The T5 Q&a Thread

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help with MH to T5 switch

help with MH to T5 switch

hi there,
i have 90G 48x24x18, mainly SPS with clams on the bottom. i'm looking at the

ATI powermodule - (6 or 8 bulbs)
ATI sunpower - 6 bulbs
constellation - 7 bulbs

am kind of limited by funding otherwise it would be nobrainer. any suggestions? how about good online prices?

thanks!
 
Re: Re: 4 bulbs on 90 gal

Re: Re: 4 bulbs on 90 gal

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15305042#post15305042 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Try this

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus

Should give you a very cool look with a RTBA.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the recommendation. Just out of curiosity, without the RBTA would this still be the combination you would use?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15285157#post15285157 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
The IC lamps are just UVL lamps with a little better electrode. No idea on fans other than a bigger fan with lower RPM's usually will not make as much noise.
Click to expand...

Grim,

I have a 90g (48x18x24) with IC660 and IC430 ballasts, 6 lamp retro T5. Mixed reef - mostly lps with some sps and softies thrown in and I would eventually like to add a clam. I know you haven’t done long-term testing of the new Icecap lamps, so at this point, do you see any significant advantage to pairing the IC ballasts with the new lamps, or would you still recommend using mostly ATI and UVL lamps?

Would you suggest this, or something else?

Front
ATI Blue Plus (on 430)
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus (on 430)
ATI Aqua Blue
ATI Blue Plus

Thanks for all your help!
tgee
 
Re: help with MH to T5 switch

Re: help with MH to T5 switch

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15306650#post15306650 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hiramshaish
hi there,
i have 90G 48x24x18, mainly SPS with clams on the bottom. i'm looking at the

ATI powermodule - (6 or 8 bulbs)
ATI sunpower - 6 bulbs
constellation - 7 bulbs

am kind of limited by funding otherwise it would be nobrainer. any suggestions? how about good online prices?

thanks!
Click to expand...

Any of the 3 will get you what you need. The ATI's with 6 lamps will be fine, either model.

Reefgeek or Aquarium Specialties are good places to look.
 
Re: Re: Re: 4 bulbs on 90 gal

Re: Re: Re: 4 bulbs on 90 gal

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15306719#post15306719 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mavrk
Thank you so much for the recommendation. Just out of curiosity, without the RBTA would this still be the combination you would use?
Click to expand...

More than likely. If there were a lot of non fluorescing green critters in the tank I might add either an ATI Aquablue or a GE 6500K Daylight in place of a Blue Plus. The Blue Plus will make a green fluorescing coral look cool but non fluorescing corals like the skirts on some Zoas really pop with the GE running and the Aquablue will even help bring out the green a little better. Trouble is with the GE and Actinic White running with 2 blue plus it's a little more of a 10 with actinic look so going with the GE lamp I would probably switch to a UVL 75/25 which is a little more subtle as far as red output goes. .
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15307122#post15307122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tgee
Grim,

I have a 90g (48x18x24) with IC660 and IC430 ballasts, 6 lamp retro T5. Mixed reef - mostly lps with some sps and softies thrown in and I would eventually like to add a clam. I know you haven’t done long-term testing of the new Icecap lamps, so at this point, do you see any significant advantage to pairing the IC ballasts with the new lamps, or would you still recommend using mostly ATI and UVL lamps?

Would you suggest this, or something else?

Front
ATI Blue Plus (on 430)
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus (on 430)
ATI Aqua Blue
ATI Blue Plus

Thanks for all your help!
tgee
Click to expand...

ATI Blue Plus is still the schnitz so I wouldn't change those.

Front
ATI Blue Plus
IC Mid Water AKA UVL Actinic White (use either)
Blue Plus
Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus

Or

Front
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
IC Twilight aka UVL 454 blue
IC Deep water aka UVL 75/25
ATI Blue Plus
IC Twilight

Couldn't say if the Twilights will hold PAR better than a Blue Plus without a long term test. Thing is you have PAR to spare so why worry about it. In fact now that I think about it instead of the ATI Blue Pluses use the 454 or Twilight lamps, they have a little lower PAR so I think your critters will probably be happier.
 
I have a 180 gallon (6x2x2) that I would like to set up as a reef tank. I am a little new to reef lighting and have a few questions...

1. I have an IceCap 660 T5 retro kit. Would it be better to go with Four 4ft bulbs OR Three 5ft bulbs? To get some actinic/blue, I could add Two 4ft NO T5’s (one in back one in front.) It seems like I read that blues/actinics don't need to be overdriven.

