The T5 Q&a Thread - Page 31

grandp10 · 06/28/2008, 09:11 AM

Thank you very much grim.

AquaDiva · 06/28/2008, 09:16 AM

Thought I'd toss this one out here, rather than the macroalgae forum

I've got a 4 foot 120. It was originally going to be a refugium, but it is quickly becoming a macro tank with an assortment of softies, and lps. So, I'm looking for a bulb configuration that will make the corals pop (and grow) but will also meet the needs of various macro algaes.

I hate the yellow look, so I'm looking for suggestions on a mix. It's a 5-bulb TX5. TIA

kpk · 06/28/2008, 10:29 AM

Hey Grim,

I hate to ask you another question as you are always so swamped, but...

What giesemann bulbs would you get with a 8x80w fixture? Best output for a 30" tall tank, and just a hair past white, maybe 14k?

Thanks,
Kyle

SunnyX · 06/28/2008, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
Go with the ATI or the Aquactinics Constellation. Either should be fine.

Hey Grim,

Im ready to order the Aquactinics Contellation for the new 48x20x44 rimless and I wanted to get you feedback on which bulbs to purchase. Tank will my SPS like my current tank.

I was thinking 3 Aquablus 2 Blueplus 2 pro color.

What do you think? good combo? How would you mount place them?

Thanks again.

TomRep · 06/28/2008, 10:39 PM

Hey Grim or anyone else who can help. I have a 48"x24"x24" 120 and am looking at trying T5's. I am currently running two 250w SE Reeflux 10k's with two URI 110w VHO Actinic R's for suppliments. I like the look of the tank the way it is. If anything, I could handle a touch more blue. Anyway, I am looking at buying a used Nova Extreme 8x 54w fixture off a local club member. I've been searching these pages for a bulb configuration and want a bit more info. On about the 4th page (WAY back!) I saw you recommended someone to use:
2 Midday 6000k
2 Pure actinic
1 Aquablue Plus 11k
3 Actinic Plus
The main reason I am going to try T5's is the amount of different spectrums you can get at one time. I'd like to maximize the array of spectrums and also keep the white look with a touch of blue. Would this still be a good choice in bulbs or can I throw a Figi Purple, AquaSun, or any other bulbs in there as well to get more of an array. Oh yeah, the tank is sps dominated with one clam as of now. Thanks a bunch!
Tom

spleen93 · 06/29/2008, 01:40 AM

Don't think that a standard Nova Extreme (not even a Pro) is going to be able to handle a 24 inch deep SPS dominated tank ... but we'll see what Grim says.

SunnyX · 06/29/2008, 11:19 AM

Sorry , the new tank will actually be 48lx24wx20h NOT 48x20x44

The Grim Reefer · 06/29/2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AquaDiva
Thought I'd toss this one out here, rather than the macroalgae forum

I've got a 4 foot 120. It was originally going to be a refugium, but it is quickly becoming a macro tank with an assortment of softies, and lps. So, I'm looking for a bulb configuration that will make the corals pop (and grow) but will also meet the needs of various macro algaes.

I hate the yellow look, so I'm looking for suggestions on a mix. It's a 5-bulb TX5. TIA

About any mix that will grow corals will grow algae.

Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus
GE 6500K Daylight

Should look a little blue and has plenty of spectrum the algae will like.

The Grim Reefer · 06/29/2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kpk
Hey Grim,

I hate to ask you another question as you are always so swamped, but...

What giesemann bulbs would you get with a 8x80w fixture? Best output for a 30" tall tank, and just a hair past white, maybe 14k?

Thanks,
Kyle

Front
Actinic Plus
Pure Actinic
Midday
Actinic Plus
Aquablue
Actinic Plus

The Grim Reefer · 06/29/2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SunnyX
Hey Grim,

Im ready to order the Aquactinics Contellation for the new 48x20x44 rimless and I wanted to get you feedback on which bulbs to purchase. Tank will my SPS like my current tank.

I was thinking 3 Aquablus 2 Blueplus 2 pro color.

What do you think? good combo? How would you mount place them?

Thanks again.

