The T5 Q&a Thread

[Taqpol]

Hello all, I'm really new to the world of high end lighting so I'm going to have lots of questions. In about a month I will be setting up a standard 120g (4'x2'x2') and have decided to go with T5's based on cost/space/heat.

First question: with the 2' width I know I can fit 8 retrofitted bulbs in the canopy, but is 8 bulbs truly necessary? I've seen really good looking 90 gallons (only 18" wide) that use only 6 bulbs and was wondering if spreading 6 bulbs over two feet would lower the "light concentration" significantly.

Second, what is the big deal with overdriven bulbs? I'm guessing they produce more light, but I also heard they die out faster. If thats the case are they worth the cost of replacing bulbs more frequently? I currently have a 4x24w Current fixture on a 38 gallon and some of the low light LPS got burned unless moved to the sandbed and I have thriving birdsnest and acropora colonies. How much light would I need to not kill LPS but still keep all the SPS?

Lastly, after looking around reefgeek I assumed I would be getting an icecap retrofit because I have a canopy but then I found this tek fixture: http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...t_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply that is actually cheaper than its 8x54w IC retrofit counterpart. Im guessing that this fixture must not be overdriven, but is it still a good deal?

Thank you very much!

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14758393#post14758393 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CRASHJT
Grim, Ive been looking at going to a T5 fixture for sometime now I currently have a 55 gal tank with 2 PC fixtures 1 is a coralife 4 x 65w other is a current 2 x 65w currently suporting some zoa's a kenya tree a bubble tip and a purple tip anemone just fine I do have a hard coral of some sort that is doing ok but I feel would benifit greatly from some additional light my current ideas are torn between the six bulb nova extreme pro and the 4 bulb ati powermodule however I have read that you should replace the stock bulbs in the nova which would put me in the same ballpark as the ati and with the extremely nice reflectors in the ati that it will actually produce just as much light as the 6 bulb nova any thoughts on this...?? Oh and Im not sure what kind of corals I want to keep in the future however I do know this I only want to upgrade once and I dont what to be limited by my lighting....thanks for your advise it is greatly appreciated!!!

The Powermodule will kick the Current's arse in output! Your softies probably would be ****ed at you with the Powermodule. I would look into the ATI Sunpower 4x54w system instead.

ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14758903#post14758903 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Taqpol
Hello all, I'm really new to the world of high end lighting so I'm going to have lots of questions. In about a month I will be setting up a standard 120g (4'x2'x2') and have decided to go with T5's based on cost/space/heat.

First question: with the 2' width I know I can fit 8 retrofitted bulbs in the canopy, but is 8 bulbs truly necessary? I've seen really good looking 90 gallons (only 18" wide) that use only 6 bulbs and was wondering if spreading 6 bulbs over two feet would lower the "light concentration" significantly.

Second, what is the big deal with overdriven bulbs? I'm guessing they produce more light, but I also heard they die out faster. If thats the case are they worth the cost of replacing bulbs more frequently? I currently have a 4x24w Current fixture on a 38 gallon and some of the low light LPS got burned unless moved to the sandbed and I have thriving birdsnest and acropora colonies. How much light would I need to not kill LPS but still keep all the SPS?

Lastly, after looking around reefgeek I assumed I would be getting an icecap retrofit because I have a canopy but then I found this tek fixture: http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...t_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply that is actually cheaper than its 8x54w IC retrofit counterpart. Im guessing that this fixture must not be overdriven, but is it still a good deal?

Thank you very much!

Over a 24" tank you want 8 bulbs so you get good coverage and it is also very nice to tweak the color how you like it. Secondly, if you want clams on the sand bed you will want to over drive at least 4 of the 8. If you only plan LPS and softies down low, then no need to over drive.

If SPS is what you want than stay away from the Tek. The retro is the better way to go. Get the 8x54w version with reefgeek brand reflectors. You don't need the IC ballasts to over drive them, just the normally driven setup will work fine.

If you really want to go the fixture route, look at either a 48" Constellation or the 8x54w ATI Powermodule.

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14758443#post14758443 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tracey2
I would like to go with quality like ATI but they don't have a72" fixture? Do I have to go with retro fits?

Either (2) 36" fixtures or one 60" fixture if you want to go ATI. Aquactinics makes the Constellation in a 72" version. It has 14-39w bulbs in it.

 

[dan223]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14758922#post14758922 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rtparty
Your softies probably would be ****ed at you with the Powermodule. I would look into the ATI Sunpower 4x54w system instead.

Why would the powermodule cook the softies but not the sunpower??? Are they not the same reflectors, and ballast?

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14759103#post14759103 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dan223
Why would the powermodule cook the softies but not the sunpower??? Are they not the same reflectors, and ballast?

