The T5 Q&a Thread - split

[Michigan Mike]

Originally Posted by rtparty

I haven't said the fixtures aren't good. I think they are good setups. My biggest complaint was the lack of cooling and garbage ballasts. Tek had a huge opportunity to knock ATI off and totally blew it.

The Tek elite could've been great but ended up as just good. I've never understood why no one has competed with ATI. It isn't all that tough to design a good setup.

Ya I understand, maybe a copyright thing?
Its really not a hard thing to do, the Sunpower is a very simple design, the parts aren't cheap but it could be even better.
The reason the Powermodule needs the fans for every 2 bulbs & ballast is because the heavier housing & small channeling between ballasts, instead of a lighter housing that cools better & it being open for all the ballasts instead of being crammed in a 2 3/4" space with heavier metal.

[toofrigginswt]

Yesterday I was playing with the bulb combinations on my 10 bulb powermodule. I realized that you have to give your eyes some time away from the tank before you make a decision. Every combination I did without the GE bulb looked green to my eyes immediately. Lol.

After an hour of playing with the bulbs, I realize that the coral plus bulb is my favorite bulb. I am currently running 7 blue plus and 3 coral plus. I love the color it gives off.

I tried putting 6 blue plus, 3 coral plus, and 1 purple plus and it looks too white for my taste.

Anyone else like the coral plus as much as I do? Anyone tried running all coral plus bulbs?

Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2

[kissman]

is a Nove Extreme Pro 6x54 watt with ATI bulbs enough for SPS in a 55g?

[rtparty]

Originally Posted by kissman

is a Nove Extreme Pro 6x54 watt with ATI bulbs enough for SPS in a 55g?

Standard 55? You will be fine.

[kissman]

Originally Posted by rtparty

Standard 55? You will be fine.

Yes standard 55g.


Thanks!

[PauChi]

Currently on 2 x Aqua Medic 250W Phoenix DE 14K bulbs & supplemented as dusk & dawn by Aqua Medic T5's (Reef Blue) ... a buddy gave me 48" 6 bulbs ATI Sunpower T5 fixture with 2 x fans on top .

I've read majority of reviews on all T5 bulbs but nothing on Aqua Medics Aqualine T5's. They come in 4 different spectrums. I've tried ATI's and I'm not really convinced but wouldn't mind your opinion(s) if any of you have experimented with any Aqua Medic's?

Here's a suggestion from Aqua Medics rep:
"2 Reef Blue, 3 Reef White 15K and 1 Plant Grow. If you prefer a more blueish color you could go with 3 Reef Blue and 2 Reef White 15K."

Thank you.

[Michigan Mike]

Originally Posted by PauChi

Currently on 2 x Aqua Medic 250W Phoenix DE 14K bulbs & supplemented as dusk & dawn by Aqua Medic T5's (Reef Blue) ... a buddy gave me 48" 6 bulbs ATI Sunpower T5 fixture with 2 x fans on top .

I've read majority of reviews on all T5 bulbs but nothing on Aqua Medics Aqualine T5's. They come in 4 different spectrums. I've tried ATI's and I'm not really convinced but wouldn't mind your opinion(s) if any of you have experimented with any Aqua Medic's?

Here's a suggestion from Aqua Medics rep:
"2 Reef Blue, 3 Reef White 15K and 1 Plant Grow. If you prefer a more blueish color you could go with 3 Reef Blue and 2 Reef White 15K."

Thank you.

I wouldn't use them, ATI, KZ, GIESSEMAN bulbs are the only bulbs I would use.
That's a great T5 fixture, it would be a shame to put sub-par bulbs in it but I have no idea about them.
Are they cheaper?

[rtparty]

Originally Posted by PauChi

Currently on 2 x Aqua Medic 250W Phoenix DE 14K bulbs & supplemented as dusk & dawn by Aqua Medic T5's (Reef Blue) ... a buddy gave me 48" 6 bulbs ATI Sunpower T5 fixture with 2 x fans on top .

I've read majority of reviews on all T5 bulbs but nothing on Aqua Medics Aqualine T5's. They come in 4 different spectrums. I've tried ATI's and I'm not really convinced but wouldn't mind your opinion(s) if any of you have experimented with any Aqua Medic's?

Here's a suggestion from Aqua Medics rep:
"2 Reef Blue, 3 Reef White 15K and 1 Plant Grow. If you prefer a more blueish color you could go with 3 Reef Blue and 2 Reef White 15K."

Thank you.

aqua medic bulbs are junk. Stick to what Mike said: ATI, KZ, or Geisemann.

[PauChi]

Yeah ... it's for a measly standard 90 gallon tank which I'm re-starting with sps and lps. I would appreciate the help in listing down what I should get starting from Front to the Back order please?

In respond to Michigan Mike: I can get them for $25 a piece.

Much appreciated.

