The T5 Q&a Thread

[sbcaes]

Hey grim question for ya, what bulb combo would you use in a 5 bulb individual reflector similar to a tx5?

options are 10k current 20watt t5ho
or actinic 20watt t5ho.

what combo would you use?
for mostly lps, softies and 2-3 clams??

3 10k 2 actinic?
2 10k 3 actinc?

[The Grim Reefer]

3&5, then 1, 4 and 7 and then 2 and 6

Originally posted by jennmac415
Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquasun
UVL Super Actinic
UVL 75/25
ATI Blue Plus
ATI AQUABLUE
ATI Blue Plus


Grim, I am thinking of trying this combo also since I have the same Constellation fixture... which order would you have the bulbs come on with that configuration. I mean which on 1st, 2nd and 3rd? I am sure you know already which bulbs are on the same switch..thanks again!

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by sbcaes
Hey grim question for ya, what bulb combo would you use in a 5 bulb individual reflector similar to a tx5?

options are 10k current 20watt t5ho
or actinic 20watt t5ho.

what combo would you use?
for mostly lps, softies and 2-3 clams??

3 10k 2 actinic?
2 10k 3 actinc?

3 10K's and 2 Blues if your doing clams.

[jennmac415]

Thanks, Grim!

[Rob_Reef_Keeper]

I am now considering a 75G reef tank.

I am very limited on electrical wattage since it s a shared circuit in my living room.

I think I can get away with up ~450W

I am used to MH's on my old tank.

If I went the T5 route I am debating between a fixture like a Constellation and a retrofit kit for the All-Glass canopy

Would 7 or 8 T5's over that tank be enough light for any SPS/Clams?

Will less bulbs work as well?

I have an icecap660 laying around and can that be used or am I better off getting T5 ballasts?

the complete fixture might be easier? will that fit in a canopy?


Thanks

[cthedaytrader]

Hi Grim,

I have a 20G Long with a tek 4 lamp fixture, approx how high should the fixture be above the water and what bulb order would you go for?

Right now I have two ati blue bulbs, 1 ati special, an UV aqua sun, and a UV super actinic. I also wanted to get a ati pro. I plan on keeping nice sps and nice zoos in the tank, which bulbs and what order would you suggest. Are there any other bulbs you would suggest I really wanted an ATi procolor in the mix but I ordered it wrong. Thanks for the help.

[G13]

Hey Grim,

Wanted to know if you can help me out in bulb selection. I'm setting up a 125 ga tank and have a 72" constellation fixture on it's way. I have sps,lps,rbta, zoo's and a clam (currently under MH's) not heavily stocked but want to be able to keep anything in it. Not looking to have everything grow as quick as possible just want everything to look good. I'm mainly looking to have colors explode when put under the lights. REDS, blues, yellows and greens. I love the blue look as long as it don't make everything look purple.

I was thinking of going with this (with some help of the cmas forum)

giesemann actinic+
GE daylight
ATI blue+
giesemann aquablue+
giesemann actinic+
pro color
ATI blue+

What do you think? Does the order look, ok?


I've also been checking out reefgeek and seen that they have, 39W Super Actinic Blue 03 T5 HO Fluorescent made by Sfiligoi on clearance. I know some bulbs are very similar, can I exchange one on my list for the Sfiligoi?

Thanks,

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by Rob_Reef_Keeper
I am now considering a 75G reef tank.

I am very limited on electrical wattage since it s a shared circuit in my living room.

I think I can get away with up ~450W

I am used to MH's on my old tank.

If I went the T5 route I am debating between a fixture like a Constellation and a retrofit kit for the All-Glass canopy

Would 7 or 8 T5's over that tank be enough light for any SPS/Clams?

Will less bulbs work as well?

I have an icecap660 laying around and can that be used or am I better off getting T5 ballasts?

the complete fixture might be easier? will that fit in a canopy?


Thanks

Do 4 lamps on the 660 and 2 more on a standard T5 ballast. Use the Ice Cap reflectors and you will have enough intensity to grow about anything. You need about 15 inches front to back and 48" long inside the canopy for the lamps

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by cthedaytrader
Hi Grim,

I have a 20G Long with a tek 4 lamp fixture, approx how high should the fixture be above the water and what bulb order would you go for?

