T5 retro quality?

rovster · 12/31/2014, 10:24 AM

This may seem like a simple question but I am a total noob when it comes to T5. I'm contemplating adding some supplemental T5 to my light and I want to know if there is a difference in quality with retro kits and what to look out for. I'm big on getting the best I can afford and if I'm going to go through the trouble I want to do it right.

I know there is a difference in bulbs, and I know ATI is king when it comes to fixtures, I know it has to do with the reflector quality and cooling system. When it comes to DIY retro, what is the ATI? I'm talking reflectors, ballasts, etc...

What are the qualities to look for and what to avoid?

If possible, I would like it to be as low profile as possible. Thanks in advance for all the help!

Wills612 · 12/31/2014, 12:05 PM

LET Miro-4 Retro is what Ive used in my DIY LED/t5 fixtures. Ive read its the same ballast ATI uses. The wiring was easy and the loom is nice with a quick connect fitting to the ballast.

rovster · 12/31/2014, 12:48 PM

Does the size of the reflector make a difference? Do all the reflectors clip on to the bulbs?

kendrid · 12/31/2014, 04:26 PM

I just purchased the Miro-4 to assist my LEDs. I confirmed via searching that they are the same ballast as ATI.

James77 · 12/31/2014, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rovster

Does the size of the reflector make a difference? Do all the reflectors clip on to the bulbs?

Most the reflectors that perform the best are all about the same size. They all usually run about 20 bucks each give or take for size. You want indivicual parabolic reflectors.

All the retro reflectors I have seen clip to the bulb.

rtparty · 12/31/2014, 08:28 PM

LET is the best if you can find them

GrampaDon · 12/31/2014, 09:46 PM

BRS and Aquacave carry the LET brand retro. Aquacave is lowest by 18$ on a 4ft kit. [It's where I just bought 2 sets plus ATI bulbs]

Recieved them today. And looking over the set. It is real easy with great directions.

kendrid · 01/02/2015, 01:13 PM

Aquacave has a 10% off coupon (NY15) right now. The 48" LET Miro and two ATI bulbs is $138 shipped.

dartier · 01/02/2015, 02:19 PM

Looks like they are at a new lower price for 2015 (according to LET's website: http://letlighting.com/). Hopefully my local online reseller adjust their price.

Dennis

rovster · 01/04/2015, 09:39 AM

Thanks guys. Maybe I was over complicating this a bit as I always do

Now the next topic is bulbs

I was thinking 2 blue plus and 2 coral plus. I also thought about switching one of the coral plus for either a purple plus or an aqua blue. I do want to keep to the whiter end of the spectrum as the LEDs can assist with the blue.

SchnitzelReef · 01/04/2015, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rovster

Thanks guys. Maybe I was over complicating this a bit as I always do

Now the next topic is bulbs

I was thinking 2 blue plus and 2 coral plus. I also thought about switching one of the coral plus for either a purple plus or an aqua blue. I do want to keep to the whiter end of the spectrum as the LEDs can assist with the blue.

If you have too many White t5 bulbs (coral +/aqua blue), they will over power your blue LEDs.

DavidinGA · 01/04/2015, 10:34 AM

LET is what I would buy as well

Chris Lakies · 01/04/2015, 10:53 AM

If u have four bulbs to play with i like the combo of 1:1 ratio of blue+ and coral+. U may want an extra AB spec to play with.

rovster · 01/04/2015, 01:44 PM

Well I'm not going to use them for actinic supplementation, rather white spectrum supplementation because I feel that is where the LEDs are lacking. I also wanted them to help get light to shaded areas. I was planning on running them 4-5 hrs during the whir period and fill in with the LEDs. I just need to figure out a way now to mount them in a way they look good. I imagine a rack of some sort is in order. I wanted to avoid the floating canopy look but I may be stuck with that if I want it to look decent.

DDon · 01/04/2015, 02:34 PM

I added 4 bulbs to supplement my LEDs. Used the LET Miro-4 retro kit and ATI Bulbs; 2 blue plus, 1 purple plus and 1 coral plus in the following config.
Front:
Blue plus
Purple Plus
LED
Coral Plus
Blue Plus

rtparty · 01/04/2015, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rovster

Well I'm not going to use them for actinic supplementation, rather white spectrum supplementation because I feel that is where the LEDs are lacking. I also wanted them to help get light to shaded areas. I was planning on running them 4-5 hrs during the whir period and fill in with the LEDs. I just need to figure out a way now to mount them in a way they look good. I imagine a rack of some sort is in order. I wanted to avoid the floating canopy look but I may be stuck with that if I want it to look decent.