Front
Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
Aquablue
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Pro Color
Blue Plus

Would be what I'd try

The Grim Reefer · 06/29/2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TomRep
Hey Grim or anyone else who can help. I have a 48"x24"x24" 120 and am looking at trying T5's. I am currently running two 250w SE Reeflux 10k's with two URI 110w VHO Actinic R's for suppliments. I like the look of the tank the way it is. If anything, I could handle a touch more blue. Anyway, I am looking at buying a used Nova Extreme 8x 54w fixture off a local club member. I've been searching these pages for a bulb configuration and want a bit more info. On about the 4th page (WAY back!) I saw you recommended someone to use:
2 Midday 6000k
2 Pure actinic
1 Aquablue Plus 11k
3 Actinic Plus
The main reason I am going to try T5's is the amount of different spectrums you can get at one time. I'd like to maximize the array of spectrums and also keep the white look with a touch of blue. Would this still be a good choice in bulbs or can I throw a Figi Purple, AquaSun, or any other bulbs in there as well to get more of an array. Oh yeah, the tank is sps dominated with one clam as of now. Thanks a bunch!
Tom

Really bad idea

For that tank Maybe an 8 lamp Tek with an external fan. The Aquactinics constellation would be good.

TomRep · 06/29/2008, 03:53 PM

Okay. I have a buddy in our local club running the Nova Extreme Pro on a 120 deep. He said the tank is 6' long and he thinks 25" deep. He is only running the 48" Pro on his tank and everything is doing great (sps and clams). He has clams on the bottom of the tank and can't keep sps too high or he'll bleach them. Is the pro that much better due to the individual reflectors, or is he somehow just lucky? What is the bad part with the regular Nova Extreme, the ballasts or the reflector? I'm getting the unit with bulbs (bulbs have about 6 months left) for such a good price that I can alter whatever needs to be upgraded. That is, unless there is a risk of fire or something with the unit? Not trying to be stubborn, but I don't have a large budget right now, so any unit over $400 with bulbs is out.
tom

SunnyX · 06/29/2008, 06:06 PM

Thanks for the help!

What color is the UVL 745/25?

Could I replace that with another Pro color or Fiji purple?

Quote:

Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
Front
Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
Aquablue
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Pro Color
Blue Plus

Would be what I'd try

The Grim Reefer · 06/29/2008, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SunnyX
Thanks for the help!

What color is the UVL 745/25?

Could I replace that with another Pro color or Fiji purple?

Fiji Purple maybe. The 75/25 has a slightly red hue to it. Two Pro Colors might be a little too much red so I am a little hesitent to reco two of them to people that haven't used one before

saltwater4life1 · 06/29/2008, 07:25 PM

Thanks guys!
hopefully monti cap, blue stag and digi will do ok under my 2x11000k bulbs and 2x actinic will be fine for awhile. Any idea?

The Grim Reefer · 06/29/2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TomRep
Okay. I have a buddy in our local club running the Nova Extreme Pro on a 120 deep. He said the tank is 6' long and he thinks 25" deep. He is only running the 48" Pro on his tank and everything is doing great (sps and clams). He has clams on the bottom of the tank and can't keep sps too high or he'll bleach them. Is the pro that much better due to the individual reflectors, or is he somehow just lucky? What is the bad part with the regular Nova Extreme, the ballasts or the reflector? I'm getting the unit with bulbs (bulbs have about 6 months left) for such a good price that I can alter whatever needs to be upgraded. That is, unless there is a risk of fire or something with the unit? Not trying to be stubborn, but I don't have a large budget right now, so any unit over $400 with bulbs is out.
tom

I'd say he's lucky.

Not much you can do for a standard nova. No room for reflectors in the fixture. Just use good lamps and be careful how you place your critters.

The Grim Reefer · 06/29/2008, 07:33 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by saltwater4life1
Thanks guys!
hopefully monti cap, blue stag and digi will do ok under my 2x11000k bulbs and 2x actinic will be fine for awhile. Any idea? [/QUOTEIf those are actual actinics I would pull one and add a Blue Plus

TomRep · 06/29/2008, 08:24 PM

Okay, thanks for the info Grim! See what I can come up with. If I do go with the standard Nova, how would you arrange the bulbs?
tom
- last question, I promise!

CoralKing · 06/29/2008, 09:31 PM

How do T5s compare with MH setups? How does a fixture such as the Constellation or ATI, for example, compare with a 2x250w MH setup?
The Constellation, for example, has a total of 378w, while a 2x250w Current USA Outer Orbit fixture with supplementation has over 700w. Is it accurate to compare watts to watts, or must additional factors be introduced when comparing T5 setups?

