The T5 Q&a Thread

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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14790974#post14790974 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by z3r0ko0l
Ha this thread moves so fast, its great to see all the input and help. About 11 pages back I asked about different fixtures for a standard 75G that currently has 260w of PC above it and is in need of some new bulbs. I was asking about the Tek 6/8 and the Nova Extreme 8. After some reading ive seen people saying that the Nova Extreme Pro 6x54w is hands down better than the NE due to reflectors. With free shipping deals and sales on var. sites round the internet the NEP can be had for round 360 which includes OK bulbs (which i would prob replace in 6mo or so). Is the TEK 6 or 8 worth the extra 100 dollars (300+ after you include bulbs, Legs, Shield, and cooling Fan)? Ive been reading some pretty impressive things about the NEP and Im now considering it since the extra I have over I could use for lamps and new RO/DI replacement filters which i also need to get. If its not one thing with this hobby, its another.
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Don't use the splash shield on the Tek, it just gets too hot.

The biggest advantage to using T5's are the reflectors. Even though the Extreme Pro is better than the Extreme the reflectors are still not in the same time zone as the Tek. The Ex Pro would be fine for a mixed reef in a 75 but if you want clams on the sand or a lot of SPS I'd get the Tek or better yet the ATI Sunpower. Nothing wrong with the Extreme pro as long as you are willing to limit your high light critters to the top of the tank.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14791448#post14791448 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PoukieBear
Forgive me if the answer to this question is burried somewhere in the past 25 pages of this thread, or in the previous splits....


I'm looking to change my lighting. I do have a T5 set up right now, but it's loud, outdated, and kind of ugly...

My dream is to have a T5 set up with BUILT IN moonlights, but I can't find anyone who makes one ! (other than Giesemann....for $3000)

Any suggestions? I don't want more tha 6 bulbs...and I don't mind dropping down to 5 bulbs.
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What happened, did Brian lock you out of the lounge? :D

Assuming this is for your 90 there aren't a whole lot of options.

Finnex has a 4 lamp fixture with LED's that is interesting. The reflectors are clip on based on the pictures so even if they aren't all that great you could allways replace them with good reflectors down the road. Premium Aquatics sells them.

Current also has a 4 lamp fixture called the sundial. It has 4 lamps and LED's too. The reflectors arent great and likely can't be changed

I wouldn't try more than LPS and softies with maybe a few SPS on top of the rocks with either of these.

Other than that I can't think of Decent T5 fixtures with LED's built in. I know Aquactinic is working on a Constellation with a row of LED's in it which would be 6 lamps plus LED's but I am not sure where they are with those. It would allow you to raise anything in your tank. You can check Aquactinics forum in the sponsors forum section to see when they expect those to be available. Well worth the wait if you want higher light critters in your tank.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14791530#post14791530 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Overland04
Still cant decide.

I had my heart set on the Aquactinics TX5 but because of the width I wanted to go with something a little wider. So now I like the ATI 4X39 but will that be plenty of light for BB SPS 36x18x18 tank? Should I do the 6x39?

Or should I scratch the whole ATI thing and go back to the TX5?
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6 lamp ATI would be great. The 4 lamp version will work but you would need to be careful where you place your critters. The TX 5 will be fine too.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14791744#post14791744 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by austin93
Thanks for the responses. Do you all think that maybe this would look good?

B+
AB
Fiji Purple
B+
AB
B+


I want something that makes the colors look accurate and rich, but not too white. Bright radium look would be great.
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I would maybe go for the UVL Aquasun over the Fiji, it has wider spectrum. Either one should get you about where you want to be in that mix of lamps.
 
Need help with lighting. I am clueless when it comes to a proper light setup.

My tank on order is an Aqueon (aka AGA) 75G single overflow (48x18x20)(http://www.aqueonproducts.com/produ...redilled-aquariums-with-megaflow-overflow.htm)(75 E Gallon black trim if you want to look at the shape/layout of it from their site)

and I have one versa top glass canopy set and another on the way. Not sure if I will need the glass, but I am getting each set for only $3 so I figured it would be good to get at that low of a cost just in case.

My tank (in the the end) will consist of: community peaceful/possible semi-aggressive fish, and some anemone, LPS, SPS, brain corals, mushrooms, zoanthids, and or other polyps and corals. Not ruling anything out, except, just not really fond of leathers or xenia. Some anemone(porcelain) crabs, stars, and a LS black urchin may find their way in too. Not decided on a cleanup crew yet, but will probably consist of some cleaner and sexy shrimp among them. Obviously I'm gonna have some live rock and live sand in there too.


Any help in what lighting to get for this setup to be proper would be greatly appreciated. Not wanting to get a chiller if possible (if that matters)


thanks

:beer:

edit: oh, and what about a UV sterilizer?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14792496#post14792496 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
What happened, did Brian lock you out of the lounge? :D

Assuming this is for your 90 there aren't a whole lot of options.

Finnex has a 4 lamp fixture with LED's that is interesting. The reflectors are clip on based on the pictures so even if they aren't all that great you could allways replace them with good reflectors down the road. Premium Aquatics sells them.

