The T5 Q&a Thread

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14685285#post14685285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by awesomefam
ok for my 8 set up, I am looking for a 12-14,000ish look with a good combination of growth and color. I have a lot of SPS in the top levels of my tank but I also have quit a few LPS lower and on the sand. I am waiting on equipment before I can try everything out but I would like a little help on the arangement of bulbs.
The bulbs I have to work with are 3 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Aquablue Special, 2 KZ Fiji Purple, 2 actinic 03, 1 GE daylight and 1 UV Aquasun.

would something like this give me the colors scheme I am looking for?
FRONT
ATI Blue Plus 1
KZ Fiji Purple 1
ATI Blue Plus 2
ATI Aquablue Special 1
KZ Fiji Purple 2
UV Aquasun 1 or GE daylight
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue Plus 3

ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
GE 6500K
ATI Aquablue
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus

You may need to tweak it a little but should be close. I would avoid running both Fiji's and the UVL Aquasun. That would be a very purple tank.

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14685351#post14685351 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dtech
Grim
I meed some advice. I am going to be upgradeing to a 75g tank with a canopy on it. Standard dimension tank with a regular height canopy. It has 4x 96w pc's in it now and I want to go to T5's. I plan to keep my sps, clam, lps, and some zoas I have now in this tank. Though the height in the water will change. So my question is how many bulbs would you recomend, I will be doing a retro kit of some sort probably piece it together. Also what bulbs would you recomend, I have a 14k Phoenix 150w halide on my smaller tank now and I like the look , I also want to get good growth too. ? thanks in advance .
Terry

6 bulbs and possibly over drive the middle 4 if you want clams on the sand bed.

ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14686197#post14686197 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by laverda
I have some standard Triad and advance eletronic T5 ballasts running 2 54 watt T5s. I want to change some things around to set them up better for my tank. I would like to have one 54w T5 and one 39w T5 on one ballast. Would this cause a problem? Would it over drive just the 39w bulb or both the 39 and 54 w bulbs?

The 39W bulb won't last long. It needs to be run on a ballast designed for it.

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14686329#post14686329 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CLINTOS
Bulb combo HELP

I'm looking to grow monti cap's,monti digitata,ora birdnest,echino
in the top 1/3

bottom 2/3 will be acan's,chalice's,duncan's,ric's,zoo's,paly's


2-Koralen Zucht for the figi purple which is a blue with a hint of purple

2-koralen Zucht for the 12 000K

4-Geismen because they are easy to get in canada 20 000K
or am I making a huge mistake with the geismen?

will this work on my 90G 48"x24"hx18"w?

I have a tek lighting canopy 8 bulb's

Any chance of bonzoi tri colour acro at the very top under the
12 000k?

thank's

You should be good with that mix. Grow just about anything you want provided you have good ballasts and reflectors.

Gmann Actinic+
KZ Fiji Purple
Gmann Actinic+
KZ Coral Light
Gmann Actinic+
KZ Coral Light
KZ Fiji Purple
Gmann Actinic+

The Gmann bulbs are good bulbs. You shouldn't have issues. You may have issues getting 8 bulbs over that tank however.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14681164#post14681164 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zlwags85
I've been searching for answers on the following questions and have been having a hard time.

I have an acrylic tank with 3 cutout openings in the top. The manufacturer included acrylic covers that fit snuggly in the holes with a 2" hole in the middle that acts like a handle.

2 questions:

1. Should I use these at all? I know it will reduce the light that penetrates into the tank and will required to be cleaned a lot, but it will also prevent fish from jumping, act as a splash guard, and will maintain heat (basement tank... shouldn't have to worry about heat).

2. How high should the T5's be off of the acrylic top either way? I figure if they are 1-2" off the acrylic, that would put them about 4" off of the water because of the overflows. Is that too close to acrylic? Will that cause structural problems or warping? I know MH are a problem with acrylic sometimes... but didn't find much on T5s. Does height off the acrylic bracing change shadows or anything else?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

-zach

I wouldn't use the lids. They cut light and hold in heat and gas.

If your fixture uses a splash shield it can sit right on the tank if you want. 4" is fine without a shield.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14681171#post14681171 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rutz81
Grim:

I recently ordered an ATI 6 bulb Sunpower. I am keeping SPS, with a few LPS on the sandbed. My order hasn'y been shipped yet, so I can still change my bulb selection. I went with 4 ATI Blue+ and 2 Aquablue Special. I would like my colros to "POP", and PAR isn't that big of a deal since my tank is only 16" tall.(I am used to a Radium type color), but, do not want it to be overly blue and lose the colors of my pink/red hues in those Acros. Can you offer a better selection of bulbs or should I stick with that selection.

