The T5 Q&a Thread

[irish02bk]

I've heard your the man to ask, so I just got a TEK 8 bulb fixture used and i'm gonna replace the bulbs, wondering what combo you would suggest, it will be going over my 75g RR, moslty LPS, softies and a few easy to keep SPS. possible clam. Also how would youset it up (order of the bulbs) It has 2 switches, a controls the outer two bulbs the other controls the 6 middle bulbs. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[roscozman]

Grim Reefer

We recently purchased a used set-up which came with retro T5's. Since we have only had MH fixtures in the past, we are unfamiliar with T5's. The Tank is 96" long and the canopy has 6x 48" bulbs and 6x 36" bulbs.

What is the best bulb color combination for coral growth (mixed reef)?

We have 5 ballasts which read - 120vlt 7 workhorse 7 ballast.

 

[tinyfish]

Re: Re: Change out UVL 75/25 for ?

Re: Re: Change out UVL 75/25 for ?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15339129#post15339129 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
If you don't like the look trying a different lamp is fine. Try running the 75/25 with a blue plus just to see what you think, that way you would know the GE lamp isn't whats causing the look you don't like. If it is the GE and you like the really blue look add another Blue Plus. ATI Aquablue would give you more blue than now but not a huge amount. If its the 75/25 you don't like try a super actinic.

Thank you for your suggestion. I see now what is happening. The GE Daylight overpowers the other 3 bulbs. The 75/25 is fine with one of the Blue Plus bulbs. I have checked the wavelength on all of the bulbs I have and think its a good combination from that perspective. I did change the placement just to see what it would look like to the human eye. I have the Daylight bulb in back now. That way on the front edge of the display it is possible to see the colors with the Blue Plus bulbs.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15349762#post15349762 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by irish02bk
I've heard your the man to ask, so I just got a TEK 8 bulb fixture used and i'm gonna replace the bulbs, wondering what combo you would suggest, it will be going over my 75g RR, moslty LPS, softies and a few easy to keep SPS. possible clam. Also how would youset it up (order of the bulbs) It has 2 switches, a controls the outer two bulbs the other controls the 6 middle bulbs. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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

You sure the one switch only controls 2 lamps, I thought it was the outter 4. In either case that will give you a nice 15K+ look and plenty of Mojo for a 75.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15350969#post15350969 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by roscozman
Grim Reefer

We recently purchased a used set-up which came with retro T5's. Since we have only had MH fixtures in the past, we are unfamiliar with T5's. The Tank is 96" long and the canopy has 6x 48" bulbs and 6x 36" bulbs.

What is the best bulb color combination for coral growth (mixed reef)?

We have 5 ballasts which read - 120vlt 7 workhorse 7 ballast.

Does the fixture have reflectors that clip on the lamps? The Workhorse ballasts aren't the best choice but will work. Hopefully whoever put it together put the money into good reflectors.

Front
'ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus

You might need to tweak the positioning around to get just blue plus on the dusk/dawn set. Just don't place the GE or UVL lamps first or last and try to separate them with a blue lamp.

 

[sharko88]

I have a 58 gallon (36"L x 18"W x 31"T) that I want to run T5's on. I also have a 4" sandbed.

The ballast I am working with does not overdrive the lights so each bulb is running at 39watts. I would like to eventually house a clam. Can I run 4x39 watt bulbs (quality ones like ATI) and still house a healthy clam or do I really need 6x39 watts? If I go with 6 it will create more issues for me with mounting cooling fans so I am trying to avoid it.

Also, if I can do just 4, what bulbs do you recommend? I ask because most of your bulb configurations seem to be for 6 or more.

Thanks.

 

[jb61264]

How high off the surface of the water should I have my 6 lamp TEK?...it is sitting on a standard 75 gallon tank with mostly softies and a few LPS right now...I will be adding some easier SPS in the near future

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15352283#post15352283 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sharko88
I have a 58 gallon (36"L x 18"W x 31"T) that I want to run T5's on. I also have a 4" sandbed.

The ballast I am working with does not overdrive the lights so each bulb is running at 39watts. I would like to eventually house a clam. Can I run 4x39 watt bulbs (quality ones like ATI) and still house a healthy clam or do I really need 6x39 watts? If I go with 6 it will create more issues for me with mounting cooling fans so I am trying to avoid it.

Also, if I can do just 4, what bulbs do you recommend? I ask because most of your bulb configurations seem to be for 6 or more.

Thanks.

If you are right about the 31 in height of the tank then you have to overdrive. Use Ice Cap, Aqua Illumination or Aquactinics reflectors with a Ice Cap 660 ballast.

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

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15352305#post15352305 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jb61264
How high off the surface of the water should I have my 6 lamp TEK?...it is sitting on a standard 75 gallon tank with mostly softies and a few LPS right now...I will be adding some easier SPS in the near future

4 to 6 inches above the water if possible.

 

[sharko88]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15352352#post15352352 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
If you are right about the 31 in height of the tank then you have to overdrive. Use Ice Cap, Aqua Illumination or Aquactinics reflectors with a Ice Cap 660 ballast.

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

Do'h I meant 21" in height. With that said, would the four bulbs be fine to house a clam and an anemone without being overdriven? Or do I need the 6 bulbs?

 

[PDAlber]

Grimm, I recieved and installed the bulbs you recommended for my Tek Light. It looks great. Thank you very much for helping, not just me, but everyone on Reef Central.

Paul

 

[A. Grandis]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15348672#post15348672 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Yep, labels at the cooling ducts

Hey thanks Grim.