Thanks

flyingclay · 06/29/2008, 09:49 PM

grim, I am in the process of setting up a 70"long custom tank. I am trying to figure out the best t5 setup I canwithout wasting light. I have my overflow pumped into the top of the tank with 3 holes on each side to plumb into. this is going to take some of my width away from the lighting. I can fit 7 T5 retros with space in between to put Led spy red light and whit and blue moonlights or 8 lights and no night lights or red spys. I have one icecap 660 and 3 HO accustart ballasts. I also have 10 endcaps. I thought I could staqgger the 4' t5s about 3 to 4 inches and have the center be solid coverage. I am wanting to grow SPS and also clams onthe bottom which is 26 inches minus the 2' sand bed. Any information would be great as to how many bulbs to what kind of bulbs would give me the best light deep in the tank. Also should I run different bulbs on the 660? Thanks for all your help I read the entire thread on PAR and almost all of this one.

The Grim Reefer · 06/29/2008, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TomRep
Okay, thanks for the info Grim! See what I can come up with. If I do go with the standard Nova, how would you arrange the bulbs?
tom
- last question, I promise!

Front
Actinic
11K
Blue Plus
11K

The Grim Reefer · 06/29/2008, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CoralKing
How do T5s compare with MH setups? How does a fixture such as the Constellation or ATI, for example, compare with a 2x250w MH setup?
The Constellation, for example, has a total of 378w, while a 2x250w Current USA Outer Orbit fixture with supplementation has over 700w. Is it accurate to compare watts to watts, or must additional factors be introduced when comparing T5 setups?

Thanks

Watts really don't tell you that much other than 250 watt halides are more intense than 175's.
Other factors come into play, mainly how much closer the T5's can be placed to the water. I would bet on the Aquactinic against a lot of the 250 watt halide systems out there. Good 10K halides in quality reflectors will probably beat the Constellation but not by much.

The Grim Reefer · 06/29/2008, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by flyingclay
grim, I am in the process of setting up a 70"long custom tank. I am trying to figure out the best t5 setup I canwithout wasting light. I have my overflow pumped into the top of the tank with 3 holes on each side to plumb into. this is going to take some of my width away from the lighting. I can fit 7 T5 retros with space in between to put Led spy red light and whit and blue moonlights or 8 lights and no night lights or red spys. I have one icecap 660 and 3 HO accustart ballasts. I also have 10 endcaps. I thought I could staqgger the 4' t5s about 3 to 4 inches and have the center be solid coverage. I am wanting to grow SPS and also clams onthe bottom which is 26 inches minus the 2' sand bed. Any information would be great as to how many bulbs to what kind of bulbs would give me the best light deep in the tank. Also should I run different bulbs on the 660? Thanks for all your help I read the entire thread on PAR and almost all of this one.

I would do this

Front
ATI Blue Plus 80 watt 60" lamp on IC ballast
UVL Aquasun
ATI Aquablue 60" on IC ballast
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500k Daylight
ATI Blue Plus 60" Blue Plus IC Ballast
ATI Aquablue

You will have to use 2 36" reflectors per 60" lamp. The Tek 60" reflector is over 3" wide so you will have to use Ice Cap or Aquactinics to have enough room for the lamps.

This setup will give you full intensity 4" across. With the 60" lamps you will have enough light at the ends for softies or whatever lower light stuff you want to add. It should give you a cool fade effect where the center is a 14K look and the ends will be more blue.

Staggering the lamps really limits your choices because you have to match the staggered lamps or one side will look different than the other.

hapka16 · 06/30/2008, 07:53 AM

Hey Grim.
I recently upgraded from a PC light to a Catalina Aquarium 6x39 watt T5 HO light for my 30 gallon reef tank. I've had it for about 3 weeks now and my current bulb config is 2 10K, 1 6500K, 1 18K, and 2 actinics. The brand of bulbs are Glo (they came with the fixture cuz i bought it used). Are these bulbs crap and if so what should i use and where can i get them. I live in Dallas, TX so i'll probably have to order them because all the stores here also carry Glo bulbs. My tank has mostly soft coral and some LPS and a single SPS...for now. My tank dimensions are 30"L x 12"W x 18"H...is this enought light for SPS? I've only been in the reef tank hobby for almost 4 years and am starting to get seriously addicted and want to do things right. I'm going to be upgrading to a 55gal. tall once i move to Denver in a year. Any help is appreciated.

crsswift70 · 06/30/2008, 10:17 AM

Wow this thread is long.. I have an outerorbit 2x150mh (10k) 4xt5h0 (2x420 2x460nm). The Mh are a crisp white, but they seem to wash out the visual effect of the actinics. The corals aren't showing great color. I have heard the 10k MH are great for growth, but i'd like more color punch. Can someone suggest some t5 changes? thanks.