Right now I have two ati blue bulbs, 1 ati special, an UV aqua sun, and a UV super actinic. I also wanted to get a ati pro. I plan on keeping nice sps and nice zoos in the tank, which bulbs and what order would you suggest. Are there any other bulbs you would suggest I really wanted an ATi procolor in the mix but I ordered it wrong. Thanks for the help.

Forget the pro color in a 4 lamp setup. Do this

Blue Plus
Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Aquablue

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by G13
Hey Grim,

Wanted to know if you can help me out in bulb selection. I'm setting up a 125 ga tank and have a 72" constellation fixture on it's way. I have sps,lps,rbta, zoo's and a clam (currently under MH's) not heavily stocked but want to be able to keep anything in it. Not looking to have everything grow as quick as possible just want everything to look good. I'm mainly looking to have colors explode when put under the lights. REDS, blues, yellows and greens. I love the blue look as long as it don't make everything look purple.

I was thinking of going with this (with some help of the cmas forum)

giesemann actinic+
GE daylight
ATI blue+
giesemann aquablue+
giesemann actinic+
pro color
ATI blue+

What do you think? Does the order look, ok?


I've also been checking out reefgeek and seen that they have, 39W Super Actinic Blue 03 T5 HO Fluorescent made by Sfiligoi on clearance. I know some bulbs are very similar, can I exchange one on my list for the Sfiligoi?

Thanks,

Try this

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

[PCIALF]

Hi Grim

I finally got my ATI Procolor. I was running a Giesemann: PowerChrome Midday till the procolor came in. I now switched it and I think the tank looks a little flat could it be I just got to get used to it or do I need to change something to get that flourescent jump out reds, blues and greens

I am running on a 120 8 bulb TEK

front
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus
Giesemann: PowerChrome Aqua Blue +
ATI Procolor
Giesemann: PowerChrome Aqua Blue +
UV Lighting Aquasun
Giesemann: PowerChrome Pure Actinic
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus

[JTREAT911]

Great thread Grim! Some advice would be welcomed for bulb combo. I've got a 4 bulb setup. I'm going to have RBTAs and LPS (elegence, duncan, torch). I'm looking for a 14k look. This is what I was thinking:

ATI Blue+
UVL Super Actinic
UVL AquaSun
ATI Blue+

What do you think of this combo? Do you like the UVL super actinic or the ATI true actinic for this combo? Thanks in advance!

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by PCIALF
Hi Grim

I finally got my ATI Procolor. I was running a Giesemann: PowerChrome Midday till the procolor came in. I now switched it and I think the tank looks a little flat could it be I just got to get used to it or do I need to change something to get that flourescent jump out reds, blues and greens

I am running on a 120 8 bulb TEK

front
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus
Giesemann: PowerChrome Aqua Blue +
ATI Procolor
Giesemann: PowerChrome Aqua Blue +
UV Lighting Aquasun
Giesemann: PowerChrome Pure Actinic
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus

Put the actinic in the 2nd or 3rd position, dump one of the aquablues for another Actinic Plus

[The Grim Reefer]

Originally posted by JTREAT911
Great thread Grim! Some advice would be welcomed for bulb combo. I've got a 4 bulb setup. I'm going to have RBTAs and LPS (elegence, duncan, torch). I'm looking for a 14k look. This is what I was thinking:

ATI Blue+
UVL Super Actinic
UVL AquaSun
ATI Blue+

What do you think of this combo? Do you like the UVL super actinic or the ATI true actinic for this combo? Thanks in advance!

That combo is fine

[PCIALF]

Originally posted by The Grim Reefer
Put the actinic in the 2nd or 3rd position, dump one of the aquablues for another Actinic Plus

so you are saying

front
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus
ATI Procolor
Giesemann: PowerChrome Aqua Blue +
UV Lighting Aquasun
Giesemann: PowerChrome Pure Actinic
Giesemann: PowerChrome Actinic Plus

is this enough par or do i need another aquasun or put the midday back in

sorry to be a pain just want to do this right

[JTREAT911]

Thanks Grim!

[snaza]

[/quote]

There isn't much difference in PAR between the white and good Blue Lamps, If you like the look of an extra blue do it.
[/quote]

so would this be ok?

aquaz blue pro
ati blue plus
aquaz ocean pro
kz fiji purple
aquaz blue pro
aquaz blue pro

there isn't really any yellow spectrum or do the fijis have some? ati are $45 here and aquaz are $20. thats why im not using all ati blue plus
thanks aaron.