[donb]

hey guys... i'm setting up a 155 gallon (72x24x21) tank and trying to figure out the right lighting to use. i'd like to go LED but i can't justify the cost right now. i'd like to go with good T5's that don't cost a ton with the idea of upgrading to LEDs eventually. i'll be moving fish from my 110 into the 155 and then adding corals eventually. i'd like to have as much flexibility as possible for supporting various types of corals. i've been considering two AquaticLife fixtures. The 8 lamp or the 12 lamp. i'm wondering if the 8 lamp is enough given that the tank is only 21" deep. Also wondering if the bulbs that come out of the box are good enough to start. Lastly, i'm looking for any other comments/suggestions. thanks.

[TropTrea]

Originally Posted by toofrigginswt

Anyone else like the coral plus as much as I do? Anyone tried running all coral plus bulbs?

Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2

The original design of the Coral Plus was to run it as a stand alone bulb. People liked the combination of 1 Aqua Blue Plus, 1 Purple Plus and 2 Blue Plus bulbs however they only had fixtures for smaller tanks with only 1 or two bulbs so they could get this combination in them. So this was ATI's answer to there problem.

Since then people started combining them with other bulbs especialy the Blue plus bulbs. The thing is when you start with a bulb combination regardless waht it is it become a starting point for you. As time goes on you see something that floresces more than your tank does. So you try something slightly bluer and love the added florescense. Years or months later the same thing happens again. Eventualy you can end up with a tank with all Blue Plus bulbs and marvile about your florescent corals. But when your red clown fish or yellow tang swims buy they no longer look as striking as they did with a more banaced colr range of bulbs.

If you want a fish only tank then your better off going with GE 6,500K and Aquablue Plus bulbs. but if your going strictly highly florescent corals then go with the all deep blue bulbs like the ATI Blue Plus and even there Atinic. Most people though want something between these extremes. Personal preference determones what make you happy not what anyone else says.

[Tankssy]

Tax refund = new tanks.. squeeeeeee

Going to be getting some new tanks.. an ADA 60-F(24x12x7) and a Mr Aqua 12L(36x8x9). Thinking of getting each one a 2bulbT5 fixture. Would 2 bulb T5's be enough light for these tanks? I worry that 4 bulbs on tanks this shallow will be overkill. Stocking will be mostly softies and LPS.

Color choice on bulbs so far is Coral+ and a Blue+, does this sound about right? This color combo stuff is nuts =)

Plan is to make some DIY LED strips to compliment each of them as we go.

[donb]

the other option i'm looking at is the SunPower. Two questions... would the 60" work OK on a 72" tank? should i go 4 bulbs or 6?

[TropTrea]

Originally Posted by donb

hey guys... i'm setting up a 155 gallon (72x24x21) tank and trying to figure out the right lighting to use. i'd like to go LED but i can't justify the cost right now. i'd like to go with good T5's that don't cost a ton with the idea of upgrading to LEDs eventually.

May I suggest you post your question here.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2275561

I have gone with combinations on some of my tanks and started this thread for those interested in the best of both worlds.

[Michigan Mike]

Originally Posted by donb

the other option i'm looking at is the SunPower. Two questions... would the 60" work OK on a 72" tank? should i go 4 bulbs or 6?

8x80w (60") ATI Sunpower would be my first choice. But a 6x80 would work but your limited on the width. This is much better than a 72" (12 bulb) fixture.

Aquatic life bulbs aren't very good.

[Michigan Mike]

Originally Posted by Tankssy

Tax refund = new tanks.. squeeeeeee

Going to be getting some new tanks.. an ADA 60-F(24x12x7) and a Mr Aqua 12L(36x8x9). Thinking of getting each one a 2bulbT5 fixture. Would 2 bulb T5's be enough light for these tanks? I worry that 4 bulbs on tanks this shallow will be overkill. Stocking will be mostly softies and LPS.

Color choice on bulbs so far is Coral+ and a Blue+, does this sound about right? This color combo stuff is nuts =)

Plan is to make some DIY LED strips to compliment each of them as we go.

Yes that sounds fine.

[DiscusHeckel]

Originally Posted by rtparty

aqua medic bulbs are junk. Stick to what Mike said: ATI, KZ, or Geisemann.

Interesting. Have you got any evidence to substantiate your assertion?

If you look at Tony B's tank thread and his TOTM article, you will see that he does not use any branded tubes (except KZ Fiji) nor does he use ATI unit.

In his latest 9' set up he uses a combination of 4 X Narva blues and 3 X Aquamedic white (15000K) and a single KZ Fiji Purple. His results speak for themselves and they do not suggest that Aquamedic tubes are "junk".

[rtparty]

Originally Posted by DiscusHeckel

Interesting. Have you got any evidence to substantiate your assertion?

If you look at Tony B's tank thread and his TOTM article, you will see that he does not use any branded tubes (except KZ Fiji) nor does he use ATI unit.

In his latest 9' set up he uses a combination of 4 X Narva blues and 3 X Aquamedic white (15000K) and a single KZ Fiji Purple. His results speak for themselves and they do not suggest that Aquamedic tubes are "junk".

