The T5 Q&a Thread

[ride4life]

Does anyone know if it is possible to run three 54 watt 48'' T-5 HO bulbs on an IceCap 430 ballast? I know you can run up to 4 bulbs and that includes VHO bulbs, but someone mentioned that the 430 will only run 2 T-5 HO bulbs...

 

[CLINTOS]

I asked a question on here and got an answer just have a couple more thank's:

WILL I HAVE MORE PAR?

DO I NEED MORE ATTINIC?
HOW MUCH?

I'M THINKING:

2-12 000 KZ
4-20 000K GEISMEN
2-ATTINIC FIGI PURPLE KZ

inch by inch fully loaded 90G 48"x24"Hx18"W

http://www.aquacave.com/tek-light-t-5-48-lightbr-fixture-4-x-54w-lamps-brby-sunlight-supply-691.html

HOPING TO GET SIMULAR TO THIS ANY HELP WITH GUESSTAMATING?:

10-t5 80 watt on his tank that is (64” x 31” x 24” or 206-gallons) three white (ATI Blue Spezial)I believe is 12 000k, while the rest is a combination of blue and violet light (ATI Blue Plus, ATI Blue Actinic, and Korallenzucht Fiji Purple).

TOTM RK:
10 light's but also wider
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-07/totm/index.php

IS HIS OVER DRIVEN WHERE I HAVE NO CHANCE OF COMPETING WITH MY CANOPY?

WILL I HAVE MORE PAR?

IS THIS PIC BEFORE OR AFTER HIS SWITCH (below) from mh?
IS HIS 12 0000K AT HE BACK OF HIS TANK?

DOES HE HAVE ACRO'S?

IF NOT WITH MY LIGHTING DO I HAVE A CHANCE WITH THE RIGHT CALCIUM SUPLLIMENTATION AND I THINK MY EXTRA PAR?

DOES SUPPLIMENTING LIVE FOOD FOR SPS HELP FILL IN THE SPACE FOR NUTRIENT'S THAT LIGHT IS DULLER OR AM I CHASING A DEAD HORSE WITH THIS IDEA?

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-07/eb/index.php

Both of the photos above are from reefs on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The left photo shows the clear "nutrient poor" (oligotrophic) waters of the outer reefs. The right photo is of an inshore "nutrient rich" lagoon reef off Townsville. Notice how coral coverage in both systems is high, and even though the green phytoplankton-filled lagoonal reef is nutrient rich, it supports a high density of Acropora. Photos by Eric Borneman.

 

[xlayedoutx]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14688992#post14688992 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rtparty
The Current brand stuff is low end in the T5 world. Bad reflectors and bad ballasts but there is worse out there, go look at ebay stuff!

Most of the info on Current T-5's I see here say that they are on the low end when it comes to T-5's. That may be true for deeper tanks and it may be a cheap unit but I have the (6) bulb Nova Pro over my 24G Aquapod and it looks great and my SPS look great. Great Color and great growth. Now I wouldn't use them on Deep tanks but I don't see why they wouldn't be a good choice for tanks 20 inches deep and less. With that being said I'm most likely going with the ATI PM on my next tank (75G), but thats only because I'm going to go all out on that one. If the ATI wasn't in my price range though I wouldn't have a problem going with the currents.

Now with all that being said whats a good combo for (4 bulb) 24" T-5 unit. I really like the blue look but still want good growth and color.

 

[ONEWAY]

Hi guys, I currently have a 120 long 72" x 18" x 20" all sps. For lighting I have 3 250 watt m/h and 3 80 watt t5s mounted in a canopy about 9- 10 inches off the water. I think I'm going to switch over to the ATI Power Module 8 80watt 60" fixture. My question is is this going to be enough light for my corals, how high off the water should the fixture be and do you think there will be enough light coming off the side of the fixture to cover my 72"? Thanks

 

[Cyberkiller]

Just so others can see, grim recommended me this for my 36" nova extreme pro over a 65 gallon.

Front
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic white
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue Plus

 

[pimp4cheddar]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14693291#post14693291 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pimp4cheddar
I went back and read every page in that thread...and couldn't find anything.

Anyone have any thoughts on a 2 bulb unit?


Pics would be great!!! Thanks,

^^^What he said...

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14687683#post14687683 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coralfragger101
Hmmm - And you didn't recommend a Fiji Purple anywhere in there. I was getting the feeling that the Fiji was the latest and greatest - No?

