The T5 Q&a Thread

[JohnL]

This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...8#post11629408

[JG24]

I want to change from 3- 250MH with VHO Support to all T5. My tank is in a state of renovation right now. So, no coral at all.
I am finding it confusing on which way to go, DIY or fixture.
Tank is 72" x 18" x 24". It will eventually be a SPS, some LPS tank as it was before the renovation.

[dsn112]

Grim, for a 6 bulb fixture, mostly lps and softies, but a few sps frags.

If I was only using UVL bulbs, what would you reccommend?


Also if I were to use a mix of UVL and Giesmann?

Im going to buy locally and two stores around here carry bulbs that are good, one only carries UVL, the other sells only Giesmann.

What would you reccomend for both options.

[jhornik]

I'm thinking of changing from 2 400W MH's to T-5's over my 155 6' long 30" deep tank and am curious how this will effect coral growth. Are Watt ratings in regards to growth diff for t-5's in comparison to MH's? Everything I've read on here is seems to be showing people switching out there 2 400W Mh's for 12 39 W t-5's that add up to about 468 W's in comparison to 800 Watt's. Big reason I'm thinking of switching is for energy and heat purposes, so if I can get a similar output from T-5's it sounds like a great switch!

[dsn112]

Does Grim know it split??
Bump

[revclyburn]

Hey Grim or Horkn or anyone else

what's would be the best combination of bulbs for a reef tank with mushrooms, some SPS's, zoas, leathers, and maybe a lps? I need to replace the bulbs on my Tek 6X54.

RevClyburn

[x2gold]

Thanks for the setup Tip, Just got the T5's Running 2 Blue + Aquasun and super actinic. Grim you are the man!

[jennmac415]

x2gold...how about a pic of your tank running this combo...

[Buzzard]

I’m purchasing the ELOS MH - T5 fixture (2x250W MH & 4x39W T5). Currently have MH only.

I’m curious to see what other MH & T5 users chose for T5 bulbs. Any advice/recommendations on T5 bulb manufacturer and type when combining w/MH is most appreciated.

[labragg1]

Hey Grim,
I have a 65gal RR tank 36Lx18Wx24T.
Getting ready to put in a 4x39W retro with SLR reflectors.

Will a Workhorse 7 ballast overdrive those 4 bulbs? I'm kind of new to T5's and a little confused. I've heard that the workhorse would overdrive them, but Fulham's website recommends the model 7 for the 4-bulb configuration and doesn't say anything about it overdriving them.
Any thoughts?

What makes the Icecap ballasts worth the huge price difference?

Also I am running mostly softies and lps right now, but eventually want to add a clam and maybe a couple sps.
Do I even need to overdrive the bulbs?

thanks

[vanillagorila]

how does the solar flare stack up against the powermodule?

[The Grim Reefer]

01/17/2008 03:55 PM

tsr770
Registered Member

Registered: Apr 2004
Location: Ida, MI
Occupation: Diesel Tech
Posts: 32


I am in the process of putting 3 TEKII 39w retros in my canopy, and have these bulbs sitting here, of course I only need 6, but I got a deal on them, plus you can't ever have too many backups.... LOL
Looking for something along the lines of a 14k Phoenixish look in the tank..... Grim, What would you suggest front to back with what I have. The tank is 36Lx30Wx21T and I will be adding one more TEK retro in the near future to make it 8 bulbs total...

2 UVL AquaBlue Specials
1 UVL Aquasun
1 UVL Super Actinic
2 Giesemann Aquablue Plus
1 Giesemann Actinic Plus
1 ATI Aquablue Special
1 ATI Blue Plus



What sorta combo should I toss in there to try?

Thanks


Try this
front
Actinic Plus
Super Actinic
Aquasun
ATI Aquablue
UVL Aquqablue
ATI Blue Plus


01/17/2008 10:31 PM

tbone28
Registered Member

Registered: Aug 2003
Location: Bay Area, CA
Occupation:
Posts: 823



quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
I do 12 hours for the dusk/dawn and 10 for a second stage of Blues 9 hours for the last two.

In your case I would try to do a super actinic and Blue Plus for D/D and just go with whatever from there, not sure how your wired. If you can do them all in pairs then you can ramp things up saving the daylight lamps for last on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



I've been SPS-frag shopping of late, and so have been ramping up my light cycle (2 fixtures of 8x39 Powermodules). How quickly can I increase (extend) my lighting cycle? I'm currently adding 1 extra hour per week for the main lights.

My current cycle:

D/D: 2pm-11pm
main lights: 4pm-10pm

Hour per week sound right



01/18/2008 08:02 AM

jhornik
Registered Member

Registered: Oct 2005
Location: Galloway, Oh
Occupation: Insurance
Posts: 181


I'm thinking of changing from 2 400W MH's to T-5's over my 155 6' long 30" deep tank and am curious how this will effect coral growth. Are Watt ratings in regards to growth diff for t-5's in comparison to MH's? Everything I've read on here is seems to be showing people switching out there 2 400W Mh's for 12 39 W t-5's that add up to about 468 W's in comparison to 800 Watt's. Big reason I'm thinking of switching is for energy and heat purposes, so if I can get a similar output from T-5's it sounds like a great switch!