One thing...

2 of the 6 bulbs (#1 and #3 from the front) didn´t fire when I´ve put all the lables to the ducts. I turned off the lights and changed the 2 bulbs to the opposite side and they fired normally. Did you ever hear something like thats with the ATIs? Well, it´s on now (the day before). I don´t think I should touch.
Let me know if you understand why was that. They are all new bulbs. The #1 is the blue+ and the #3 is the pure actinic.

Cheers,
Grandis.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15352498#post15352498 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sharko88
Do'h I meant 21" in height. With that said, would the four bulbs be fine to house a clam and an anemone without being overdriven? Or do I need the 6 bulbs?

Yep, just use good reflectors and run fans.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15355210#post15355210 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by A. Grandis
Hey thanks Grim.

One thing...

2 of the 6 bulbs (#1 and #3 from the front) didn´t fire when I´ve put all the lables to the ducts. I turned off the lights and changed the 2 bulbs to the opposite side and they fired normally. Did you ever hear something like thats with the ATIs? Well, it´s on now (the day before). I don´t think I should touch.
Let me know if you understand why was that. They are all new bulbs. The #1 is the blue+ and the #3 is the pure actinic.

Cheers,
Grandis.

You must have had one in a position where it wasn't making good contact. If its working I wouldn't worry about it but I am sure it was just a lamp not making contact. They are wired in pairs so if one doesn't make contact the ballast wont fire the other.

 

[A. Grandis]

Oh, ok...
Many thanks for your help!

Grandis.

 

[MVlk]

Grim, I have been reading this thread and your advice for some time now. Your dedication and assistance is amazing! I purchased a 72” Nova Extreme Pro (NEP) back in January. I am still running the stock bulbs, minus two actinic bulbs replaced, which failed and are month or two newer. Recently I have begun adding quite a bit of corals including many SPS pieces to my tank.

I’d like to replace the bulbs at this time, but money is tight. Would there be any benefit to replacing half the bulbs now and then the other half in a few months? If so, from your recommended 6 bulb setup, which bulbs would benefit the coral growth/color the best. I would buy two each of the three recommended of course since the 72” takes 2x6 bulbs.

 

[Lyfey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15355286#post15355286 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
You must have had one in a position where it wasn't making good contact. If its working I wouldn't worry about it but I am sure it was just a lamp not making contact. They are wired in pairs so if one doesn't make contact the ballast wont fire the other.

Wow that could be my problem for my Nova Extreme light. Bulb #1 + 3 dont fire at all, and I got the new ballast waiting to be installed, Ill try reversing them tonight, Im unsure because the bulbs used to fire.. maybe something got knocked loose, dunno. I will try it out tonight.. I need some wire caps and electrical tape to replace the ballast that Current USA sent me... they sent me a ballast but no instructions lol.

 

[roscozman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15352027#post15352027 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Does the fixture have reflectors that clip on the lamps? The Workhorse ballasts aren't the best choice but will work. Hopefully whoever put it together put the money into good reflectors.

Front
'ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus

You might need to tweak the positioning around to get just blue plus on the dusk/dawn set. Just don't place the GE or UVL lamps first or last and try to separate them with a blue lamp.

Thanks Grim Reefer
The fixture has individual reflectors that clip on the lamps.

Also, this is how the ballasts were wired:
Front
48" Ballast 1___36" Ballast 4
48" Ballast 1___36" Ballast 4
48" Ballast 2___36" Ballast 5
48" Ballast 2___36" Ballast 4
48" Ballast 3___36" Ballast 5
48" Ballast 3___36" Ballast 5
Back

Would I place the same lamps for the 48" and 36" like below?
Front
48" ATI Blue Plus______36" ATI Blue Plus
48" UVL Actinic White___36" UVL Actinic White
48" ATI Blue Plus______36" ATI Blue Plus
48" GE 6500K Daylight__36" GE 6500K Daylight
48" ATI Blue Plus______36" ATI Blue Plus
48" ATI Blue Plus______36" ATI Blue Plus
Back

I forgot to mention we are going for that "Blue" look.

Also, I have read about "Figi Purple" and other colors. What are these lamps for.

Thanks.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15356196#post15356196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MVlk
Grim, I have been reading this thread and your advice for some time now. Your dedication and assistance is amazing! I purchased a 72” Nova Extreme Pro (NEP) back in January. I am still running the stock bulbs, minus two actinic bulbs replaced, which failed and are month or two newer. Recently I have begun adding quite a bit of corals including many SPS pieces to my tank.

I’d like to replace the bulbs at this time, but money is tight. Would there be any benefit to replacing half the bulbs now and then the other half in a few months? If so, from your recommended 6 bulb setup, which bulbs would benefit the coral growth/color the best. I would buy two each of the three recommended of course since the 72” takes 2x6 bulbs.

Replace the blue lamps with ATI Blue Plus lamps. Big PAR increase doing that. Once it's time to replace the other 3 I would do a 4th row of Blues, a row of UVL Actinic White and a row of GE 6500K Daylight.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15356602#post15356602 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lyfey
Wow that could be my problem for my Nova Extreme light. Bulb #1 + 3 dont fire at all, and I got the new ballast waiting to be installed, Ill try reversing them tonight, Im unsure because the bulbs used to fire.. maybe something got knocked loose, dunno. I will try it out tonight.. I need some wire caps and electrical tape to replace the ballast that Current USA sent me... they sent me a ballast but no instructions lol.

Easiest way to check is to place those lamps in a different ballasts endcaps.