The T5 Q&a Thread

[HighestOlive]

I have a 75 and a 55 either of which I would like to set up. From what i hear T5's are the way to go. I have mainly worked with MH up until this point. Can some one please give me some ideas how to light either of these tanks. I hate buying new lighting because it is so darn expensive, but I am going to have to so I can get one of these tanks running? What I have listed below is one of the configurations I have found that doesn't seem like it is out of this world expensive. I am oppent to suggretions what ever works best. Thanks.

Description
AquaticLifeâ"žÂ¢ 48 Inch T5 High Output Lamps with 4 Lunar LED`s

T5 HO Light Fixtures These AquaticLifeâ"žÂ¢ T5 HO fixtures offer 420/460 nm, 700+ nm and Lunar light in one streamlined unit.
Timer controls T5 HO Fluorescent Lamps and Lunar LED`s independently.
Adjustable width Aquarium Frame Mounts support fixture above the aquarium.
Gloss finish front side compliments the matte finish on top and ends of the fixture.
German-made specially angled reflector maximizes light by directing it into the aquarium.
Suspension Ports allow connection to optional cables for various mounting configurations
Four Sleek Fixtures

Lamps Included:
(2) 48" T5 HO 54W 420/460 Lamps
(2) 48" T5 HO 54W 700+ Lamps
(4) 1W Lunar LED`s


http://www.marinedepot.com/ ps_ViewItem~category~48_Inch_4x54_Watt_AquaticLife_T5_HO_Light_Fixture_W__4_Lunar_LEDs_48in_Units~ve
ndor~AquaticLife~SearchStr~t5~action~view~idProduct~AK01037~idCategory~FILTFIT58U~tab~0.html

 

[HighestOlive]

Any opinion this this lighting set up from ebay? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280309545810&_trksid=p2759.l1259

 

[mnml]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14468045#post14468045 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Todd March
It really depends on your bulb selection. Realistically, 4 bulbs will be great and all you need on that narrow of a tank. But personally I would go for broke and buy the 6 bulb fixture and run two UVL Super actinics, which don't provide much (if any) photosynthetic available light, but do which make colors POP, but I love actinic light...

Something like:

Blue+
Super Actinic
Aquablue Special (or 6500K)
Blue+
Super Actinic
Blue+

Also, since your tank seems to have a lot of red and pink corals, you could possibly swap out one of the actinics for a Pro Color (or Fiji Purple), which would make those pinks and reds pop. It's not high on PAR, but might still be a lot of light (the Fiji is higher in PAR)...

Without the low PAR actinics, 6 bulbs would really be too much light, I think, and you would be better off with the 4 bulb fixture. This would also be applicable if you are not big on the violet-fluorescing quality of actinic light...

Thanks Todd. My tank is curved on the front so towards the ends, it measures 11" wide. Do you think the 6 bulb (13.5" wide) would be okay?

If I was to go with the 4 bulb PM, would that be enough to sustain clams? I don't mind spending the money for the 6 bulb PM, more concern if it'll look too big over my tank. I'm thinking I would hang the fixture about 7" above the water so maybe it would look portional?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14461155#post14461155 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by INNOVATOR
Hello Grim,

I have a 140g (48.5"x24.5"x29) with dual overflows and not sure which route to take. The display would primarily contain soft corals, lps, and an anemone. The substrate will be at least 4", possibly 6" on the right and sloping towards the left at 4". Herein lies the problem other than a full T5 setup being of preference. I would like the majority of the light concentration on the middle to right-hand side and gradually decrease in light as you scan left (simulating deeper water). Since this is only a 4' tank I take it two 24" retrofits would be needed? Since the middle to right-hand side would contain the majority of corals, would a T5 retrofit work considering the bulbs are only 24w? I have a feeling I'd be better off using a metal halide on the middle-right and a T5 setup on the left?...

Thank you for any insight!

Halide/T5 combo is probably what you will need.

I think what I would do is go with a 10K 250 in a Sunlight Supply reef Optix 3 pendant running with T5's.

I would do this

Front

ATI Blue Plus 48" T5
ATI Blue Plus 48" T5
--------------------24" ATI Blue Plus T5
------------------- 24" UVL Actinic White T5
-----Halide ------24" ATI Blue Plus T5
--------------------24" ATI Aquablue T5

ATI Blue Plus 48" T5
ATI Blue Plus 48" T5

Fan------------------------------------- Fan
(blowing in down the row of T5 endcaps)

Install the T5 lamps so the labels are all installed at this end. (left side viewing from front)
That will allow the cold spot which is at the label end to be cooled on the 24" lamps as well as the 48" ones.