Aquactinic Contellation or 2 8x39 watt ATI Powermodules are about the only 2 fixtures I would try. The areas right beneth your lamps now will probably have higher PAR with the halides but the T5's are going to even end to end

JG24
Premium Member

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: minnesota
Occupation: golf course superintendent/owner Reefmania
Posts: 292



I want to change from 3- 250MH with VHO Support to all T5. My tank is in a state of renovation right now. So, no coral at all.
I am finding it confusing on which way to go, DIY or fixture.
Tank is 72" x 18" x 24". It will eventually be a SPS, some LPS tank as it was before the renovation.


__________________
Thanks

Bob

Aquactinics Constellation would be great for that tank. If you have a canopy a 12x39 retro would work too.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by dsn112
Grim, for a 6 bulb fixture, mostly lps and softies, but a few sps frags.

If I was only using UVL bulbs, what would you reccommend?


Also if I were to use a mix of UVL and Giesmann?

Im going to buy locally and two stores around here carry bulbs that are good, one only carries UVL, the other sells only Giesmann.

What would you reccomend for both options.

There is no good option for UVL onlyl

Front
Actinic Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Gmann Actinic Plus
Gmann Aquablue
Actinic plus

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by revclyburn
Hey Grim or Horkn or anyone else

what's would be the best combination of bulbs for a reef tank with mushrooms, some SPS's, zoas, leathers, and maybe a lps? I need to replace the bulbs on my Tek 6X54.

RevClyburn

Blue Plus
Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus

That should pop really well.

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by Buzzard
I’m purchasing the ELOS MH - T5 fixture (2x250W MH & 4x39W T5). Currently have MH only.

I’m curious to see what other MH & T5 users chose for T5 bulbs. Any advice/recommendations on T5 bulb manufacturer and type when combining w/MH is most appreciated.

You will probably have better luck posting up a new thread. Also try the SPS forum if you are raising them. Just off the cuff I would say use 10K halides and 2 Blue Plus and 2 Super Actinic T5's/

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by labragg1
Hey Grim,
I have a 65gal RR tank 36Lx18Wx24T.
Getting ready to put in a 4x39W retro with SLR reflectors.

Will a Workhorse 7 ballast overdrive those 4 bulbs? I'm kind of new to T5's and a little confused. I've heard that the workhorse would overdrive them, but Fulham's website recommends the model 7 for the 4-bulb configuration and doesn't say anything about it overdriving them.
Any thoughts?

What makes the Icecap ballasts worth the huge price difference?

Also I am running mostly softies and lps right now, but eventually want to add a clam and maybe a couple sps.
Do I even need to overdrive the bulbs?

thanks

Get a regular driven Ice Cap retro from reefgeek. Forget the WH ballast. If you put a clam on the rocks it will be fine without the lamps being overdriven. Yes, the Ice Cap ballasts are worth the premium.

[dsn112]

Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
There is no good option for UVL onlyl

Front
Actinic Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Gmann Actinic Plus
Gmann Aquablue
Actinic plus

How does this sound as I have some bulbs already
Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Blue Plus
UVL 75.25
Blue Plus

[The Grim Reefer]

That would be fine

[rbja]

grim i just bought a 75gal (48.5"Lx18.5Wx21.4H) the sand bed is 3"H. and i want to put T-5s on it. it's going to be a mixed tank. right now i have alot of soft corals that are going in it but i'm going to want to put some sps and a clam in it. what light do you think would be the best for this.
48"TEX 6x54 or a 48" ATI 4x54

thanks

[The Grim Reefer]

ATI, that will open the sandbed up for your softies and you can keep the clam and SPS back on the rocks with the fixture cheated towards the back of the tank a little

[rbja]

thanks grim. ok what K. bulbs should i get for the ATI

i still dont understand how a 216w light can keep everything alive. with just 2.8wpg

thanks

[The Grim Reefer]

Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Aquablue

A 6 lamp unit would be better for SPS and clams but you'd play hell keeping your softies happy.

[broke1]

What bulb combo would you use for a 6x54 frag tank light. The tank is all SPS if that makes any difference at all. Good growth with real good colors is what I'm after. The growth doesn't have to be great, they are usually only cut when they are of the right size anyway.

[jmc74]

ok, question:

I have a 48x24x12 frag tank, currently i use a fixture of 2x250MH DE Hamilton14kBlue and 4x64w Actinic PC's

what should be a comparable T5 setup, im tring to get good grow/color and save on electricity if posible.


also is there a diference on the units that have individual reflectors to the ebay fixtures that have a large common reflector?

they have 4,6,8,12 T5HO...


thanks

[ncwaterboy]

My nano has (2) 55 watt T5s, it is 24Wx20Dx20H, is this sufficient lighting for a softies and lps? How frequently should I change the bulbs? TIA