The T5 Q&a Thread

[bezlar]

Grim- I just got a sun dial from current 48 54w it came with 2 10k and 2 act. Would like to keep a couple of clams one dersa and one crocea. Any recomendations? Tank is 24 depth.

Thanks

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by fjr_wertheimber
Oh great and powerful Grim, I've been told repeatedly that you're the source of all (useful) T5 knowledge. My question is this:

I'm setting up my first tank, a 110g (72"l x 18"w x 20"h) and would like to be able to have a good mix of just about everything, including SPS and a few LPS. I'm thinking about getting 60" 6x80W Tek 2 T5 Very High-Output Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs from Reefgeek. Would that be enough light to grow what I'd like? Also, what type of lifespan should I expect from those bulbs?

I'm thinking of putting a Tunze Wavebox on there, would any (slight) splashing kill those and require me to get a fixture with a cover, or should I be okay?

Thanks in advance for your help,
A.J.

You ain't gonna get 6 of those Tek reflectors over the tank. Have Greg do you 4 Tek reflectors and 2 24" and 2 36" Ice Cap reflectors. You'll just be able to cram all those in there. The Teks are just over 3" wide, The Ice Caps are 2 1/2. As long as you run a couple fans to cool the lamp ends you should get a year out of the lamps.

Do this
Front
ATI Blue Plus (Ballast 1)
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI True Actinic (Ballast 1)
ATI Pro Color
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus (Ballast 1)

[techrider62]

Hey grim
Is this true about these bulbs.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1308209

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by EvilE
Also, I started a thread about the placement of my T5's in my canopy, and I guess I need to be asking it in here with you all. I have a 55 gallon tank w/canopy, I recently installed a T5 HO retro fit kit (the ones from Hellolights). I installed them in my canopy with the two 10K bulbs toward the front, and the two actinic 03's toward the back. So My question is simply does it make much difference which order the lights are in? Should I leave it as is, or should I go 10k/actinic/10k/actinic, or what? Someone said I should go actinic/10k/10k/actinic, but in a relatively narrow space like a 55 gallon canopy, does it matter much? So, should I change the order of the endcaps, or leave it as is?

It does matter, If those are real actinics (violet light, not blue) ditch one and get a blue lamp (ATI Blue Plus, Gmann Actinic Plus) and put it as the front lamp then a 10K, Actinic, 10K. You will like the look a lot more.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by bezlar
Grim- I just got a sun dial from current 48 54w it came with 2 10k and 2 act. Would like to keep a couple of clams one dersa and one crocea. Any recomendations? Tank is 24 depth.

Thanks

Unless you can keep the clams up on the rocks, way up for the crocea I wouldn't try it. If you ditch the current lamps and do say a UVL Aquasun, ATI Aquablue and a Couple of Blue Plus you might keep the dersa happy on the sand.

[bezlar]

What order in the light?

Thanks

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by techrider62
Hey grim
Is this true about these bulbs.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1308209

Heard that from someone else too, Hahnmeister. Guess I need to throw a PAR meter on mine and see what it does. Just to look at it it seems fine and its been running since July.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by bezlar
What order in the light?

Thanks

Blue Plus
Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquablue

[bezlar]

Thanks just ordered from reefgeek.

[EvilE]

Also, I started a thread about the placement of my T5's in my canopy, and I guess I need to be asking it in here with you all. I have a 55 gallon tank w/canopy, I recently installed a T5 HO retro fit kit (the ones from Hellolights). I installed them in my canopy with the two 10K bulbs toward the front, and the two actinic 03's toward the back. So My question is simply does it make much difference which order the lights are in? Should I leave it as is, or should I go 10k/actinic/10k/actinic, or what? Someone said I should go actinic/10k/10k/actinic, but in a relatively narrow space like a 55 gallon canopy, does it matter much? So, should I change the order of the endcaps, or leave it as is?

[tazman71]

Which 4 bulb set would be best for my 58 Oceanic(36x18x20) with Icecap 660 ballast and Icecap reflectors for SPS/LPS? Not as concerned about looks as for growth for frag tank. Thanks

[atlfishes]

I have a 90 gallon with mainly LPS / softies and would like to keep a few SPS at the top. I'll go the retro route. I've done a little reseach and what is largely recommended on Reef Central is ReefGeek Retro kits. For my situation I was thinking 4x 54w with icecap reflectors or are Tek reflectors better? I would also like to know what bulb combination you recommend. I've heard people complain about t5 actinics, are PC actinics any better? I'll have an extra one. Thanks

[twon8]

I've got a 55g tank i'm about to switch from 2xt5 overdriven on an icecap 430(ati blueplus and an aquablue) to 4xt5 on an icecap 660.
I have the following bulbs on hand
4xblueplus/actinic plus(some more than a year old)
one ati actinic, new
uvl aquasun, new
uvl 75/25 new
old ge 6500
ati aquablue, two years old

I plan to mess around with the bulbs and take some pics to post here, but as of right now i don't have a battery for my dslr, so pics may take some time. I've got another camera, but with the dslr i can set color temp and give a pretty accurate representation


If there are any suggestions as to bulb arrangements to start with....
Im about to start wiring.

[Yinepu]

Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
For both

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic or ATI true blue Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus (or Aquablue if you want a brighter, more white look)

Thanks Grim,

Just to get your opinion.. how do you feel about the acrylic shield for the tek lights? Does it do more harm than good (overheating the bulbs)? And do you prefer the brackets or the hanging kit for the lights? I've always had my lights suspended over the water and never knew for sure if they were too high or too low...

Thanks again!