You may be surprised how much blue your LEDs are actually missing. They hit very narrow ranges in the blue spectrum but they don't fill out from 400nm to about 500nm. They hit very precise numbers like 445nm, 460nm, and others. (Not necessarily those numbers with your LEDs. I was just using examples.)

I'd run 2 blue plus for sure. Then use the other 2 bulbs to fill in what you want. The coral plus is a great "white" bulb to add in a lot of the missing LED spectrum.

Reeftub · 01/04/2015, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wills612

LET Miro-4 Retro is what Ive used in my DIY LED/t5 fixtures. Ive read its the same ballast ATI uses. The wiring was easy and the loom is nice with a quick connect fitting to the ballast.

What color bulbs are you using and what AI lights are you using? Just curios what color combo looks good with hydra 52? I like the 12k 14 k look of a tank.

rovster · 01/04/2015, 06:40 PM

I was definitely going to run 2 blue+. I was going to order one of each of coral plus, purple plus, and aqua blue special and play around with those.

Wills612 · 01/04/2015, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reeftub

What color bulbs are you using and what AI lights are you using? Just curios what color combo looks good with hydra 52? I like the 12k 14 k look of a tank.

I use 2 blue+, ran 4 hours a day. I switched to hydra 52's about two months ago from vega blues (seen in pic). Here's a recent FTS, it looks a little more pink then it is in person.

Reeftub · 01/04/2015, 08:10 PM

Thanks Will612! I will have 6 hydra 52 over my 190g and was going to add 4 t5 to the mix. Do you think the 4 t5 will drown out the hydra 52s. I'm at 65% with all colors.

Thanks for your help.

Wills612 · 01/04/2015, 08:31 PM

Nice tank reeftub what are the dimensions of your tank, and do you run a canopy? I run my blues at 60% and white and colors under 10%. The two blue+ do overpower the leds.

Reeftub · 01/04/2015, 09:05 PM

Tank is 60x27x27 and I run a canopy.

Reeftub · 01/04/2015, 09:07 PM

Thank for the compliment, I don't want to over power the leds . Maybe I'll just add 2 t5.

Wills612 · 01/04/2015, 09:14 PM

I would add the 4 if you have the room. That way you could have a few more bulb choices.

Reeftub · 01/04/2015, 09:23 PM

Thanks for your help I'll put the 4 up and if it's too much I can just use 2. I do like the color of the hydra 52s with all colors equally at 65%. Sps have great color, I just want to get a little less shading on my sps. I plan on growing this thing out like the big boys do. Thanks again for your help.

12/31/2014, 10:24 AM	#1
rovster Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 7,518	T5 retro quality? This may seem like a simple question but I am a total noob when it comes to T5. I'm contemplating adding some supplemental T5 to my light and I want to know if there is a difference in quality with retro kits and what to look out for. I'm big on getting the best I can afford and if I'm going to go through the trouble I want to do it right. I know there is a difference in bulbs, and I know ATI is king when it comes to fixtures, I know it has to do with the reflector quality and cooling system. When it comes to DIY retro, what is the ATI? I'm talking reflectors, ballasts, etc... What are the qualities to look for and what to avoid? If possible, I would like it to be as low profile as possible. Thanks in advance for all the help!

12/31/2014, 08:28 PM	#6
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	LET is the best if you can find them __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+

12/31/2014, 09:46 PM	#7
GrampaDon Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fort Wayne ,IN Posts: 636	BRS and Aquacave carry the LET brand retro. Aquacave is lowest by 18$ on a 4ft kit. [It's where I just bought 2 sets plus ATI bulbs] Recieved them today. And looking over the set. It is real easy with great directions. __________________ 165+29 Sticks N Zoas / Kessil + t5 / Ecotech 260 in the works. 84X30X25

01/02/2015, 02:19 PM	#9
dartier Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Brampton, ON, Canada Posts: 958	Looks like they are at a new lower price for 2015 (according to LET's website: http://letlighting.com/). Hopefully my local online reseller adjust their price. Dennis __________________ 560G Miracles tank in process making a DIY DyMiCo style filter (for 560G) Current Tank Info: 560G Miracles tank in progress, 80Frag Temporary

01/04/2015, 10:34 AM	#12
DavidinGA Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2,393	LET is what I would buy as well __________________ Giant money pit, but it's a happy pit ;) Current tank: 6ft 210gal SPS, 3~eBay led boxes, 4~80w T5's, sro3000int, RW20's, Reef Angel, reactors, pumps, rocks, sand, yadda yadda yadda...