I wouldn't overdrive the T5's. Use the Ice Cap reflectors but standard T5 ballasts.

The 24" lamps will be kinda 14K-ish so not only will it not be as bright as the halide it will also start out more blue. With the 4 Blue Pluses running it will be really close to what an overdriven 20K halide does. The halide side will look fairly blue as well but be much brighter. You might want to order a spare 48" Aquablue lamp. It would brighten up the look of the halide side some if you think the look is too blue.

 

[Todd March]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14470991#post14470991 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thin crust
Thanks Todd. My tank is curved on the front so towards the ends, it measures 11" wide. Do you think the 6 bulb (13.5" wide) would be okay?

If I was to go with the 4 bulb PM, would that be enough to sustain clams? I don't mind spending the money for the 6 bulb PM, more concern if it'll look too big over my tank. I'm thinking I would hang the fixture about 7" above the water so maybe it would look portional?

Over that tank, 4 bulbs will be fine for everything, including clams, all the way down to your bottom. In fact zoas and some lower light LPS might be ticked off... With the bowfront making your ends smaller, I would probably consider the 4 bulb fixture...

 

[hamiltonguy]

Hey Grim,

You really seem like the guy to talk about T5 fixtures.

I'll be getting a 48" 6x54w Sunlight Supply T5 TEK light set up in a month or two and wanted to know that combination would give the best color and growth for all corals and inverts (i.e. sps, lps, softies, anemones, clams, etc.) Not many softies though, maybe one or two.

This will be over a 75g tank.

Here's where I'll be ordering my bulbs from:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Metal...T5-Bulbs-48"-(54w)-T5-Bulbs/c57_58_59_62/index.html

So far I was thinking (from front to back)
Giesmann true actinic
Giesmann actinic plus
Giesmann 6000k midday
Giesmann 11000k aquablue plus
Giesmann actinic plus
Giesmann true actinic

Should I have more white light bulbs?

Thanks in advance

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14464191#post14464191 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ocarius
HEY GRIMM REEFER,

Setting up an ATI SUNPOWER Fixture for my 75 Gallon tank, want to hold some SPS and get good coral/fish color

What would you recommend for a 6 x 54 set up?


Thanks

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

 

[jerome736]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14465098#post14465098 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jerome736
So I've installed my IC 660's in my tank canopy. I have a Azoo 4-fan blowing directly on the ballasts to actively cool them when they are on. I'm looking for a good option to cool the endcaps. My Canopy is completely closed up so I'll have to blow the air in from behind. Noise is a big issue for me since I have a fairly sensitive sense of hearing and the tank is in the living room.

I was thinking of running a 46.9CFM cpu fan on each side of the canopy blowing on the endcaps. The particular fan i'm looking at is rated for 25db. I wanted to check to see is ~47CFM is enough air flow or should I be looking for something a lot more? Thanks for the help!

Edit: forgot to mention that this is my 6bulb setup, across 24" of width

bumpimus maximums :rollface:

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14465098#post14465098 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jerome736
So I've installed my IC 660's in my tank canopy. I have a Azoo 4-fan blowing directly on the ballasts to actively cool them when they are on. I'm looking for a good option to cool the endcaps. My Canopy is completely closed up so I'll have to blow the air in from behind. Noise is a big issue for me since I have a fairly sensitive sense of hearing and the tank is in the living room.

I was thinking of running a 46.9CFM cpu fan on each side of the canopy blowing on the endcaps. The particular fan i'm looking at is rated for 25db. I wanted to check to see is ~47CFM is enough air flow or should I be looking for something a lot more? Thanks for the help!

Edit: forgot to mention that this is my 6bulb setup, across 24" of width

Those fans should be fine. It doesn't take that much to cool normally driven lamps. On the overdriven ones I would center the fan right at the point where the lamp enters the endcap so the exposed lamp end and endcap is equally cooled.

 

[jerome736]

Thanks again Grim! Will do!

 

[mnml]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14471799#post14471799 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Todd March
Over that tank, 4 bulbs will be fine for everything, including clams, all the way down to your bottom. In fact zoas and some lower light LPS might be ticked off... With the bowfront making your ends smaller, I would probably consider the 4 bulb fixture...

