The T5 Q&a Thread

[SAreefer]

I have read through most of the thread, but perhaps I missed it

Does anyone know whether the ATI powermodule also overdrives it's tubes?

[MstgKillr]

Grim,

I currently have a 215 gallon (72x24x29) tank with (3) 250 Phoenix 14k bulbs, LAIII reflectors, and M80 ballasts.

I have but currently not using (4) 39w Ice Cap Retro T5's.

I was thinking of adding some supplemental lighting to my tank, but am undecided to go with T5 or VHO.

I could even change to a 10k bulb and add some type of supplemental lighting.

I am trying to get good growth and good colors on a mixed reef including sps and clams.

What do you recommend? Bulb combonations and setup would be greatly appericated.

[Luv2Fish]

Grim,

I have a 33 gallon (36"x12.5"x17" LxWxH). I have plumbing and some egg crate which will provide some shade at both ends and I have a black center brace in the middle of my tank. I was considering the T5 IceCap HO retrofit at ReefGeeks. As I have some plumbing above my tank, I can't place the lights within 5 or so inches of the water. The top of my canopy is about 12 inches from the water. If I wanted to be able to keep everything from mushrooms up through some SPS would this light fixture be a good one? Also, would I need to build something so that I can mount it 5 or 6 inches off the water or could I just mount it at the top of my canopy (12 inches)? Would I lose too much light to support the diversity corals I want to keep? Finally, from reading a lot of this thread, I believe you would recommend the following bulbs:

Front
Blue +
Actinic
Aquasun
Blue+

Is this correct? About what K would this give (10,000, 14,000, etc.)?

Thanks for all the help.

[Labman48076]

a question he asked I thought he could use your thoughts

Current T5 lighting comparison
I'm putting together plans for a 60H Great Lakes tank which is 36x18. As much as I know the Tek lights and Aquatronics (sp?) are really good T5 systems, they are out of my budget right now. I've narrowed myself down to two different options from Current and would like to know which would be better.

Sundial T5 HO - 4x39w (156w) with Lunar lights
http://www.aquaticmountain.com/produ...m-actinic.html
-Individually contoured reflectors for maximum light intensity
-Dual integrated timers and automatic photocell for dawn/dusk and lunar lighting control
-Cool running, performance-driven electronic ballasts
-European style high output T5 lamps
-Rear-mounted fans designed for standard aquarium canopy installations

Nova Extreme Pro T5 HO - 6x39w (234w), no lunar lights
http://www.aquaticmountain.com/produ...-actinics.html
-Individually contoured reflectors for maximum light intensity
-Cool running, performance-driven electronic ballasts
-Fan cooled for superior color spectrum, output and lifespan
-Independent controls for dawn/dusk applications

What I like about the Sundial fixture is the integrated timers (I haven't read any complaints about them breaking but I guess that could be a problem) and the fact that the fans are on the back which would work better under a canopy.

But, on the other hand, the Nova fixture is higher wattage. But, do I need the extra wattage if I don't plan on getting seriously into SPS? I could always add LEDs myself if I want lunar lights so that's not much of a concern.

[jamesdawson]

Originally posted by SAreefer
I have read through most of the thread, but perhaps I missed it

Does anyone know whether the ATI powermodule also overdrives it's tubes?

No it doesn't.

James

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by ihopss
Thank You....
Is this going to be to blue.

No, perhaps not as blue as some would like in fact but a good starting point at least.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by Fishdisease
Thank you for your help Grim.

I just talked to the aquarium division at Sunlight Supply (the dudes who make the Tek Light) and I asked what the difference was between the Horticultural Model and the Aquarium Model.

The only differences I was told was that the horticultural model has only 1 switch for all 8 lamps while the aquarium model has 2, and that the reflective material was slightly different on the aquarium model making it easier to clean up.

So knowing that I can get the horticultural model for $50 less is having the capability to run dusk/dawn cycles important to the health of the reef? Do those of you with Tek Lights run the dusk/dawn cycle?

Thanks once again!

I'd stick with the aquarium model if the difference is only 50 bux. Especially if the horti reflector is even harder to clean than the aquarium model.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by skerz
when you say ''normal Ice Cap HO system with regular ballasts'' does that mean slr set up with a non icecap 660 ballast or use the the icecap 430 ballast.

do all icecap ballasts overdrive bulbs making them ''very high-output'' or just the 660.

thanks, i appreciate the help.

