The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14882950#post14882950 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Skeptic_07
I guess a better question is on a tank with a 36"x 18" footprint looking to keep SPS and others would you go with 4, 6 or 8 lamps?

also, do any brands have any major advantages over others? I'm just a bit confused.

36" 8 lamp
ATI powermodule - $940
geismann matrix - $1400

36" 6 lamp fixtures w/ lamps
SLS Tek - $430
ATI powermodule - $740

36" 4 lamp fixtures w/ lamps
nova extreme - $200
geismann reflex - $400

What is with the wildly differing pricing? What is better about the more expensive lights besides looks?

Good reflectors and ballasts is the biggest difference.

Of those choices I would do the Tek but check the price of the Aquactinics fixture, better reflectors and active cooling.

 

[Skeptic_07]

Muchas gracias grim! I'm editing my 2nd Q...

edit LOL ur too fast!

 

[RRaider]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14882955#post14882955 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
I use 48 inch lamps on a 5 foot tank and its fine. My fixture sit right on the tank so the ends don't get the intensity but its only about 4 inches or so on each side. You would want retros a few inches above the tank so the ends will get enough light for anything but SPS.

Thanks Grim! If I do use the 48" retro should I go with the 660 or something different?

 

[rtparty]

Grim,

I have had some local reefers switch from MH to T5 and they are all complaining that they have red slime issues big time since the light change. Have you ever heard of this?

They say it lasts for about 3 months no matter what you do. The one guy almost threw in the towel it got so bad.

 

[atlfishes]

I asked in an early thread about the quality of the Dynamic T5 ballast vs. the reefgeek ballasts. Comments were that there really wasn't a quality difference. I order the Dynamic T5 ballast, but I ended up receiving an Illumination Technology Inc ballast, model # ESD-A54T5. Is this a lessor ballast vs. what I ordered? Thanks

 

[bimmerzs]

G-Mann actinic's or Blue +
I'm reposting this here as there is more traffic here on T5 type question's.
I am currently running the AquaMaxx 250W 14K SE bulb's along with the (2) 39W Gmann actinics (2) 39W Gmann actinics+ (IC660)and (2) 24W Fiji Purples(IC430). From front to back it's setup

gmann pure actinic
Fiji Purple
gmann act+
14K Halide's
gmann act+
Fiji Purple
gmann act+

I would like more "pop"(blue) so......would it be better to swap out all of the actinic's for ATI blue plus

ATI blue +
Fiji Purple
ATI blue +
14K Halide's
ATI blue +
Fiji Purple
ATI blue +

What is the bluer setup to go with to help pop the colors more. I was also wondering since the T5's are used for actinic mostly, if I even need to overdrive them. I have read that overdriving actinic's may not be a good thing but wanted clarification on if I may be losing some "pop" by overdriving. Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers,

 

[pinkcoral]

Hi Grim,

I have a question about lighting. I have a 48 inch constellation on a 90 gallon (48x18x24) and currently keep lps, softies and a clam. I have the following bulbs:

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue- ocean pro
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus

Should i have all the lights on through out the day (7am-7pm) or can you make a suggestions?

Thanks

 

[rtparty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14885590#post14885590 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pinkcoral
Hi Grim,

I have a question about lighting. I have a 48 inch constellation on a 90 gallon (48x18x24) and currently keep lps, softies and a clam. I have the following bulbs:

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue- ocean pro
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus

Should i have all the lights on through out the day (7am-7pm) or can you make a suggestions?

Thanks

Have each bank of lights come on at different times. That is how you get a dusk/dawn effect. For example:

Switch 1 on - 7AM and off at 7PM
Switch 2 on - 8AM and off at 6PM
Switch 3 on - 9AM and off at 5PM

Make sense?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14883421#post14883421 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RRaider
Thanks Grim! If I do use the 48" retro should I go with the 660 or something different?

I would use the standard T5 ballasts, Triad VS etc.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14883752#post14883752 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rtparty
Grim,

I have had some local reefers switch from MH to T5 and they are all complaining that they have red slime issues big time since the light change. Have you ever heard of this?

They say it lasts for about 3 months no matter what you do. The one guy almost threw in the towel it got so bad.

Never heard of that before that I can remember.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14884519#post14884519 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by atlfishes
I asked in an early thread about the quality of the Dynamic T5 ballast vs. the reefgeek ballasts. Comments were that there really wasn't a quality difference. I order the Dynamic T5 ballast, but I ended up receiving an Illumination Technology Inc ballast, model # ESD-A54T5. Is this a lessor ballast vs. what I ordered? Thanks

Dunno, make sure it is rapid or programed start and has end of life protection.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14884685#post14884685 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bimmerzs
G-Mann actinic's or Blue +
I'm reposting this here as there is more traffic here on T5 type question's.
I am currently running the AquaMaxx 250W 14K SE bulb's along with the (2) 39W Gmann actinics (2) 39W Gmann actinics+ (IC660)and (2) 24W Fiji Purples(IC430). From front to back it's setup

gmann pure actinic
Fiji Purple
gmann act+
14K Halide's
gmann act+
Fiji Purple
gmann act+

I would like more "pop"(blue) so......would it be better to swap out all of the actinic's for ATI blue plus

ATI blue +
Fiji Purple
ATI blue +
14K Halide's
ATI blue +
Fiji Purple
ATI blue +

What is the bluer setup to go with to help pop the colors more. I was also wondering since the T5's are used for actinic mostly, if I even need to overdrive them. I have read that overdriving actinic's may not be a good thing but wanted clarification on if I may be losing some "pop" by overdriving. Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers,

I'd run the extra blue pluses and wouldn't overdrive them.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14885590#post14885590 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pinkcoral
Hi Grim,

I have a question about lighting. I have a 48 inch constellation on a 90 gallon (48x18x24) and currently keep lps, softies and a clam. I have the following bulbs:

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue- ocean pro
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus

Should i have all the lights on through out the day (7am-7pm) or can you make a suggestions?

Thanks

I'd do 3 and 5 on 10~12 hours
1, 4 & 7 on 8~10 hours
2 & 6 on 4~6 hours

 

[atlfishes]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14886510#post14886510 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Dunno, make sure it is rapid or programed start and has end of life protection.

It is rapid start. What is end of life protection?

 

[GrayJ]

Need help! I ordered an ATI Sunpower 60" fixture in Jan. Well, Greg tells me its in but he has no 75/25's or Fiji Purple to go in it. He does have ATI Pro Color. What kind of look will the Pro Color give? We are wanting Zoa's and softies with possibly LPS later on. Will the Pro Color work? Thanks

 

[pinkcoral]

Thank you

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14886566#post14886566 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by atlfishes
It is rapid start. What is end of life protection?

As the lamps age the internal resistance decreases. It can get to the point so much voltage can run through that the ballast or endcaps can be damaged. This circuit will shut down the ballast if this happens or a lamp goes out to prevent an overload condition.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14886695#post14886695 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GrayJ
Need help! I ordered an ATI Sunpower 60" fixture in Jan. Well, Greg tells me its in but he has no 75/25's or Fiji Purple to go in it. He does have ATI Pro Color. What kind of look will the Pro Color give? We are wanting Zoa's and softies with possibly LPS later on. Will the Pro Color work? Thanks

It will work or you could use the UVL actinic white. They will both add red but only use one.

 

[GrayJ]

Thanks Grim!!!!!!!!

 

[serum153]

Taking out the aquablue came really close to the old config, so I would now highly recommend to anyone with a 4 bulb 660 retro the following:
Blue+
Blue+
75/25
Blue +

Thanks grim and rt