06/28/2008, 09:16 AM	#752
AquaDiva Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 273	Bubls for macro growth Thought I'd toss this one out here, rather than the macroalgae forum I've got a 4 foot 120. It was originally going to be a refugium, but it is quickly becoming a macro tank with an assortment of softies, and lps. So, I'm looking for a bulb configuration that will make the corals pop (and grow) but will also meet the needs of various macro algaes. I hate the yellow look, so I'm looking for suggestions on a mix. It's a 5-bulb TX5. TIA __________________ Linda Current Tank Info: 75 RR LPS, 30gal refugium, 50gal sump, 2x175 MHs,2x110w actinics, ASM G4

06/28/2008, 10:29 AM	#753
kpk Been Reefin' Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Elk City, OK Posts: 2,306	Hey Grim, I hate to ask you another question as you are always so swamped, but... What giesemann bulbs would you get with a 8x80w fixture? Best output for a 30" tall tank, and just a hair past white, maybe 14k? Thanks, Kyle __________________ Starting over!!! Rimless 90g 48.5x24.5x18 Planet Aquarium, PVC bottom, 1/2" glass, center external overflow, black back, barebottom, H&S skimmer, 40g sump, DIY stand, etc. http://www.reefcentral.com/ Current Tank Info: 90g Rimless in the works

06/28/2008, 10:39 PM	#755
TomRep Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fleetwood, PA 19522 Posts: 1,219	Hey Grim or anyone else who can help. I have a 48"x24"x24" 120 and am looking at trying T5's. I am currently running two 250w SE Reeflux 10k's with two URI 110w VHO Actinic R's for suppliments. I like the look of the tank the way it is. If anything, I could handle a touch more blue. Anyway, I am looking at buying a used Nova Extreme 8x 54w fixture off a local club member. I've been searching these pages for a bulb configuration and want a bit more info. On about the 4th page (WAY back!) I saw you recommended someone to use: 2 Midday 6000k 2 Pure actinic 1 Aquablue Plus 11k 3 Actinic Plus The main reason I am going to try T5's is the amount of different spectrums you can get at one time. I'd like to maximize the array of spectrums and also keep the white look with a touch of blue. Would this still be a good choice in bulbs or can I throw a Figi Purple, AquaSun, or any other bulbs in there as well to get more of an array. Oh yeah, the tank is sps dominated with one clam as of now. Thanks a bunch! Tom __________________ "I got me a big wave, ride me a big wave, got me a big..WAVE!" Ed Vedder It's a reef thing, you wouldn't understand! Current Tank Info: 50 breeder w/o sump mixed reef, sps dominant. NEP T5 fixture with no stock bulbs, Bermuda Rogue HOB skimmer, canister filter, DIY hang on fuge, 2x modded MJ400's, Tunze Osmolator ATO, Randy's 2 part dosed with and Aquamedic twin

06/29/2008, 01:40 AM	#756
spleen93 crabby hermit Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: somewhere at the end of the rainbow Posts: 1,363	Don't think that a standard Nova Extreme (not even a Pro) is going to be able to handle a 24 inch deep SPS dominated tank ... but we'll see what Grim says. __________________ Spleen "Put that in your Mag Drive and smoke it." - jnarowe "Beware of the banter" - mpoletti "Now I know that some things are just out of our control and we should enjoy the good parts as much as we can." - pookstreet

06/29/2008, 03:53 PM	#762
TomRep Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fleetwood, PA 19522 Posts: 1,219	Okay. I have a buddy in our local club running the Nova Extreme Pro on a 120 deep. He said the tank is 6' long and he thinks 25" deep. He is only running the 48" Pro on his tank and everything is doing great (sps and clams). He has clams on the bottom of the tank and can't keep sps too high or he'll bleach them. Is the pro that much better due to the individual reflectors, or is he somehow just lucky? What is the bad part with the regular Nova Extreme, the ballasts or the reflector? I'm getting the unit with bulbs (bulbs have about 6 months left) for such a good price that I can alter whatever needs to be upgraded. That is, unless there is a risk of fire or something with the unit? Not trying to be stubborn, but I don't have a large budget right now, so any unit over $400 with bulbs is out. tom __________________ "I got me a big wave, ride me a big wave, got me a big..WAVE!" Ed Vedder It's a reef thing, you wouldn't understand! Current Tank Info: 50 breeder w/o sump mixed reef, sps dominant. NEP T5 fixture with no stock bulbs, Bermuda Rogue HOB skimmer, canister filter, DIY hang on fuge, 2x modded MJ400's, Tunze Osmolator ATO, Randy's 2 part dosed with and Aquamedic twin

06/28/2008, 09:11 AM	#751
grandp10 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 516	Thank you very much grim.