12/31/2014, 12:05 PM	#2
Wills612 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 1,130	LET Miro-4 Retro is what Ive used in my DIY LED/t5 fixtures. Ive read its the same ballast ATI uses. The wiring was easy and the loom is nice with a quick connect fitting to the ballast.

12/31/2014, 12:48 PM	#3
rovster Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 7,518	Does the size of the reflector make a difference? Do all the reflectors clip on to the bulbs?

12/31/2014, 04:26 PM	#4
kendrid Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lake in the hills, IL Posts: 806	I just purchased the Miro-4 to assist my LEDs. I confirmed via searching that they are the same ballast as ATI.

01/02/2015, 01:13 PM	#8
kendrid Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lake in the hills, IL Posts: 806	Aquacave has a 10% off coupon (NY15) right now. The 48" LET Miro and two ATI bulbs is $138 shipped.

01/04/2015, 09:39 AM	#10
rovster Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 7,518	Thanks guys. Maybe I was over complicating this a bit as I always do Now the next topic is bulbs I was thinking 2 blue plus and 2 coral plus. I also thought about switching one of the coral plus for either a purple plus or an aqua blue. I do want to keep to the whiter end of the spectrum as the LEDs can assist with the blue.

01/04/2015, 10:53 AM	#13
Chris Lakies Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Blanc Michigan Posts: 1,446	If u have four bulbs to play with i like the combo of 1:1 ratio of blue+ and coral+. U may want an extra AB spec to play with. __________________ CL Current Tank Info: 50 breeder, 2 x XR15w pro (G4), 1 x MP40wQD, Apex JR, Ehiem-Jager 200 watt heater, Jabao DC6000 return, Reef Octo 150 elite SSS skimmer

01/04/2015, 01:44 PM	#14
rovster Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 7,518	Well I'm not going to use them for actinic supplementation, rather white spectrum supplementation because I feel that is where the LEDs are lacking. I also wanted them to help get light to shaded areas. I was planning on running them 4-5 hrs during the whir period and fill in with the LEDs. I just need to figure out a way now to mount them in a way they look good. I imagine a rack of some sort is in order. I wanted to avoid the floating canopy look but I may be stuck with that if I want it to look decent.

01/04/2015, 02:34 PM	#15
DDon Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Brentwood,CA Posts: 776	I added 4 bulbs to supplement my LEDs. Used the LET Miro-4 retro kit and ATI Bulbs; 2 blue plus, 1 purple plus and 1 coral plus in the following config. Front: Blue plus Purple Plus LED Coral Plus Blue Plus

01/04/2015, 06:40 PM	#18
rovster Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 7,518	I was definitely going to run 2 blue+. I was going to order one of each of coral plus, purple plus, and aqua blue special and play around with those.

01/04/2015, 08:10 PM	#20
Reeftub Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 389	Thanks Will612! I will have 6 hydra 52 over my 190g and was going to add 4 t5 to the mix. Do you think the 4 t5 will drown out the hydra 52s. I'm at 65% with all colors. Thanks for your help.

01/04/2015, 08:31 PM	#21
Wills612 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 1,130	T5 retro quality? Nice tank reeftub what are the dimensions of your tank, and do you run a canopy? I run my blues at 60% and white and colors under 10%. The two blue+ do overpower the leds.

01/04/2015, 09:05 PM	#22
Reeftub Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 389	Tank is 60x27x27 and I run a canopy.

01/04/2015, 09:07 PM	#23
Reeftub Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 389	Thank for the compliment, I don't want to over power the leds . Maybe I'll just add 2 t5.

01/04/2015, 09:14 PM	#24
Wills612 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 1,130	I would add the 4 if you have the room. That way you could have a few more bulb choices.

01/04/2015, 09:23 PM	#25
Reeftub Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 389	Thanks for your help I'll put the 4 up and if it's too much I can just use 2. I do like the color of the hydra 52s with all colors equally at 65%. Sps have great color, I just want to get a little less shading on my sps. I plan on growing this thing out like the big boys do. Thanks again for your help.