[cthedaytrader]

thanks grim

[dwiseman]

Grim

Spent the past month or so getting ideas on what to do with my current lighting setup. First here is what I have. I have a mixed 90 gallon reef tank 24" deep, 3in sand bed with 4 VHO's retro kit from Hellolights (2 actinics and 2 daylights). Because of our electric bill and the need for additional lighting I would like to switch to T5's.

I would like to replace the VHOs with T5 using the existing AG canopy. Here is my thought and see what you would recommend.

1. 48" Tek 6x54 Watt HO Retro
2. 48" IceCap 6x54 Watt HO Retro (Do they overrun the bulbs). The lower the electric bill the better.
3. Current USA Sundial 4-54 Watt (can place ontop of aquarium)

Using a 6 bulb combination would this work?
ATI Blue Plus
AVL 75/25
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

Any help would be great. Getting much closer to ordering

[jamesdawson]

#2 is your best bet by far since Teks and the company who makes them suck, and the HO means it won't be overdriven. If you want even more light (in fact you won't be able to even keep low-light creatures with an overdriven set-up) then get the IceCap VHO so they will be overdriven. In any case, make sure and blow a fan down both ends of the bulbs.

Good luck,

James

[jt_redmist]

Hi Grim,
I would like to consult with you first before making the big purchase. Going with T-5s on a 125g (72x18x23). I would also like to utilize the two 72� VHO on a 660 ballast that I already own. What retro kit would be best? What bulbs would you choose and in what order? Keeping mostly LPS and softies and maybe a clam or two. I would like to go for the 14K look without sacrificing the health of the inhabitants. Your help greatly appreciated.
Thx,
John

[MommaFishels]

I also have a question before dropping the big coin on a fixture. Thanks for an incredibly informative thread. I must have spent the last 3 hours reading.

I currently have a 75 gal FOWLR, but I'm looking to go mixed reef. I want everything from softies and shrooms, all the way up to SPS. I am just about to order the Aquactinics 48" Solar Flare and want to know if this would be a good fixture for this tank? I would like to have built-in moonlights in an all T-5 fixture (no MH), so that severely limits the choices. But if you think the Solar Flare would be too much, I'll look at something else and find a way to mod some moonlights onto another fixture.

Also, if going with the Solar Flare would work, what bulb combos would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[simion3]

Would the sunlight supply 24" New Wave fixture be alright for a 20G frag tank (24"L x 16"H x 12"D)?

[wmilas]

Kicking around ideas for a 120x36x30 build I'm in the process of putting together. I'd really like to stay away from MH for a few reasons. 1) They don't lay out well (IMHO) in a 3 foot wide tank, plus I'm trying to control heat (and electricity) for this set up.

The tank is going to be a mixed sps/lps/softies tank. I was planning on an icecap 660 slr setup on a custom rack. There would be 3 pairs of 60's driving 3 60" bulbs. So that makes 18 bulbs (9 for each 5 feet) for a total of 1440 watts (1800 overdriven) as far as I can tell.

I was going to space the bulbs so that I can turn them on 3 at a time staggered to simulate sunrise and sunset.

My questions are the following:

1) Is this enough light? I know it sounds stupid as its damn near 2 kilowatts but it IS a big tank.

2) Is this too much light? Again, Its not going to be a SPS dominated tank, but I want the option to keep sps. I'm looking for a well balanced good looking tank as sps is part of the picture, but not the whole picture.

3) I see smaller tanks with 8 bulb setups. On the above setup am I going to have to keep SPS at the top, bottom, in the middle? If I can't keep SPS on the bottom of a 30" tank its no biggie... Its going to be a ssb/dsb anyways so more realistically 26 inches.. but still.

4) How do I mount the cooling fans for the bulbs? Do I mount them on each end of the rack with one set pushing and one pulling? Do I enclose the rack (seems wrong?) Do I have them blow width (3 foot) way?

Thanks much for you time!

[Robb in Austin]

Grim,

Just got my TX5 setup, with the following lamp configuration, going and all I can say is WOW! And thanks for the feedback.

Front: (All ATI lamps)
blue special
blue +
procolor
blue +
blue special

I'll see what I can do about loading a picture.

YOU DA MAN!

Robb