Yeah, just the regular T5 ballast. The Ice Cap 430 and 660 ballasts both overdrive lamps the same amount, the 660 can just handle more lamps.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by jimfed1
Alright Grim
Got a question for ya. I am running a pair of 250 watt retros, with Reeflux 12k bulbs. I want to supplement with a pair of some really bright BLUE actinic T5's. Which bulb would be a great match for this scenario. I have bulbs now that say "Tru" on them, and they don't seem very bright.
Thaks for all your help with this thread.

Do 1 UVL Super Actinic and 1 ATI Blue Plus or Giesemann Actinic Plus

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by skerz
what would be the optimal bulb config. for setup w/ ic 660...
4x24w t5v-ho
3x39w t5v-ho


also could anyone point me to any links/sites with info/testing results regarding the
24" 4x24W or 36" 4x39W Powermodule T5 High-Output Fixtures by ATI.


thanks again

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus


Ati Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus

I've tested the 4x39 ATI Powermodule. It puts more light to the sandbed than a pretty good 6x54 watt fixture.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by scholl
hey Grim,

you still good with this combo for 6x39 tek for sps, clam, softies on the bottom of 65gal 24 deep?

thanks

ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

Yep

[kenyacat]

Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
4 would be fine but 6 would allow you to upgrade from the 55 someday and probably be better for the Sebea. If you do 4 grab one of the Azoo fan arrays fosters and smith sells and clamp it to the back frame of the tank blowing across the fixture.

For lamps

Front
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Aquablue

for 6
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
UVL 75/25
ATI Aquablue

Grim, I guess I am not upgrading to a 55. We are now thinking of just going to 75 gallon. Now I am thinking of maybe going with the Tek 8 lamp fixture instead of the 6. What lights would you suggest for the 8?

Thanks

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by kudora
just bought an entire set up with a custom 60x18x18 tank(84 gallons) with a 3" sand bed lighted by 2 65w pc.
it came with a frog spawn, leather and some shrooms, would like to get the reef geek slr 4x54 retro HO

1. what bulbs would you recommend on this set up?
2. what range of coral could i keep with this set up?
3. what set up would you use if you had this tank







first post!!!

With 4 lamps over an 18" tall tank you will be able to keep anything

Standard 4 lamp setup

Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus

[ericad289]

okay quick question--I am looking into the 48" 6x54 ati powermodule--I see that it can't be mounted on the aquarium. How hard is it to hang it from the ceiling? I just don't want to hang it, then when i move it leave huge holes in the ceiling that prospecive buyers are going to dissapprove of.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by reefbaby1
Grim, I currently have a mixed reef 75 with a no name brand ebay special Odesey PC 4 blub 65 watts and a 2 bulb hagen glow t5 over it now. We love the color and growth. But the pc's burn out all the time. We want to up grade to an all t5 fixture. We really want to make sure our corals don't get bleached mostly our acans. We don't really have any softies. Mostly LPS, SPS, and a lot of zoas.

So here is the question, I have read this entire tread all the way back to 2006 and am still not 100% sure which way to go.

4x54W Powermodule
6x54W Powermodule
TX5 5-Lamp T5
Solar Flare 6 Lamp

and what bulb selection

I don't want to hurt any thing by over doing it, or spendng any unnesscary money. But at the same time I want to improve our growth and coral colors with out over doing it. I was thinking the 4x54w powermodule would be good but doesn't seem like I will have as big of light color control with only 4 bulb selection. Also doesn't seem like it will be as much light as I have now. Remember my PC's really stink.

So really the bottom line is, are 4 blubs better that what I have now, and is 6 going to be an over kill.

Maybe 5 is the best to split the diff. If I fry all my corals my wife will kill me.

Go with the TX5.

Front
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquablue

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by MstgKillr
Grim,

I currently have a 215 gallon (72x24x29) tank with (3) 250 Phoenix 14k bulbs, LAIII reflectors, and M80 ballasts.

I have but currently not using (4) 39w Ice Cap Retro T5's.

I was thinking of adding some supplemental lighting to my tank, but am undecided to go with T5 or VHO.

I could even change to a 10k bulb and add some type of supplemental lighting.

I am trying to get good growth and good colors on a mixed reef including sps and clams.

What do you recommend? Bulb combonations and setup would be greatly appericated.

Super actinics in the Ice Cap rig would be my choice. If you do drop to 10K lamps I would do Blue Pluses and super actinics.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by Luv2Fish
Grim,

I have a 33 gallon (36"x12.5"x17" LxWxH). I have plumbing and some egg crate which will provide some shade at both ends and I have a black center brace in the middle of my tank. I was considering the T5 IceCap HO retrofit at ReefGeeks. As I have some plumbing above my tank, I can't place the lights within 5 or so inches of the water. The top of my canopy is about 12 inches from the water. If I wanted to be able to keep everything from mushrooms up through some SPS would this light fixture be a good one? Also, would I need to build something so that I can mount it 5 or 6 inches off the water or could I just mount it at the top of my canopy (12 inches)? Would I lose too much light to support the diversity corals I want to keep? Finally, from reading a lot of this thread, I believe you would recommend the following bulbs:

Front
Blue +
Actinic
Aquasun
Blue+

Is this correct? About what K would this give (10,000, 14,000, etc.)?

