The T5 Q&a Thread

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14764408#post14764408 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by murraycamp
Okay. Now, for the inevitable: bulb choice!

I really like a blue tank with heavy florescence, but in this application (all acros) it seems to me that it has to be balanced towards the PAR side.

Suggestions?

Are you going with 7 or 8 bulbs? 10 possibly?

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

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14764470#post14764470 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Taqpol
I was just wondering, what is wrong with the Tek fixture? I know it has no integrated cooling, but since I plan on putting it inside a canopy I could add my own fan cooling, correct?

I recommend cooling the Tek's no matter what. Tek's reflectors aren't quite as good as ATI and the ballasts aren't as good either. I know a guy that is on his 3rd ballast in a year with the Tek fixture. I credit it to no active cooling.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14764376#post14764376 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tor101898
Just wanted to get a recommendation, and it seems that this is the place to get some good advice.

Grim, at present I am in the process of planning an upgrade. The new tank will be a marineland DD tank, the 200 gallon to be exact. the measurements are 48"L x 36"W x 27"H.
My previous tank had two MH 250w icecap 20k bulbs in lumenarc reflectors with two Vho on an icecap 660 for sunrise/sunset.

I wanted to plan a more efficient lighting system, That did not run as hot and uses less energy. for this I have been looking at replacing the aforementioned lighting with a T5 retro or fixture. For the retro I was thinking a 12 bulb system, 4 bulbs each on two separate Icecap 430 ballasts and 4 bulbs on an icecap 660. The first 4 would go on for 2 hours (sunrise), then the next 4 bulbs would come on in addition to the first four for another 2 hours ( together ). then four hours after the first bulb came on the last 4 bulbs would come on, 660 driven bulbs to simulated noon hours, for 4 hours. after the 4 hours the cycle would reverse until all bulbs would turn off after a 12 hour light cycle.

I am leaning more towards a retro since a 12 bulb fixture that does what I want to accomplish is not available at the time.

For this tank I would like to have a mix of lps , sps and softies also two clams that I have. Do you think this setup would be viable and if so what lamp combo would I need if the lamps where as follows:

each number represents a ballast- ballast 1, ballast 2 and ballast 3:
bulb setup would be :
1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3

Good idea but in practical terms but 2 problems in the real world. First off you can only run 2 54 watt T5 lamps on a 430 so you will need to get 660 ballasts, TRUST ME, this aint my first T5 rodeo

Another issue might be harness length. You need to get the length of wire that the harness (either check Ice Cap's website or call reefgeek) has and do a mock up on cardboard and see if you are going to need to get the extra long harnesses.

For lamps
Front
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
GE 6500K Daylight
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
ATI Aquablue


So ballast 1
super actinic
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Blue Plus

Ballast 2

Blue Plus
75/25
Blue Plus
75/25


Ballast 3

Actinic WHite
GE 6500K
Actinic White
Aquablue

1 should be eerie blue

2 will bring in a brighter blue with some red from the 75/25's which will also help to brighten up the look

3 is going to add more white/red from the actinics whites, yellow/green from the GE and white from the aquablue. Order some spare lamps so you can play. I'd grab a GE 6500K, ATI Aquablue and Blue Plus. I think you will like the mix but it never hurts to have options and you need spare lamps anyway

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14764408#post14764408 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by murraycamp
Okay. Now, for the inevitable: bulb choice!

I really like a blue tank with heavy florescence, but in this application (all acros) it seems to me that it has to be balanced towards the PAR side.

Suggestions?

If you do the constellation

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus
Actinic White
Blue Plus

3 and 5 for dusk/dawn. 1, 4 and 7 for early day and 2 and 6 for midday. Only one lamp there with no actinic so the glow should be covered and they all have good par.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14764470#post14764470 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Taqpol
I was just wondering, what is wrong with the Tek fixture? I know it has no integrated cooling, but since I plan on putting it inside a canopy I could add my own fan cooling, correct?

You could but that will eliminate the option of overdriving. Also remember the fixture prices are generally quoted without lamps while the retros include lamps so keep that in mind.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14765074#post14765074 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dan223
What do you mean by the actinic white producing best color but look the worst?

The Actinic white has a Pepto pink look to it. Great for producing colors but on it's own it looks gawd awful. The fiji purple has a slight purple look and the Aquablue is a little blue. The extra red seems to help bring out more depth in the colors but to sit and look at the Aquablue is nicer.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14765254#post14765254 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by solareclisped
I have a 90 gallon tank. I am trying to figure out if I should go with 2x250 mh with actinic supplemen or If I should do t5 lights. The tank is 48lx18wx24d so I just dont know. Suggestions on what would work. Tank is cycling right now so I have not stocked it and I dont know what I want to stock it with. Just trying to figure out things right now. If I can do t5 how many bulbs and what fixture would work. I dont really want to spend $1000 but more like maybe $500 or so would be ok.
Thanks
Gary

ATI Sunpower would work fine over a 90 and would be in your price range. If you are going to run a canopy a retrofit would be fine too. Either way 6 lamps.