The Powermodule has better cooling and better output

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14755018#post14755018 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by budbreak96
Its a standard 75. Its 18" front to back and 18" deep.

Oh, well nevermind then

4 T5's and 2 VHO's will work fine.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14758393#post14758393 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CRASHJT
Grim, Ive been looking at going to a T5 fixture for sometime now I currently have a 55 gal tank with 2 PC fixtures 1 is a coralife 4 x 65w other is a current 2 x 65w currently suporting some zoa's a kenya tree a bubble tip and a purple tip anemone just fine I do have a hard coral of some sort that is doing ok but I feel would benifit greatly from some additional light my current ideas are torn between the six bulb nova extreme pro and the 4 bulb ati powermodule however I have read that you should replace the stock bulbs in the nova which would put me in the same ballpark as the ati and with the extremely nice reflectors in the ati that it will actually produce just as much light as the 6 bulb nova any thoughts on this...?? Oh and Im not sure what kind of corals I want to keep in the future however I do know this I only want to upgrade once and I dont what to be limited by my lighting....thanks for your advise it is greatly appreciated!!!

The ATI will produce more light, a whole lot more. Be enough for anything you want to raise.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14758443#post14758443 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tracey2
I would like to go with quality like ATI but they don't have a72" fixture? Do I have to go with retro fits?

No 72 inch but they do have 60" fixtures if that would work out for you. Otherwise the 60" retrofits from reefgeek with reefgeek brand reflectors. You have to call them to get their reflectors.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14758903#post14758903 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Taqpol
Hello all, I'm really new to the world of high end lighting so I'm going to have lots of questions. In about a month I will be setting up a standard 120g (4'x2'x2') and have decided to go with T5's based on cost/space/heat.

First question: with the 2' width I know I can fit 8 retrofitted bulbs in the canopy, but is 8 bulbs truly necessary? I've seen really good looking 90 gallons (only 18" wide) that use only 6 bulbs and was wondering if spreading 6 bulbs over two feet would lower the "light concentration" significantly.

Second, what is the big deal with overdriven bulbs? I'm guessing they produce more light, but I also heard they die out faster. If thats the case are they worth the cost of replacing bulbs more frequently? I currently have a 4x24w Current fixture on a 38 gallon and some of the low light LPS got burned unless moved to the sandbed and I have thriving birdsnest and acropora colonies. How much light would I need to not kill LPS but still keep all the SPS?

Lastly, after looking around reefgeek I assumed I would be getting an icecap retrofit because I have a canopy but then I found this tek fixture: http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...t_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply that is actually cheaper than its 8x54w IC retrofit counterpart. Im guessing that this fixture must not be overdriven, but is it still a good deal?

Thank you very much!

Depends what you want to raise. I would probably do the 8 lamp Ice Cap retro but the HO version with standard ballasts rather than the VHO T5's. Unless you want SPS on the sandbed you don't have to overdrive the lamps. The lamps are cooled you don't use a whole lot of life overdriving the lamps.

 

[Taqpol]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14759251#post14759251 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Depends what you want to raise. I would probably do the 8 lamp Ice Cap retro but the HO version with standard ballasts rather than the VHO T5's. Unless you want SPS on the sandbed you don't have to overdrive the lamps. The lamps are cooled you don't use a whole lot of life overdriving the lamps.

I have a Derasa clam that will be staying on the sandbed, should I overdrive four of the bulbs like someone mentioned above? Other then that i want enough light for any SPS to thrice on the rockwork yet enough shade (I'll make a few caves) for my low light LPS. I plan on keeping an anemone, either a bubble tip or a sebae, but those might go in a seperate tank with a single MH pendant.

As rtparty said above, why should I stay away from the Tek fixture for SPS? I don't really want/need a fixture, but that seemed cheaper then the retrofit kit.

Can you buy the non IC ballasts from reefgeek? As it is their normal output 8 bulb retrofit has four ballasts, thats a lot of power plugs (Even though it would make for a really cool gradient during sun up/sun down).

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14759332#post14759332 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Taqpol
I have a Derasa clam that will be staying on the sandbed, should I overdrive four of the bulbs like someone mentioned above? Other then that i want enough light for any SPS to thrice on the rockwork yet enough shade (I'll make a few caves) for my low light LPS. I plan on keeping an anemone, either a bubble tip or a sebae, but those might go in a seperate tank with a single MH pendant.

As rtparty said above, why should I stay away from the Tek fixture for SPS? I don't really want/need a fixture, but that seemed cheaper then the retrofit kit.

Can you buy the non IC ballasts from reefgeek? As it is their normal output 8 bulb retrofit has four ballasts, thats a lot of power plugs (Even though it would make for a really cool gradient during sun up/sun down).

