The T5 Q&a Thread

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: bulbs for best growth

Re: bulbs for best growth

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15128632#post15128632 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reliable1
90 gal setup
I have a 90gal (48x18x25 tall) setup with 4x96watt pc's. I will be replacing with 4x54ho t5's. For now I will only maintain soft corals (e.g. mushrooms, polyps, leathers, etc.). What is the best bulb selection and placement for maximum growth.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

sorry for douple post

2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 UVL 75/25 and a ATI Aquablue would be a good place to start anyway. About the color of a 14K halide.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15129305#post15129305 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ernordstrom
I currently have 4 T-5 overdriven on a 660 and would like to try the new ICECAP T-5's but I was wondering if anyone had any PAR readings for them. My current configuration is
Blue+
uvl 75/25
Aquablue
Blue +

I like the look but I would like to try the new ICECAP lamps as they are designed to be overdriven by a VHO ballast. Here is a pic of my tank...

Try asking over in Ice Caps forum. I just got the lamps and pre wired retrokit in from them but I need to find someone to loan me a 660 ballast to try them overdriven. I am going to guess 3 Twilight's which are their version of a blue plus and either the reefcrest (Aquasun or actinic white) or the 14K lamp which I think is a 75/25. In any case one of the red toned lamps and 3 blues are going to get you that color you want.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: IceCap t5 Bulbs?

Re: IceCap t5 Bulbs?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15129483#post15129483 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mainelandreefer
Hello, i recently purchased an icecap retrofit lighting (66 ballasts) for my new 90 gallon setup. Along with the retrofit i also purched IceCap t5 bulbs. after installing the new bulbs into the light i realise it isnt at all what i was expect, as far as color goes. It is much too white! I like a rich blue color somewhat similar to 20K look. the bulbs i have installed into the light right now are as follows.

Front to back.
Twilight
14k
12k
14k
12k
actinic

Can someone pls help me to find a configuration that will more suit my taste, while still allowing a decent amount of par for growth. Im willing to purchase a couple of different bulbs ( obviously) but would also like to keep some of what i have purchased already. Thank you in advance!

I bet that looks kinda crappy. Maybe you can help me help you. What color are the 12K and 14K lamps? I assume at least one is pinkish. If both are is one more pink than the other? I will have these fired up later today but as long as I know the colors I can help you out. I am pretty sure you need 2 more twilight lamps in that mix.

Front
Twilight
Actinic
12K
Twilight
14K
Twilight

Should be good. Even assuming the 14K is a 75/25 and the 12K is actinic white that would still look good but I heard one of these is like the ATI and Gieseman Aquablues. If thats the case you might find yourself wanting to use 2 of the pinkish lamps with the blues and actinic, that comes down to a personal taste thing..

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15130552#post15130552 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redhanded77
thanks grim for your help. i just got my ati 10 bulb setup and i went with this combo...
FRONT
blue plus
75/25
blue plus
6500k
blue plus
blue plus
6500k
blue plus
75/25
blue plus

and with all lights on, it looks exactly the same as when i had 14K phoenix bulbs. im very happy with the color!

WHAT??? No PICTURES!!!

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15131131#post15131131 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eho72
Hi Grim,

I am new to T5. Actually new to reefing in general. I've never spend that much money on lighting before, but I am thinking about going with an ATI powermodule for my new aquarium that I am putting together. The dimension is 4'Lx2W'x2'H. I will be focusing mainly on SPS, but would like to have LPS on the bottom as well. So for a 120 g tank with this dimension, I am thinking that I need the 8 bulbs setup. Can you give me an idea of what bulbs I should get and how I should place them from front to back. Thanks a bunch.

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

Grab an ATI Aquablue as a spare and play around until you get a color you like.

 

[kudora]

grim,

i have a 60x18x18 tank, i currently have a 4x54 reefgeek setup with triad ballasts i bought last year. i just picked up a 430 ballast to add two more bulbs.

current setup,
1)54W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
by ATI
2)54W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent
by UV Lighting
3)54W 10000K AquaSun T5 HO Fluorescent
by UV Lighting
4)54W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
by ATI


what do you recommend for my new bulb setup but still have the pop i have with the setup you recommended.

question 2
i also have a 40 breeder that i am setting up and have a 660 for with slr reflectors, what bulb combo should i use if i am going 39w x 4 for max growth

 

[ganjero]

Im moving and for my new tank Im getting a custom made tank for my 6 bulb powermodule. I was wondering what coverage can I get from this fixture? I know the tank will be 36" long and 16" tall but Im not sure how wide should I get it, what do you guys suggest?

 

[redhanded77]

grim - here is a picture with the 14k Mh pendant.

and here is the picture with just 1 ATI fixture.

in person, they are almost identical in color. i really wish i had some corals in there to help with the comparison, but they are all sitting in my 50g for now until i can transfer everything over. thanks for all the help!