 

[ReefEnabler]

Today I've been working on combining 36" Aquactinics reflectors into 55" reflectors like the Teks. I just tape em together, drill 4 holes and add rivets. pretty easy, and I've made a few without issue...

only I am having a really annoying issue in that on roughtly 50% of my aquactinics reflectors, the yellow protective plastic is not coming off very well!! sometimes it will be peeling off nicely only to suddenly tear off with the appearance of ripped paper, fused thoroughly to the reflector. in other areas I can't even get the corner to give me much, it just rips of tiny bits at a time. other times it will tear off and stick near the edges of the reflector and I just cant seem to get it off.

could the reflectors have gotten warm in shipping and it somehow fused???


I've never had this issue pealing off the protective plastic of the teks... anybody had this issue before? Is there any solvent that I might use to help remove it without damaging the reflectors themselves?????

Thanks

 

[solareclisped]

Is there anywhere that sells the ATI Sunpower in the US yet?

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14766226#post14766226 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by solareclisped
Is there anywhere that sells the ATI Sunpower in the US yet?

Reefgeek does, you have to call and get on the waiting list

 

[solareclisped]

OK thanks. Is there any other decent systems that would work for a 90 gallon tank?

 

[Mark426]

Hey...anyone got the PAR for the new 454nm by UV. Thought about giving them a try in place of one or two of my Blue+.

 

[cgoodman381]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14764202#post14764202 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I have found I like the UVL Actinic White more than the aquasun but your mix looks good to me.

Since 6 bulb fixtures seem to be pretty popular, whats your ultimate 6 bulb choice?
Also what do you think of aquascience?

 

[KH971]

Wow, what a thread, so far my experience has only been 400 MH and I am starting back after 2 years with a 45 gallon tank.
26"lX20"WX20"H rimless with 3 sides starfire. I want this tank to be all SPS. Would a 6 bulb retrofit be too much? Should I also do an Icecap retro and make a hood? or purchase something? I want the best light possible so if I need to make something, please point me in the right direction.

 

[solareclisped]

are the Current Nova Extreme Pro 6x54 systems any good. Drsfostersmith has them on sale right now for 359 and just wondering how well they worked.

 

[KH971]

Okay how about a 6 bulb retro with Icecap reflectors and 2 Icecap 430 ballasts? on a 26L x 20W x 20H tank. full blown SPS tank.

 

[zlwags85]

Hi Grim.

Thanks for all the help picking everything out and answering all the questions along the way. Got everything hooked up and working now and moving on to the fans. I want to do the best job that is feasible and want your opinion on fan placement.

Here is a picture of the lights and the whole canopy (not in the order yet... just verifying eveyrthing worked)

Better angle on the middle row of endcaps. They are mounted on a 1X4... Someone suggested ATI powermodule type cooling from above... but not sure if that 1X4 would defeat the purpose.... both ends are the same way:

Wasn't sure if mounting them in those slots would be close enough or if an angled approach would work.

Seeing the pictures, what are your thoughts on fan placement? If better pictures or better explanations would help, let me know... no prob at all. Thanks tons for the help in advance... truly appreciate it!

 

[snaza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14766127#post14766127 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefEnabler
Today I've been working on combining 36" Aquactinics reflectors into 55" reflectors like the Teks. I just tape em together, drill 4 holes and add rivets. pretty easy, and I've made a few without issue...

only I am having a really annoying issue in that on roughtly 50% of my aquactinics reflectors, the yellow protective plastic is not coming off very well!! sometimes it will be peeling off nicely only to suddenly tear off with the appearance of ripped paper, fused thoroughly to the reflector. in other areas I can't even get the corner to give me much, it just rips of tiny bits at a time. other times it will tear off and stick near the edges of the reflector and I just cant seem to get it off.

could the reflectors have gotten warm in shipping and it somehow fused???


I've never had this issue pealing off the protective plastic of the teks... anybody had this issue before? Is there any solvent that I might use to help remove it without damaging the reflectors themselves?????

Thanks

I had the same problem with the yellow plastic film. tried everything and the only thing that worked was paint stripper. painted it on then wiped it of about 5 mins later. No damage to the reflectors at all and WORKED GREAT.

 

[syilk1]

How often do you change ur bulbs

How often do you change ur bulbs

Hi gang, I changed my bulbs out about 13 months ago and they still seem bright. I am trying to keep some SPS and LPS and shrooms and anenomes have overrun my tank. I have the Actinics 5 bulb hood and am looking for the best 5 bulbs to give pop and growth and where should I order from?? And what order from front to back should I go with. Thanks for help
Scott

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14766127#post14766127 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefEnabler
Today I've been working on combining 36" Aquactinics reflectors into 55" reflectors like the Teks. I just tape em together, drill 4 holes and add rivets. pretty easy, and I've made a few without issue...

only I am having a really annoying issue in that on roughtly 50% of my aquactinics reflectors, the yellow protective plastic is not coming off very well!! sometimes it will be peeling off nicely only to suddenly tear off with the appearance of ripped paper, fused thoroughly to the reflector. in other areas I can't even get the corner to give me much, it just rips of tiny bits at a time. other times it will tear off and stick near the edges of the reflector and I just cant seem to get it off.

could the reflectors have gotten warm in shipping and it somehow fused???


I've never had this issue pealing off the protective plastic of the teks... anybody had this issue before? Is there any solvent that I might use to help remove it without damaging the reflectors themselves?????

Thanks

I've had the issue and assumed they got hot. I found that once you got a corner peeled up if you hit the underside with windex it helped. If it is too big a pain check with the Aquactinics forum in the sponsors section, Tom is a stand up guy and will take care of you if you can't get it off.