Also wondering what the purpose of the GE 65k light is.

I use 65k's over my refugium for macro growth.

You could use the fiji Purple. I just don't see where it does anything worth the extra 10 bux they charge. The GE will pop your green colors better and helps to naturalize the pink color caused by the lamps with more red in them

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14694584#post14694584 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xlayedoutx
Most of the info on Current T-5's I see here say that they are on the low end when it comes to T-5's. That may be true for deeper tanks and it may be a cheap unit but I have the (6) bulb Nova Pro over my 24G Aquapod and it looks great and my SPS look great. Great Color and great growth. Now I wouldn't use them on Deep tanks but I don't see why they wouldn't be a good choice for tanks 20 inches deep and less. With that being said I'm most likely going with the ATI PM on my next tank (75G), but thats only because I'm going to go all out on that one. If the ATI wasn't in my price range though I wouldn't have a problem going with the currents.

Now with all that being said whats a good combo for (4 bulb) 24" T-5 unit. I really like the blue look but still want good growth and color.

The issue I have found is the reflectors aren't as good and the ballasts actually don't push a T5 bulb how they should. Overall you are correct that on a shallow tank you can get away with a Current but if you are talking a full blown SPS system with clams on the bottom then the Current won't handle it.

Anyways as for bulbs:

ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14687734#post14687734 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coralfragger101
And here's the dumb question of the day.

It almost seems as though people talk like the Sunpower and the Powermodule are two different lighting systems.

Are they? Cause you are recommending the SunPower and I'm finding the PowerModule.

They are two different units, they just haven't had time to put the sunpower on the website yet.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14687880#post14687880 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pimp4cheddar
Holy Crap...this dude is like the T5 Guru...

Wow...well let me say Thanks! It's great to see a thread where people can ask questions and not get flammed to death.

Grim you seem to know your stuff...let me ask you this:


I currently have a 29 gallon tank. I went ahead and brough the Nova Extreme SLR 30 inch unit. It's the 2 bulb unit on DrsFosters for about $80. It came with (1-10k bulb, 1-460nm bulb). They look great and my tank has a decend glow to it.

My question is this: I've been told the 48watts that the unit puts out is enought to keep mushrooms and zoas, since they have SLR's. What would be a good mix of bulbs to upgrade to? It's hard to find an easy answer since I only have 2 bulbs to play with rather than 4 or 6.

I've read ATI are great bulbs and so are Gisseman<- check spelling.


Grim, I'm trying to get a look like this:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1220131

FIJI's tank is SO SICK! I know it'll be hard to get that with only 2 bulbs...but can I get something close?



Thanks man,

Here are some pics to help you out some...

Do an ATI Blue Plus and KZ Fiji Purple. Yours is one of the cases where I think the Fiji Purple is worth the price. You will have to play to see if you like it better in front or behind.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14687992#post14687992 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pimp4cheddar
I'm referring to the Nova Extreme SLR T5HO units... They are the cheaper T5 units. Most of them have no times, fans, LED's, etc...

Most people comment on the Nova Extreme Pro units.

The Nova Extreme Pro has a reflector that can be described as better than a flat one and little more. The two lamp unit has a better reflector than the pro but they still aren't in the same class with the Tek and other reflectors.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14688136#post14688136 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CLINTOS
Another question is on bulb colour can someone discribe the colour of the 12 000 KZ compared to the geismen 10 000k aqua blue is there a huge difference or just a slight more blue in the KZ thank's

The KZ Koral Light is a slightly more blue version of an aquablue. It is pretty obvious which is which looking at the lamps is the best way I can describe.

 

[02WRXGT30R]

Hey Grim I have a GHL Profilux controller and am looking for a ballast to drive my 36" T5's (2 on each ballast) and i found a 54 wall ballast here 54 Watt ballast and was wondering if it would work if not do you know of any ballast that is dimmable either by a 1-10V input or DALI

Thanks for all the effort you put into educating all us lighting idiots lol

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14688169#post14688169 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coralfragger101
All this leaves me to the question of IS THE SUNPOWER or POWERMODULE worth the extra cash?

Along with the problem of where you can even buy the darn things.

I have found that ReefGeek sells the PowerModule but that is the ONLY place that I have found that sells either.