Overdriving 4 lamps wouldn't be a bad idea. That would still give you 2 stage dusk/dawn plus extra intensity for SPS. The Dursa would be fine without overdriving but if you wanted Maximas or croceas on the sand the overdriving would be a good idea.

 

[aquaglobal]

Hi Grim,
How are you? Great thread! You helped me a while back and now I think I am ready to upgrade!
I have a 34 gallon redsea max tank. I currently run the 2 55 watt PC bulbs and two T5's I installed for supplementals to add a bit more pumch!
I am getting a pretty good purple on my Garf Pueple Bonsai Acro and my Acrop Gomezi is growing well. However, I am not getting that glowing color from him! It's more of a light tank with hints of bluish/purple at the high growth areas. Thats it!
These two frags are about 8-9 inches from the water surface.
My T5's additions are the cheapo sunlight supply T5 strip lights w/ reflectors and Geissman Blue plus bulbs. I like the look and color, but I think I am right on the edge of required intensity for the Gomezi.
I was thinking a 24" inch 6 bulb ATI powermodule over this tank. What would be your thoughts and suggestions Grim??
Would I get ALOT more par out of this fixture.
Thanks and keep up the excellent work!

 

[dan223]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14759136#post14759136 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rtparty
The Powermodule has better cooling and better output

so the better cooling makes for higher output? I thought the units were almost same other than finish and 1 less fan didnt know the fan would create a loss of light. has there been any side by side tests done, just curious and wouldnt mind seeing #'s.

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14759552#post14759552 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dan223
so the better cooling makes for higher output? I thought the units were almost same other than finish and 1 less fan didnt know the fan would create a loss of light. has there been any side by side tests done, just curious and wouldnt mind seeing #'s.

Yes better cooling means better output. That is why the Tek's suffer so much when it comes to staying with the ATI's. They have no cooling in them. The Sunpower puts out about 30% more light than the Tek and the Powermodule puts out more than the Sunpower. I know Grim hit 375 at the sand running the Sunpower with all ATI Aquablues. I would think running the combos we do you should still be getting high 200's at the sand.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14759474#post14759474 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquaglobal
Hi Grim,
How are you? Great thread! You helped me a while back and now I think I am ready to upgrade!
I have a 34 gallon redsea max tank. I currently run the 2 55 watt PC bulbs and two T5's I installed for supplementals to add a bit more pumch!
I am getting a pretty good purple on my Garf Pueple Bonsai Acro and my Acrop Gomezi is growing well. However, I am not getting that glowing color from him! It's more of a light tank with hints of bluish/purple at the high growth areas. Thats it!
These two frags are about 8-9 inches from the water surface.
My T5's additions are the cheapo sunlight supply T5 strip lights w/ reflectors and Geissman Blue plus bulbs. I like the look and color, but I think I am right on the edge of required intensity for the Gomezi.
I was thinking a 24" inch 6 bulb ATI powermodule over this tank. What would be your thoughts and suggestions Grim??
Would I get ALOT more par out of this fixture.
Thanks and keep up the excellent work!

The ATI Fixture would give you a huge gain in PAR. You could try ditching the PC's and go for another 2 lamp T5 strip like you have but the ATI would be more of a sure thing.

 

[ktrandc]

I've decided on going with a 48x30x20 tank (instead of 48x24x20). I am going with the ATI PM but was wondering if I should do the 8 or 10 bulb unit. Thanks.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I'd do 10 lamps

 

[aquaglobal]

Grim,
Thanks! I went to the MAX today in Cost Mesa, California. I got to see the ATI Powermodule in person. WOW!!! Very nice! I was shocked at the 1/4 thick acrylic lens covering the bulbs.
I also viewed thier new cheaper version, it too was very nice and for the price difference would you recommend the less expensive unit? I was told there that 4 bulbs would do my tank, and that the six bulb unit could support anything I wanted to do!
I like the idea of the 6 bulb unit, as I could decrease output by cutting back a bit on run time and extending bulb life.
Do you like the less expensive ATI model??
Thank you Grim!!!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14762930#post14762930 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquaglobal
Grim,
Thanks! I went to the MAX today in Cost Mesa, California. I got to see the ATI Powermodule in person. WOW!!! Very nice! I was shocked at the 1/4 thick acrylic lens covering the bulbs.
I also viewed thier new cheaper version, it too was very nice and for the price difference would you recommend the less expensive unit? I was told there that 4 bulbs would do my tank, and that the six bulb unit could support anything I wanted to do!
I like the idea of the 6 bulb unit, as I could decrease output by cutting back a bit on run time and extending bulb life.
Do you like the less expensive ATI model??
Thank you Grim!!!

Get the cheaper ATI with more lamps 6 gives you more options for the look you want to get.