 

[Mainelandreefer]

Bulb colors.

Bulb colors.

Grim, the 12 k is definately pinkish. the 14 k is bright blue. with that said i think you are right about it being the equivelant of the blue plus. I just ordered three more twilights they will be here tomorrow! ( one extra for a "just in case" situation ) Thanks abain for the info, very helpful! ill let you know how it truns out.

 

[dzeadow]

So I know this has been asked before but who knows what page or section of thread its on. I like to support my local vendors and all he has access to are the geisemann bulbs, so what Gman bulbs are comparable to the Blue+ and Aquablue Special from ATI?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15132774#post15132774 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kudora
grim,

i have a 60x18x18 tank, i currently have a 4x54 reefgeek setup with triad ballasts i bought last year. i just picked up a 430 ballast to add two more bulbs.

current setup,
1)54W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
by ATI
2)54W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent
by UV Lighting
3)54W 10000K AquaSun T5 HO Fluorescent
by UV Lighting
4)54W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
by ATI


what do you recommend for my new bulb setup but still have the pop i have with the setup you recommended.

question 2
i also have a 40 breeder that i am setting up and have a 660 for with slr reflectors, what bulb combo should i use if i am going 39w x 4 for max growth

3 Blue Plus and a Aquasun for the breeder tank.

I would add 2 Blue Plus and run a blue plus and the Aquasun on the 430.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15133497#post15133497 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ganjero
Im moving and for my new tank Im getting a custom made tank for my 6 bulb powermodule. I was wondering what coverage can I get from this fixture? I know the tank will be 36" long and 16" tall but Im not sure how wide should I get it, what do you guys suggest?

18 to 20"

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15133799#post15133799 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redhanded77
grim - here is a picture with the 14k Mh pendant.

and here is the picture with just 1 ATI fixture.

in person, they are almost identical in color. i really wish i had some corals in there to help with the comparison, but they are all sitting in my 50g for now until i can transfer everything over. thanks for all the help!

Your pictures show the reason why I didn't stick with the halide. You (Or at least I) and see much more detail in the rocks when they are lit with the fluorescent lamps.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Re: Bulb colors.

Re: Bulb colors.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15133818#post15133818 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mainelandreefer
Grim, the 12 k is definately pinkish. the 14 k is bright blue. with that said i think you are right about it being the equivelant of the blue plus. I just ordered three more twilights they will be here tomorrow! ( one extra for a "just in case" situation ) Thanks abain for the info, very helpful! ill let you know how it truns out.

Then the 14K is the new lamp. Probably a bluer version of the Aquablues.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15133893#post15133893 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dzeadow
So I know this has been asked before but who knows what page or section of thread its on. I like to support my local vendors and all he has access to are the geisemann bulbs, so what Gman bulbs are comparable to the Blue+ and Aquablue Special from ATI?

Actinic Plus and Aquablue = Blue Plus and Aquablue

 

[redhanded77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15134111#post15134111 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Your pictures show the reason why I didn't stick with the halide. You (Or at least I) and see much more detail in the rocks when they are lit with the fluorescent lamps.

you are correct grim. i am glad i stuck with ATI/t5s. yes i did spend almost double than what i wouldve if i went with halides, but like you said, the detail is alot more present with t5s. the coverage is also alot nicer. i cant wait until tomorrow when my second fixture gets here.

also on my 50g with the ati 6 bulb, the colors of the coral really pop and i have gotten awesome growth. the only reason i was contemplating halides on my 180g was because of the shimmer effect and the price savings on the initial buy. now that i have the 10 bulb, ill take detail and light coverage over the shimmer. thanks grim

 

[dzeadow]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15134133#post15134133 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Actinic Plus and Aquablue = Blue Plus and Aquablue

Thanks Grim, much appreciated! I'll be doing an 8 bulb layout with these being the first 4, 2 of each, think it'll be too blue or what? I guess I have access to UVL bulbs as well if that will help the situation any. TIA

 

[audiophile42]

Quick question, and I couldn't find the answer by looking real quick....

Just got a ATI Sunpower in the mail. Which end of the T5 bulb is supposed to be cooled? I assume it's the one with the logo/bulb info, but just want to double check.

EDIT: Ah durr.... It helps to read the manual. Yes the label goes over the hole for cooling.

 

[burned]

Grim

I have 2 Ushio 250 20K in my Oddessy light, what mix or T5 lamps would you recommend?

b

 

[MyBoxOfWater]

Wow! This thread is huge!

I have tried to read through and get some ideas for the 72" canopy that I will be building this summer.

I am not knowledgeable when it comes to lamps and have never had a T5 set up before, so I need some advice on lamps for a 150g tank with fish and softies.

My plan is to put 6 - 36" T5 lamps on each side.
I will have 3 IceCap 660 Ballasts. Each running 4 lamps.

So what are the recommendations?