Thanks for any advice.

Dave

I'd swap out one Aquablue for a UVL Actinic White.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14682340#post14682340 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ugotfish?
Grim, does my setup I posted work pretty well or would you recommend something different? Like I said, I'd like to keep it the same color temp I have with the 48" fixture.

What was your setup?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14682391#post14682391 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by toddc76
Quick question, I am re-working my lighting and will be moving my ballasts further away that they currently are, do I NEED to use solid core wire? It seems like I always see the 30' extension wires that are solid core.

I have used braided wire but solid core is better, especially if you are going for longer runs.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14684325#post14684325 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JCurry
Take two- posted on the other thread. Thanks

Hey Grim,
It seems you have the most experience with T-5s I ask this question in it's own thread but maybe I should have just put it in this one. Your in put is much appreciated.
"I'm getting ready to hook up lights and I was wondering if anyone has pictures of lighting setups where T-5s are mixed with VHOs. My tank is 60" long and 24" wide. I have an Icecap 660 to over drive 3 x 60" T-5s and a Icecap 430 that will run 2 x 60" VHOs. So what combo of lights would you go with I was going to use the VHO as atinics an one of the T-5s as a Fuji purple bulb but what should I use for the other two? or am I way off and should use something else. "

Don't have pictures but the combo of the VHO Actinics and T5's looks good. For your other two lamps I would do an ATI Blue Plus and GE 6500K Daylight

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14684114#post14684114 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BlkLs1SS
I just picked up a 40 breeder tank. The tank has a diy canopy so I will retrofit a t5 setup into it. I'm not sure if I should use regular t5 ballasts or use an IC660 to overdrive them. I'm going to be using 4 bulbs. Also the tank is only 17 inches deep. Will regular ballasts be enough for sps to go anywhere or will the 660 be better.

You don't need to overdrive for that short of a tank. regular ballasts are fine

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14684900#post14684900 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bernie_Mac
Hey Grim, I got a 46 bow front with a 6 bulb 39w set up I got it used and it has three white bulbs and 3 blue I have an sps tank with zoas I want a bulb set up that will give me more growth but wont be to white I've ask around at the LFS what bulb combo to go with but i have'nt got any good answers and since in here you seem to be the man when it comes to T5's maybe you can give me your input??????
thanks dude!!!

I like 4 Blue Pluses, A UVL Actinic White and UVL 75/25. Should be good growth and nice color.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14685285#post14685285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by awesomefam
ok for my 8 set up, I am looking for a 12-14,000ish look with a good combination of growth and color. I have a lot of SPS in the top levels of my tank but I also have quit a few LPS lower and on the sand. I am waiting on equipment before I can try everything out but I would like a little help on the arangement of bulbs.
The bulbs I have to work with are 3 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Aquablue Special, 2 KZ Fiji Purple, 2 actinic 03, 1 GE daylight and 1 UV Aquasun.

would something like this give me the colors scheme I am looking for?
FRONT
ATI Blue Plus 1
KZ Fiji Purple 1
ATI Blue Plus 2
ATI Aquablue Special 1
KZ Fiji Purple 2
UV Aquasun 1 or GE daylight
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue Plus 3

What you have listed looks like a fine place to start. Give it a day or two and then try changing positions or lamps and see what you think.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14685351#post14685351 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dtech
Grim
I meed some advice. I am going to be upgradeing to a 75g tank with a canopy on it. Standard dimension tank with a regular height canopy. It has 4x 96w pc's in it now and I want to go to T5's. I plan to keep my sps, clam, lps, and some zoas I have now in this tank. Though the height in the water will change. So my question is how many bulbs would you recomend, I will be doing a retro kit of some sort probably piece it together. Also what bulbs would you recomend, I have a 14k Phoenix 150w halide on my smaller tank now and I like the look , I also want to get good growth too. ? thanks in advance .
Terry

Use Aquactinic, Reefgeek or Ice Cap reflectors on 6 lamps

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

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14686197#post14686197 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by laverda
I have some standard Triad and advance eletronic T5 ballasts running 2 54 watt T5s. I want to change some things around to set them up better for my tank. I would like to have one 54w T5 and one 39w T5 on one ballast. Would this cause a problem? Would it over drive just the 39w bulb or both the 39 and 54 w bulbs?