So front to back:
bulb #1 4ft NO T5 (actinic/blue)
bulb #2 4ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #3 4ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #4 4ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #5 4ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #6 4ft NO T5 (actinic/blue)

OR

bulb #1 4ft NO T5 (actinic/blue)
bulb #2 5ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #3 5ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #4 5ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #5 4ft NO T5 (actinic/blue)

2. What could I keep with this setup? Soft, Hard, Anemones, Clams

3. What bulb combination would be recommended? I think there would likely be less variety with the 5ft bulbs.

4. Is there a major reduction in PAR if there is a glass or acrylic top in place? Which would be preferable, glass or acrylic (acrylic flexibility notwithstanding)?

5. Who sell a good NO T5 retro kit?
 
Last edited:
Here is a little different setup for you....I'm purchasing a 12 x 5ft Sfiligoi T5 Galaxy Light Fixture what would you recommend for bulbs and placement?

This light fixture is going over an Elos 160xl....
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15305049#post15305049 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Not even close unless you are doing softies only. I'd be looking at a Solar Flare or ATI Powermodule.
Click to expand...


okay, thank you for your replies. I am now looking into an ATI Powermodule 10 bulb. I couldnt find solar flares in anything more than 6 or 7 bulb.

What would you recommend for bulbs on the 10 bulb ATI? I am planning on keeping all types of corals, and eventually would like to get a clam if possible. It will not be SPS dominate, maybe just a couple at most.

edit: just also wanted to note that my tank is 30" deep
 
Time to replace bulbs. If I want to replace my pro color with something what should it be? I've seen the fiji purple, 75/25, and actinic whites listed. I'm running a blue +, aquablue special and pro color as well as 1 VHO actinic. I don't really like so much of a blue look.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15307696#post15307696 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by oscar6
I have a 180 gallon (6x2x2) that I would like to set up as a reef tank. I am a little new to reef lighting and have a few questions...

1. I have an IceCap 660 T5 retro kit. Would it be better to go with Four 4ft bulbs OR Three 5ft bulbs? To get some actinic/blue, I could add Two 4ft NO T5’s (one in back one in front.) It seems like I read that blues/actinics don't need to be overdriven.

So front to back:
bulb #1 4ft NO T5 (actinic/blue)
bulb #2 4ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #3 4ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #4 4ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #5 4ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #6 4ft NO T5 (actinic/blue)

OR

bulb #1 4ft NO T5 (actinic/blue)
bulb #2 5ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #3 5ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #4 5ft Icecap OD T5 (10000K)
bulb #5 4ft NO T5 (actinic/blue)

2. What could I keep with this setup? Soft, Hard, Anemones, Clams

3. What bulb combination would be recommended? I think there would likely be less variety with the 5ft bulbs.

4. Is there a major reduction in PAR if there is a glass or acrylic top in place? Which would be preferable, glass or acrylic (acrylic flexibility notwithstanding)?

5. Who sell a good NO T5 retro kit?
Click to expand...

Don't have time to do into detail but use 3 80 watt T5 retros, 2 ATI Blue Plus and a GE 6500K Daylight. That would let you keep some softies and maybe even LPS below the lamps. For a full blown reef you want at least 6 lamps and probably 8 if you want clams. The T12 HO lamps wont add any usable PAR to speak of.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15307838#post15307838 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lamarine23
Here is a little different setup for you....I'm purchasing a 12 x 5ft Sfiligoi T5 Galaxy Light Fixture what would you recommend for bulbs and placement?

This light fixture is going over an Elos 160xl....
Click to expand...

Front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
Fiji Purple
Blue Plus
GE daylight
Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
Blue Plus
GE daylight
Blue Plus
Fiji Purple
Blue Plus

Tweak the psition to get Blue Plus lamps and maybe a fiji purple for dusk/dawn
 
I currently have the following setup in my 4 bulb Tek T-5 fixture over my 75 reef (not in this order):

Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+
Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+
UV lighting (URI) AQUASUN
UV lighting (URI) Super Actinic (actinic blue)

I was looking at replacing the bulbs and the Fiji Purple caught my attention. I know it's a fairly new bulb and I am limited on bulbs due to the 4 bulb limitation. Should I replace one in the above configuration with a Fiji Purple or stay with what I have?
 
time for new bulbs!!!

time for new bulbs!!!

Hi guys it is time for new bulbs. I have the tek light 8 bulb 54 fixture. These are the bulbs I currently have. (front to back)

Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquasun
Super Actinic
Aquablue
Blue Plus

I would like to go with something more bluer. If I can without sacrificing growth. Do you guys have anny suggestions for me on what to change?
TIA~~
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15307908#post15307908 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 805reef
okay, thank you for your replies. I am now looking into an ATI Powermodule 10 bulb. I couldnt find solar flares in anything more than 6 or 7 bulb.

What would you recommend for bulbs on the 10 bulb ATI? I am planning on keeping all types of corals, and eventually would like to get a clam if possible. It will not be SPS dominate, maybe just a couple at most.

edit: just also wanted to note that my tank is 30" deep
Click to expand...

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
Blue Plus
Ge 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Aquablue
Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue Plus
 
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