Thanks for all the help.

That should be fine. I would at least try to drop the lamps a little. Over a 17" tall you dont need a ton of light so its fine if it isnt too close to the water.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by Labman48076
a question he asked I thought he could use your thoughts

Current T5 lighting comparison
I'm putting together plans for a 60H Great Lakes tank which is 36x18. As much as I know the Tek lights and Aquatronics (sp?) are really good T5 systems, they are out of my budget right now. I've narrowed myself down to two different options from Current and would like to know which would be better.

Sundial T5 HO - 4x39w (156w) with Lunar lights
http://www.aquaticmountain.com/produ...m-actinic.html
-Individually contoured reflectors for maximum light intensity
-Dual integrated timers and automatic photocell for dawn/dusk and lunar lighting control
-Cool running, performance-driven electronic ballasts
-European style high output T5 lamps
-Rear-mounted fans designed for standard aquarium canopy installations

Nova Extreme Pro T5 HO - 6x39w (234w), no lunar lights
http://www.aquaticmountain.com/produ...-actinics.html
-Individually contoured reflectors for maximum light intensity
-Cool running, performance-driven electronic ballasts
-Fan cooled for superior color spectrum, output and lifespan
-Independent controls for dawn/dusk applications

What I like about the Sundial fixture is the integrated timers (I haven't read any complaints about them breaking but I guess that could be a problem) and the fact that the fans are on the back which would work better under a canopy.

But, on the other hand, the Nova fixture is higher wattage. But, do I need the extra wattage if I don't plan on getting seriously into SPS? I could always add LEDs myself if I want lunar lights so that's not much of a concern.

Timers are cheap, I'd go with the Pro. Just the extra 2 lamps are worth it to me.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by kenyacat
Grim, I guess I am not upgrading to a 55. We are now thinking of just going to 75 gallon. Now I am thinking of maybe going with the Tek 8 lamp fixture instead of the 6. What lights would you suggest for the 8?

Thanks

Super Actinic
Blue Plus
Aquasun
Blue Plus
ATI Pro Color
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus

[danielson1506]

Do you think it is possible to get away with some sps and clams with a 8X39watt (4 Rows) on a 125G, 72X18X22, by placing 1 row of aquasun and 1 row of blue plus right on top of the rocks where sps and clams will be placed? The others, another blue plus and actinic spaced out farther? Or should the actinic be replaced by say a aquablue close to the rocks? The tank will be mixed reef. Thanks

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by ericad289
okay quick question--I am looking into the 48" 6x54 ati powermodule--I see that it can't be mounted on the aquarium. How hard is it to hang it from the ceiling? I just don't want to hang it, then when i move it leave huge holes in the ceiling that prospecive buyers are going to dissapprove of.

You could sit the fixture right on the tank. You would just have to make something to hold the fixture. A couple of wooden slats well varnished would take care of that. Just place one at each end of the tank. You could even put a thin one in the center Or even a half inch wooden dowel so if the light gets slid too far to one side it wont deep six.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by danielson1506
Do you think it is possible to get away with some sps and clams with a 8X39watt (4 Rows) on a 125G, 72X18X22, by placing 1 row of aquasun and 1 row of blue plus right on top of the rocks where sps and clams will be placed? The others, another blue plus and actinic spaced out farther? Or should the actinic be replaced by say a aquablue close to the rocks? The tank will be mixed reef. Thanks

Group the 4 rows together. Better mix of light that way. As long as they are directly under the lamps the SPS and Clams will get plenty of lights. If they are up on the rocks some they will be fine if they are a little behind the center of the lights. Anywhere between the front edge of the front reflector to the rear edge of the back is going to be pretty much full intensity.

[fishman6]

Just wanted to know when I should be changing the bulbs in the T5 fixture.

[snaza]

I saw i beautiful SPS only tank today and they guy was runing 1x400w and a 150w MH. this was on a 3x2x2. i was looking at getting another tank for just SPS and wandering what T5 only lighting could do the same.

my tank would only be 36x20x20. we cant get IC660 ballasts here so would any normally driven lights do the job? would i need 6 or 8 retro? what bulbs to get the SPS to really grow and pop

thanks

[JohnL]

This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1340633