The 54 watt ballast will kill the 39 watt lamp.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14686285#post14686285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HOZER62
Grim is the Glo brand a good T-5 bulb? I have 4-39W T-5 HO bulbs on my 125gal. tank. L6' X W18" X H23" that I retro-fit into my hood. Bulb set-up is as follows.

Front
Power-glo
Marine-glo
Marine-glo
Power-glo

I have a frog spawn, some mushrooms, green star polyps, toad stool leather, I would like to get into the sps corals in the future and recomandtions or input would be great!! i.e. on different brand bulbs, different set-up or a point in the right direction.

Thank you, Hozer

Don't know anything about them

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14686329#post14686329 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CLINTOS
Bulb combo HELP

I'm looking to grow monti cap's,monti digitata,ora birdnest,echino
in the top 1/3

bottom 2/3 will be acan's,chalice's,duncan's,ric's,zoo's,paly's


2-Koralen Zucht for the figi purple which is a blue with a hint of purple

2-koralen Zucht for the 12 000K

4-Geismen because they are easy to get in canada 20 000K
or am I making a huge mistake with the geismen?

will this work on my 90G 48"x24"hx18"w?

I have a tek lighting canopy 8 bulb's

Any chance of bonzoi tri colour acro at the very top under the
12 000k?

thank's

See if you can find a Azoo clamp on far array up there. Fosters and Smoth sells them. Clamp on on the back frome of the tank so it blows across the center rear edge on the fixture. The air going over and above the fixture cools it nicely and gives better than 20% increase in output. Other than that your lamp selection should be fine. You should be able tyo grow anything up high, I would use Giesemann Aquablues instead of the KZ 12K's.

 

[INNOVATOR]

Good Morning Grim, if it is morning for you

I'm going to have two frag tanks built that are either 48"x36" or 36"x36", one for soft/lps coral and another for sps/clams. My question is in regarding height and wondering if 24w fixtures, normal ballast, could be used for the soft/lps coral at 12"? Would a 39w fixture provide enough intensity for the sps/clams at 12" or would the 24w once again be enough?

Thank you for the help Grim!!

 

[snaza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14681171#post14681171 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rutz81
Grim:

I recently ordered an ATI 6 bulb Sunpower. I am keeping SPS, with a few LPS on the sandbed. My order hasn'y been shipped yet, so I can still change my bulb selection. I went with 4 ATI Blue+ and 2 Aquablue Special. I would like my colros to "POP", and PAR isn't that big of a deal since my tank is only 16" tall.(I am used to a Radium type color), but, do not want it to be overly blue and lose the colors of my pink/red hues in those Acros. Can you offer a better selection of bulbs or should I stick with that selection.

Thanks for any advice.

Dave

I would swap one of the blue plus for a fiji purple. Great 6 bulb combo i reckon

 

[dtech]

Thanks for the fast response, I will do like your saying, I was planning on good reflectors for them since I didn't want to have a need to go back and add them later.Thanks again.

 

[coralfragger101]

Grim,

It seems to be that you are the person to ask for T5 bulb combos and it appears that you don't seem to mind.

I've been running a crap set of PFO LED's that are now useless since there isn't a company left to service them so I need to buy a new light set.

The tank is a 48" x 24" x 30" (150 High)

At first I was considering a MH - T5 combo set but am now thinking about going with 8 x 54w T5's.

I'm not too concerned about the tank depth. If all I can grow on the bottom is some shrooms then so be it.

As far as color, I guess I want what most people are probably looking for - A nice clean bright look with a hint of blue and the color of the corals to pop as much as possible.

I think I'm stuck with 8 bulbs unless someone makes a 10 or 12 bulb unit that would fit. Even though the tank is 24" in width I think I really only have about 16" of useable space unless I raise the unit.

Looking down on the tank it looks like this:

Now I suppose there are other options (more than one light unit, etc)

I'd like to keep SPS near the top and then some LPS and a few softies at the bottom.

1) How many bulbs do you think I need?

2) What color and position of bulbs would you recommend?

Thanks in advance

Chuck


P.S. - I wouldn't mind other people opinions either but I only ask one thing of you and that is to include the "WHY" of it all. It doesn't do me any good just to say, "Use 4 of this bulb and 4 of that bulb" without stating why you would do so.