Current also has a 4 lamp fixture called the sundial. It has 4 lamps and LED's too. The reflectors arent great and likely can't be changed

I wouldn't try more than LPS and softies with maybe a few SPS on top of the rocks with either of these.

Other than that I can't think of Decent T5 fixtures with LED's built in. I know Aquactinic is working on a Constellation with a row of LED's in it which would be 6 lamps plus LED's but I am not sure where they are with those. It would allow you to raise anything in your tank. You can check Aquactinics forum in the sponsors forum section to see when they expect those to be available. Well worth the wait if you want higher light critters in your tank.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the Info ! I really appreciate it.

I'm not sure if I want to drop to 4 bulbs though...

I've been keeping in touch with Aquatinics about thier new Constelation. I've been bugging them since last year when I first heard about it. :D I'm still holding out, but i'm running out of patience. lol.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14792200#post14792200 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Don't use the splash shield on the Tek, it just gets too hot.

The biggest advantage to using T5's are the reflectors. Even though the Extreme Pro is better than the Extreme the reflectors are still not in the same time zone as the Tek. The Ex Pro would be fine for a mixed reef in a 75 but if you want clams on the sand or a lot of SPS I'd get the Tek or better yet the ATI Sunpower. Nothing wrong with the Extreme pro as long as you are willing to limit your high light critters to the top of the tank.
Click to expand...

I cant find a link where they are selling the SUNPOWER ATI fixture. I have seen PM ATI but no SP ATI. Can I pleasea get a link? Thanks again for all the help.
 
Hey Grim, thanks for the response!

I ended up with the ATI Sunpower 6x39w
I got these bulbs with the unit:

3-ATI Blue plus
1-ATI Aqua Blue
1-UV 75/25
1-UV Aqua Sun

What a good starting point with what I got for bulb placement?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14794647#post14794647 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Overland04
Hey Grim, thanks for the response!

I ended up with the ATI Sunpower 6x39w
I got these bulbs with the unit:

3-ATI Blue plus
1-ATI Aqua Blue
1-UV 75/25
1-UV Aqua Sun

What a good starting point with what I got for bulb placement?
Click to expand...


BP
75/25
BP
Aquasun
BP
Aquablue
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14794872#post14794872 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Overland04
Thanks RT,
is the top of the list front?
Click to expand...

Yes, that should make your dusk/dawn a 75/25 and BP. If you don't like that look just move a BP into the second position. I can't remember what the firing order is on the Sunpower.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14793259#post14793259 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PoukieBear
Thanks for the Info ! I really appreciate it.

I'm not sure if I want to drop to 4 bulbs though...

I've been keeping in touch with Aquatinics about thier new Constelation. I've been bugging them since last year when I first heard about it. :D I'm still holding out, but i'm running out of patience. lol.
Click to expand...

Plan B
You got PM
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14793259#post14793259 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PoukieBear
Thanks for the Info ! I really appreciate it.

I'm not sure if I want to drop to 4 bulbs though...

I've been keeping in touch with Aquatinics about thier new Constelation. I've been bugging them since last year when I first heard about it. :D I'm still holding out, but i'm running out of patience. lol.
Click to expand...

Plan B
You got PM
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14790319#post14790319 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Make sure the UVL lamps arent the ones with the enternal reflectors

Front
UVL 454
UVL 75/25
UVL 454
6500K
UVL 454
UVL Actinic White
UVL 454
Click to expand...

If they are out of the 454 would you replace it with one of the other choices or just order bulbs seperately. I was just hoping to order with it cause it would save me the shipping and probably about $40 or so more. What do you think?
 
Has anyone tested the PAR readings after 6 months? I've been reading a lot of people in the SPS forum changing out their bulbs after 6 months cause they lose their efficiency. I'm really curious to find out cause if I need to change out 12-14 bulbs every 6 months on an SPS dominant tank it's really not worth $480-$560 a year to try T5's.

So if anyone has a PAR meter please post up your readings as followed

1: How many lamps
2: How Old
3: Setup (Ballast, Fixture, Retro, Reflector)
3: T5, T5HO, T5 overdriven
4: How far reading were taken from lamps

TIA

Mark
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14796178#post14796178 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by solareclisped
If they are out of the 454 would you replace it with one of the other choices or just order bulbs seperately. I was just hoping to order with it cause it would save me the shipping and probably about $40 or so more. What do you think?
Click to expand...

Nope, if no 454's get Blue Plus or Giesemann Actinic Plus
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14796312#post14796312 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by goofball310
Has anyone tested the PAR readings after 6 months? I've been reading a lot of people in the SPS forum changing out their bulbs after 6 months cause they lose their efficiency. I'm really curious to find out cause if I need to change out 12-14 bulbs every 6 months on an SPS dominant tank it's really not worth $480-$560 a year to try T5's.

So if anyone has a PAR meter please post up your readings as followed

1: How many lamps
2: How Old
3: Setup (Ballast, Fixture, Retro, Reflector)
3: T5, T5HO, T5 overdriven
4: How far reading were taken from lamps

TIA

Mark
Click to expand...

I think 10 months is safe if you are pushing the limits of the lamps. Guys in Europe were going 9 months with no cooling and before the good reflectors came out

I personally think 6 months is a little soon but thats just my opinion.
 
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