06/29/2008, 11:19 AM	#757
SunnyX Moved On Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 4,991	Sorry , the new tank will actually be 48lx24wx20h NOT 48x20x44

06/29/2008, 07:25 PM	#765
saltwater4life1 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fort Dix, New Jersey Posts: 933	Thanks guys! hopefully monti cap, blue stag and digi will do ok under my 2x11000k bulbs and 2x actinic will be fine for awhile. Any idea? __________________ ~Nick Avatar is my 1969 Roadrunner, 512ci stroker in the works. 55gal Mixed reef but mostly sps :) 5.5gal Mantis shrimp reef tank Current Tank Info: 55gal mixed reef, Lights: 4x54w T5, Filter: Octopus BH2000 skimmer, Flow: Over 3,000gph

06/29/2008, 07:33 PM	#767
The Grim Reefer Ready for some NOBALL!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Kingman Az Posts: 25,259	[QUOTE]Originally posted by saltwater4life1 Thanks guys! hopefully monti cap, blue stag and digi will do ok under my 2x11000k bulbs and 2x actinic will be fine for awhile. Any idea? [/QUOTEIf those are actual actinics I would pull one and add a Blue Plus

06/29/2008, 08:24 PM	#768
TomRep Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fleetwood, PA 19522 Posts: 1,219	Okay, thanks for the info Grim! See what I can come up with. If I do go with the standard Nova, how would you arrange the bulbs? tom - last question, I promise! __________________ "I got me a big wave, ride me a big wave, got me a big..WAVE!" Ed Vedder It's a reef thing, you wouldn't understand! Current Tank Info: 50 breeder w/o sump mixed reef, sps dominant. NEP T5 fixture with no stock bulbs, Bermuda Rogue HOB skimmer, canister filter, DIY hang on fuge, 2x modded MJ400's, Tunze Osmolator ATO, Randy's 2 part dosed with and Aquamedic twin

06/29/2008, 09:31 PM	#769
CoralKing Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 419	How do T5s compare with MH setups? How does a fixture such as the Constellation or ATI, for example, compare with a 2x250w MH setup? The Constellation, for example, has a total of 378w, while a 2x250w Current USA Outer Orbit fixture with supplementation has over 700w. Is it accurate to compare watts to watts, or must additional factors be introduced when comparing T5 setups? Thanks

06/29/2008, 09:49 PM	#770
flyingclay Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mnakato MN Posts: 51	grim, I am in the process of setting up a 70"long custom tank. I am trying to figure out the best t5 setup I canwithout wasting light. I have my overflow pumped into the top of the tank with 3 holes on each side to plumb into. this is going to take some of my width away from the lighting. I can fit 7 T5 retros with space in between to put Led spy red light and whit and blue moonlights or 8 lights and no night lights or red spys. I have one icecap 660 and 3 HO accustart ballasts. I also have 10 endcaps. I thought I could staqgger the 4' t5s about 3 to 4 inches and have the center be solid coverage. I am wanting to grow SPS and also clams onthe bottom which is 26 inches minus the 2' sand bed. Any information would be great as to how many bulbs to what kind of bulbs would give me the best light deep in the tank. Also should I run different bulbs on the 660? Thanks for all your help I read the entire thread on PAR and almost all of this one.

06/30/2008, 07:53 AM	#774
hapka16 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: dallas, Texas Posts: 169	Hey Grim. I recently upgraded from a PC light to a Catalina Aquarium 6x39 watt T5 HO light for my 30 gallon reef tank. I've had it for about 3 weeks now and my current bulb config is 2 10K, 1 6500K, 1 18K, and 2 actinics. The brand of bulbs are Glo (they came with the fixture cuz i bought it used). Are these bulbs crap and if so what should i use and where can i get them. I live in Dallas, TX so i'll probably have to order them because all the stores here also carry Glo bulbs. My tank has mostly soft coral and some LPS and a single SPS...for now. My tank dimensions are 30"L x 12"W x 18"H...is this enought light for SPS? I've only been in the reef tank hobby for almost 4 years and am starting to get seriously addicted and want to do things right. I'm going to be upgrading to a 55gal. tall once i move to Denver in a year. Any help is appreciated.

06/30/2008, 10:17 AM	#775
crsswift70 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Spanish Fort, AL Posts: 1,032	Wow this thread is long.. I have an outerorbit 2x150mh (10k) 4xt5h0 (2x420 2x460nm). The Mh are a crisp white, but they seem to wash out the visual effect of the actinics. The corals aren't showing great color. I have heard the 10k MH are great for growth, but i'd like more color punch. Can someone suggest some t5 changes? thanks.