But now going back to the first question.
I can pick up the same recommended bulb choice and throw them in a Tek Light which seems to be a reliable unit and it would be over $400 cheaper.

What little bit I've read about the ATI units makes me understand that they are just now new to the American market so I'm not going to be able to find people that have used the units that can say they are worth the extra cash or not.

I'm just having a real hard time believing that they are worth more than $400 compared to other 8 bulb units.

They are much better than the Tek. Just a matter of if you want to buy pay for the quality and if you need the additional output. The Sunpower has about 30% better output than a Tek. The Powerodule is supposed to be even higher.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14688362#post14688362 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dustinP
i have a ten bulb ATI fixture that im about to order and would like to grow almost all SPS in my system at virtually any level of the tank (24" tall) and would like to know the best combo for growth and color

Front

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

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14689573#post14689573 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by funkyparott
Hi

I've been told a Grim Reaper frequents this thread!

Are T5's suitable for a SPS tank 2.5' deep (30 inches )?


I'm currently in the process of planning a DIY T5 pendant that will be a copy of the ATI Power Module 10 X 80 watt unit.

My tank is 5' length X 2' width X 2'5 height

At present I run a 3 X 250 watt Arcadia metal Halide Pendant.

I'd be interested to know people's thoughts of the capability of T5 tube lighting and the ability for light to penetrate effectively to the lower boundaries of a tank.

Am I pushing my luck using T5 technology on a tank 2'5 deep?
Should I stick to metal halides?

I keep SPS only.

People tank about the relative 'punch' of Halide lighting, but I wonder whether this is an old wives' tale!

Top of the line 250 watt 10K halides will have more punch than a T5 but the advantage is quickly lost if you go for a more blue look.

For your 10 lamp fixture you are going to have an issue with the reflectors unless you can get the ATI retrofit reflectors. They are only 2" wide. Aquactinics also has a good 2" wide reflector but they don't have a 60" version so you would have to use two reflectors per lamp which isn't a bad idea.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14691320#post14691320 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by johnanddawn
OK
here is a question
what is the horizontal spread for each lamp verses vertical depth with icecap reflectors?
obviously the refraction at the waters surface plays a big role but lets keep it simple for now - ie not changing the medium

The angle the light strikes the water at is huge as far as how much light reflects off the surface. Obviously a reflector that better focuses the light is going to put more to the bottom of the tank.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14692285#post14692285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Milhouse
Well, I kinda went in a different direction that I had originally planned and need some bulb advice. I was going to go all T5 on a 58g tank I'm setting up. Well, I couldn't be $375 for a refurbished Outer Orbit HQI/T5. I realize that Current stuff isn't the best, overall I'm pretty happy with the other Outer Orbit that I am currently running. So this fixture comes with 2 150w MH(which I think will be more than enough for this size tank) and 4 39w T5's. I was thinking about changing the MH bulbs to phoenix's or something like that. What would you guys recommend for the T5's to compliment the MH bulbs? On my current setup, I have a AB 20k for the MH and 2 Aquablue +'s and 2 Pure Actinics. I like the look over all but I was thinking 2 Blue Pluses and 2 75/25's. Does that sound like a good combo?

150 watt halides dont set any records for output so I would stick with 10K halides and Blue Plus T5's. Both are high PAR and should give you good power.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14693024#post14693024 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ONEWAY
Hi guys, I currently have a 120 long 72" x 18" x 20" all sps. For lighting I have 3 250 watt m/h and 3 80 watt t5s mounted in a canopy about 9- 10 inches off the water. I think I'm going to switch over to the ATI Power Module 8 80watt 60" fixture. My question is is this going to be enough light for my corals, how high off the water should the fixture be and do you think there will be enough light coming off the side of the fixture to cover my 72"? Thanks

You can sit the fixture right on top of the tank if you want. Having it a few inches above the tank will allow the light to spread to the ends a little better. Last 6 inches or so at each end will not support high light critters but you can always use the space for shrooms.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14693779#post14693779 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by corvettecris
NOt sure if anyone here would know or has tried it, but can you mix VHOs and T5s on teh sam e IC660 ballast assuming you stay under max wattage? I thought about replacing my front t5 with a VHO super actinic for the color, but I'd want it to run off the IC660.

I called Icecap's tech service and the gentleman said he never tried it and didnt know.

Ice Cap claimed you could run different lamps on a 660 in the past. Not sure why they would change that now. The tech may be a dewbe or something.