What bulb combo do you think I should go with for the 4 bulb fixture?

Appreciate your help, Todd.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14472042#post14472042 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jerome736
bumpimus maximums :rollface:

I take them in order. Unless you notice a post made after yours being answered you just got to be patient.

 

[HighestOlive]

Does anyone have any opinion one what lighting I should put over either the 55 or the 75. I can get this on ebay for $299..

Sorry that auction ended: Try this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...kparms=algo=SI&its=I&itu=CR%2BUCI&otn=4&ps=41

I just got a answer to the email I sent the auction owner, this is a Workhorse 5 ballast, if that helps.

Seems like a resonable price.

Sorry i don't mean to be impatiant I will wait.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14465298#post14465298 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thin crust
Need advice from the T5 gurus. I'm thinking of switching to T5 from MH. My tank is 23 3/4"length x 14 1/4"width x 14 1/2" height. Mixed reef with SPS about half way up.

Current fixture: 150W 20K Radium MH + 2x24W Actinic

Question: Which ATI Powermodule should I go with.

1. 24" 4x24W

or

2. 24" 6x24W

I was thinking of going 6x24 as the fixture is 13.5" wide, which would provide more coverage. But I'm worried that it'll be too much lights.

Here's a pic of my tank so you can get an idea of my coral placement.

Thanks for your advice!

4 lamps will be fine.

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

Should make those red corals pop nice.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14468699#post14468699 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cale W
I think my previous post has been left behid:

Hi Grim, thx for your help. Do you have any other PAR measurements for the 6x24w ATI sunpower or do you know where i can find them? Im particuarly after the reading at water level.

Cheers

I only have a 6x54 fixture here.

 

[mnml]

Thanks Grim & Todd for your advice :thumbsup:

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14469646#post14469646 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sivel
hi grim and all fellow rcers...

ive got a typical 90g that i believe is 30 high, and just purchased a 8x54 t5 retro fixture.
im looking to keep mainly softies and lps with a clam or two, and was wondering if it
will "keep" well under only these t5s.

any color ideas as far as bulbs go?

thanks in advance,

sivel

T5 retro fixture? I assume its one of those Catalina things.

Do 4 ATI Blue Plus, 1 UVL Actinic White, 1 UVL 75/25 1 GE 6500K Daylight and 1 ATI Aquablue

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14469787#post14469787 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 200mfromocean
Hey Grim,

Has looking for 2 bulb 24 watt T5 combo. I am keeping some sps, LPS, and derasa clam.

I was thinking of:

24" (HO, T5) Aquasun 10,000K, 24W -UV Lighting
24W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent-ATI

Thanks

I hope you are using good T5 equipment and your tank isn't very tall but yes, those 2 lamps will be good assuming the tank isn't over 8" deep and 12 inches tall.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14471865#post14471865 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hamiltonguy
Hey Grim,

You really seem like the guy to talk about T5 fixtures.

I'll be getting a 48" 6x54w Sunlight Supply T5 TEK light set up in a month or two and wanted to know that combination would give the best color and growth for all corals and inverts (i.e. sps, lps, softies, anemones, clams, etc.) Not many softies though, maybe one or two.

This will be over a 75g tank.

Here's where I'll be ordering my bulbs from:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Metal...T5-Bulbs-48"-(54w)-T5-Bulbs/c57_58_59_62/index.html

So far I was thinking (from front to back)
Giesmann true actinic
Giesmann actinic plus
Giesmann 6000k midday
Giesmann 11000k aquablue plus
Giesmann actinic plus
Giesmann true actinic

Should I have more white light bulbs?

Thanks in advance

Check reefgeeks prices before ordering from E bay.

I would drop one of the pure actinics and use another Actinic Plus. The Aquablue is really a white lamp with a slight blue hue so you only have 2 actual blue lamps in your mix.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14472149#post14472149 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HighestOlive
Does anyone have any opinion one what lighting I should put over either the 55 or the 75. I can get this on ebay for $299..

Sorry that auction ended: Try this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...kparms=algo=SI&its=I&itu=CR%2BUCI&otn=4&ps=41

I just got a answer to the email I sent the auction owner, this is a Workhorse 5 ballast, if that helps.

Seems like a resonable price.

Sorry i don't mean to be impatiant I will wait.

Don't waste your money on that no name E-bay sheet