Yeah, the two blue bulbs I got from them when I got a mh/t5 combo unit. They reminded me of current USA or hagen stuff. I didn't even take the time to measure PAR. I probably should have but didn't care to when I could see the difference with my naked eye between the aqua medic and ATI tubes.

And at $25/each, they are a total rip.

Now the narva blues, I wish those were more readily available here in the USA.

Fyi we all know that light is only part of the triangle. Light, flow and water quality make up a successful reef. I even go as far as to say that light is the least important of those three.

Here in the US though, we have ATI or ATI. Tek is gone and the rest are all sub par. Will they all work? Yes to some degree they will but one will work much better.

Also isn't Tony linked to d&d? I can't see him supporting a competitor or pushing ATI stuff if that is the case.

[Michigan Mike]

Originally Posted by DiscusHeckel

Interesting. Have you got any evidence to substantiate your assertion?

If you look at Tony B's tank thread and his TOTM article, you will see that he does not use any branded tubes (except KZ Fiji) nor does he use ATI unit.

In his latest 9' set up he uses a combination of 4 X Narva blues and 3 X Aquamedic white (15000K) and a single KZ Fiji Purple. His results speak for themselves and they do not suggest that Aquamedic tubes are "junk".

I seen he used 2 ge6500, 5 narva blue & a KZ purple, but didnt read the whole thread.

Go ahead & try them. They are the same price as ATI bulbs so I'd just get coral plus bulbs. Actually the Narva blue bulbs are good but your not going to find them used often in the USA.

[DiscusHeckel]

Originally Posted by rtparty

Also isn't Tony linked to d&d? I can't see him supporting a competitor or pushing ATI stuff if that is the case.

Tony said in another TOTM article here in the UK that he tried Aquamedic's blues and did not like them. They were not as good as ATI blue + and guiseman super blue. So he agrees with you on that. However, he seems to think that Aquamedic white (15000K) is a good coral grower along with Narva Blue. I am going to try aquamedic 15000K and see it for myself.

Regarding Tony B, he is not the same Tony who works for D-D. lol.

FWIW, I am using 3 X ATI Blue +, 1 X ATI Coral +, 1 X KZ Fiji, 1 X Syvlania 6500K and ATI Sunpower (6 X 39W). An ATI tube costs ~£16 + pp, whereas an aquamedic tube costs £12.50 + pp.

[rtparty]

Originally Posted by DiscusHeckel

Tony said in another TOTM article here in the UK that he tried Aquamedic's blues and did not like them. They were not as good as ATI blue + and guiseman super blue. So he agrees with you on that. However, he seems to think that Aquamedic white (15000K) is a good coral grower along with Narva Blue. I am going to try aquamedic 15000K and see it for myself.

Regarding Tony B, he is not the same Tony who works for D-D. lol.

FWIW, I am using 3 X ATI Blue +, 1 X ATI Coral +, 1 X KZ Fiji, 1 X Syvlania 6500K and ATI Sunpower (6 X 39W). An ATI tube costs ~£16 + pp, whereas an aquamedic tube costs £12.50 + pp.

I get all the UK Tony's mixed up, lol.

I have no experience with their whites. Just the blues and some of their fixtures. I feel they have gone downhill as a company with quality. Their ballasts are awesome for mh but the pendants need work.

Sounds like aqua medic tubes are more than ATI over here.

[TropTrea]

Originally Posted by DiscusHeckel

FWIW, I am using 3 X ATI Blue +, 1 X ATI Coral +, 1 X KZ Fiji, 1 X Syvlania 6500K and ATI Sunpower (6 X 39W). An ATI tube costs ~£16 + pp, whereas an aquamedic tube costs £12.50 + pp.

Actualy the prices are not that different in the US

Converting at todays rate the 16 pound ATI bulb relates to $24.29 US onl line prices here are about $21.95 and instore prices are $22.95 locally.

The Aquamedics at 12.50 pounds relate to $18.98 in US money also comparable the best price I found for them was $23.99 each with free shipping on orders over $50.00.

[wantsalotta]

I've got too much light! Some of my corals are not happy, I have an 8 bulb ati fixture, I would like to reduce the par output out of it. my current setup it
blue +
coral +
actinic
b+
purple +
actinic
b+
coral +

what swapping out can I do to lower par values? I have a few ab special, actinic, c+, p+, b+ available to change some out. Thanks for any help

[rtparty]

Originally Posted by wantsalotta

I've got too much light! Some of my corals are not happy, I have an 8 bulb ati fixture, I would like to reduce the par output out of it. my current setup it
blue +
coral +
actinic
b+
purple +
actinic
b+
coral +

what swapping out can I do to lower par values? I have a few ab special, actinic, c+, p+, b+ available to change some out. Thanks for any help

Raise the light or lower your photo period. That's where I'd start.

[Michigan Mike]

That and replace a blue plus with another actinic.

But before all that why don't you tell us more about your lighting setup & corals. What fixture, how old are bulbs, how high are the lights, how tall is your tank, what corals are dominate in your tank?