K
ATI Blue Plus or ATI Aquablue
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus

what do you think about the Sfiligoi Stealth 12 x 54w T5 Pendant

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14638600#post14638600 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nickbme06
Thinkin the aquablue special may be better

Switch A
ATI Blue Plus
ATI 12000K Aquablue Special

Switch B
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus

I would order an extra bulb. Get either the UVL Actinic White or UVL 75/25. With the bulbs you have listed nothing will pick up the reds or pinks real nice.

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14638808#post14638808 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dustinP
what do you think about the Sfiligoi Stealth 12 x 54w T5 Pendant

When Grim tested the Sfiligoi fixtures, they were very disappointing. I don't know how disappointing number wise but for a full fledged SPS tank with clams on the bottom the PM is your best bet.

That or look into a 48" Constellation fixture.

 

[nickbme06]

if i get UVL Actinic White or UVL 75/25 which one would u say swaping out for?

 

[nickbme06]

Switch A
UVL 75/25
ATI 12000K Aquablue Special

Switch B
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus

Maybe?

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14639118#post14639118 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nickbme06
Switch A
UVL 75/25
ATI 12000K Aquablue Special

Switch B
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus

Maybe?

Switch it for the ATI Aquablue. You want 2 Blue Pluses or you will have a very yellow/white washed out tank. The Aquablue is a white bulb. It doesn't have enough blue to bother being a real blue bulb.

 

[snaza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14638993#post14638993 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rtparty
When Grim tested the Sfiligoi fixtures, they were very disappointing. I don't know how disappointing number wise but for a full fledged SPS tank with clams on the bottom the PM is your best bet.

That or look into a 48" Constellation fixture.

I Beg to differ

Check out this tank :eek1:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1512189&perpage=25&pagenumber=10