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by tazman71
Which 4 bulb set would be best for my 58 Oceanic(36x18x20) with Icecap 660 ballast and Icecap reflectors for SPS/LPS? Not as concerned about looks as for growth for frag tank. Thanks

If you just want to grow frags fas I would just use the GE 6500K daylights, dirt cheap and great PAR

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by atlfishes
I have a 90 gallon with mainly LPS / softies and would like to keep a few SPS at the top. I'll go the retro route. I've done a little reseach and what is largely recommended on Reef Central is ReefGeek Retro kits. For my situation I was thinking 4x 54w with icecap reflectors or are Tek reflectors better? I would also like to know what bulb combination you recommend. I've heard people complain about t5 actinics, are PC actinics any better? I'll have an extra one. Thanks

Ice Cap retro would be better.

For lamps

Front
Blue Plus
ATI Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by twon8
I've got a 55g tank i'm about to switch from 2xt5 overdriven on an icecap 430(ati blueplus and an aquablue) to 4xt5 on an icecap 660.
I have the following bulbs on hand
4xblueplus/actinic plus(some more than a year old)
one ati actinic, new
uvl aquasun, new
uvl 75/25 new
old ge 6500
ati aquablue, two years old

I plan to mess around with the bulbs and take some pics to post here, but as of right now i don't have a battery for my dslr, so pics may take some time. I've got another camera, but with the dslr i can set color temp and give a pretty accurate representation


If there are any suggestions as to bulb arrangements to start with....
Im about to start wiring.

Blue Plus
Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by Yinepu
Thanks Grim,

Just to get your opinion.. how do you feel about the acrylic shield for the tek lights? Does it do more harm than good (overheating the bulbs)? And do you prefer the brackets or the hanging kit for the lights? I've always had my lights suspended over the water and never knew for sure if they were too high or too low...

Thanks again!

I wouldn't use the sheild. Doesn't matter what I like for mounting it. Whatever works best for you is all that matters.

[Larry Waughon]

Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
If you have a canopy a 8x54 Ice Cap retro, It will keep a carpet happy.

If you need a fixture either the Aquactinics Solar Flare or ATI 8x54 watt Powermodule

Which of these two fixtures do you feal is better. I see the Solar Flare over drives the bulbs, but does the Powermodule ?
Larry

[EvilE]

Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
Blue Plus
Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquablue

so, how would one run dusk to dawn with that setup? If I were to buy those bulbs, can it be done with my two ballasts?

[EvilE]

Originally posted by EvilE
Also, I started a thread about the placement of my T5's in my canopy, and I guess I need to be asking it in here with you all. I have a 55 gallon tank w/canopy, I recently installed a T5 HO retro fit kit (the ones from Hellolights). I installed them in my canopy with the two 10K bulbs toward the front, and the two actinic 03's toward the back. So My question is simply does it make much difference which order the lights are in? Should I leave it as is, or should I go 10k/actinic/10k/actinic, or what? Someone said I should go actinic/10k/10k/actinic, but in a relatively narrow space like a 55 gallon canopy, does it matter much? So, should I change the order of the endcaps, or leave it as is?

Grim?

[snaza]

Hi Grim,

you mentioned the Aquaz Blue pro bulbs are Blue and not actinic. Would they be comparable to the ATI Blue plus? the Aquazs are less than half the price in Australia. Would 2 aquaz blue pros be ok in a 6 bulb combo with a fiji purple, ati blue plus, bluespecial and a 10k? or to something else.

Thanks

Aaron

[James77]

I'm considering/researching switching from MH to T5. I Have a 175 bowfront, the ends are 18", and bow is 24"- with a water depth of 27". I currently run 3 250 watt reeflux 10K's 11" off the water with 2x160 VHO supp.
Would T5's work for me?-It is/wil be a predominately sps, and I prefer a crisp white with tint of blue. I am considering the following setups from reefgeek, all with Icecap ballasts
and reflectors, retrofit:
6x60"- easily fit-I dont mind the 6" on either side-not noticeable
12x39-easily fit
8x60- can fit, with some overhang on front sides

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by Larry Waughon
Which of these two fixtures do you feal is better. I see the Solar Flare over drives the bulbs, but does the Powermodule ?
Larry

I would lean towards the Solar Flare. The Powermodule would have about as much output but there is a pretty good wait to get them.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by EvilE
Grim?

01/31/2008 06:03 PM

The Grim Reefer
Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid

Registered: Sep 2003
Location: Aurora
Occupation:
Posts: 13552



quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by EvilE
Also, I started a thread about the placement of my T5's in my canopy, and I guess I need to be asking it in here with you all. I have a 55 gallon tank w/canopy, I recently installed a T5 HO retro fit kit (the ones from Hellolights). I installed them in my canopy with the two 10K bulbs toward the front, and the two actinic 03's toward the back. So My question is simply does it make much difference which order the lights are in? Should I leave it as is, or should I go 10k/actinic/10k/actinic, or what? Someone said I should go actinic/10k/10k/actinic, but in a relatively narrow space like a 55 gallon canopy, does it matter much? So, should I change the order of the endcaps, or leave it as is?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



It does matter, If those are real actinics (violet light, not blue) ditch one and get a blue lamp (ATI Blue Plus, Gmann Actinic Plus) and put it as the front lamp then a 10K, Actinic, 10K. You will like the look a lot more.


__________________
Grim tells it like it is.
Last year the SEC was the strongest conference but overrated. This year they were just overrated.

Hobby Experience: Long enough to know better
Current Tanks: 105 gallon 6x54 T5 Lighting Tunze 9010 Skimmer 2 Korillia 4, 1 Korillia 3 CPR Aquafuge
Interests: 5 1/4%


Like 8 post up

as far as dusk/dawn run the blue pluses