Supplementing Radion with T5s

bshow24 · 03/28/2017, 02:05 PM

I recently put together a T5 retrofit kit so I can supplement my Radion with them. I will be running 1 blue+ and 1 coral+ light. When should I have the T5s turn on?

I run the Coral Labs AB+ schedule, so I'm thinking the T5s should be on during the period of time my LEDs are the strongest (for me it would be 1:30pm to 8:30pm).

Is there any reason I should have them turn on earlier?

Reef Dude · 03/28/2017, 03:06 PM

It depends on what you're trying to accomplish. Are you trying to add coverage area in the tank, reduce shadows or disco ball effect of the led's, or what? Unless you're trying to add to the area that the Radions cover, I don't think you can go wrong with when you have the T5's come on/off. If you're trying to maximize PAR, I'd have them kick on during the peak time period of the Radions like you mentioned.

I'd be interested in hearing about how the T5's look with the Radions. I'm still rockin the gen 1 Radions, and I'm thinking of adding T5's to reduce some of the shadowing in the tank.

bshow24 · 03/28/2017, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Dude

It depends on what you're trying to accomplish. Are you trying to add coverage area in the tank, reduce shadows or disco ball effect of the led's, or what? Unless you're trying to add to the area that the Radions cover, I don't think you can go wrong with when you have the T5's come on/off. If you're trying to maximize PAR, I'd have them kick on during the peak time period of the Radions like you mentioned.

I'd be interested in hearing about how the T5's look with the Radions. I'm still rockin the gen 1 Radions, and I'm thinking of adding T5's to reduce some of the shadowing in the tank.

I have 2 main objectives. The first you hit and that's reducing/eliminating shadows. I have SPS, mostly frags, but the goal is to never have to worry about shadows and having these SPS stn because the LED coverage isn't enough. 2nd objective is growth, I know LEDs can grow corals, and I've seen it, but I also know T5s are even more capable, so a combo of both should do wonders.

Are you interested in the look of the "fixture" I put together, or more the way the lights look in the tank (or both)? I've only done a test so far, so can't give you a ton of information on the way it looks in tank yet, but I'll be sure to update as I get further along.

Reefable · 03/28/2017, 04:33 PM

I am using 2 T5HO with my 3 radions. I have them on when my radions are at peak

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bshow24 · 03/28/2017, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefable

I am using 2 T5HO with my 3 radions. I have them on when my radions are at peak

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Thanks! I figured this is best, because I don't really need to have them on early as the LEDs do a good job of creating the actinic lighting.

Reefable · 03/28/2017, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bshow24

Thanks! I figured this is best, because I don't really need to have them on early as the LEDs do a good job of creating the actinic lighting.

Exactly the point...if u r using them for growth than have them on when your radions are at peak. Mine are from 4-8pm so my T5 comes on at tht time

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SDboatguy · 03/29/2017, 07:29 AM

I'm also running 2b+ and 2c+ ,to supplement my Hydras26 HDs . I have the B+ on for 10hrs and the C+for 4hrs. So for my lighting, the C+ are on during the LED peak period and the B+ are on for all but the ramp up/down cycle. Seems to be working pretty good, but I've only had my SPS frags for a couple months,getting lots of encrusting and some growth, everything else in the tank looks good.

03/28/2017, 02:05 PM	#1
bshow24 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Posts: 584	Supplementing Radion with T5s I recently put together a T5 retrofit kit so I can supplement my Radion with them. I will be running 1 blue+ and 1 coral+ light. When should I have the T5s turn on? I run the Coral Labs AB+ schedule, so I'm thinking the T5s should be on during the period of time my LEDs are the strongest (for me it would be 1:30pm to 8:30pm). Is there any reason I should have them turn on earlier? __________________ Tank: Reefer XL 525 Reef Tank Equipment: 2x Radion XR15 Pro, Radion XR30 Pro, Vectra M1 Return, 2x MP40 Powerhead

03/28/2017, 03:06 PM	#2
Reef Dude Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: York, Pa Posts: 89	It depends on what you're trying to accomplish. Are you trying to add coverage area in the tank, reduce shadows or disco ball effect of the led's, or what? Unless you're trying to add to the area that the Radions cover, I don't think you can go wrong with when you have the T5's come on/off. If you're trying to maximize PAR, I'd have them kick on during the peak time period of the Radions like you mentioned. I'd be interested in hearing about how the T5's look with the Radions. I'm still rockin the gen 1 Radions, and I'm thinking of adding T5's to reduce some of the shadowing in the tank.

03/28/2017, 04:33 PM	#4
Reefable Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 213	I am using 2 T5HO with my 3 radions. I have them on when my radions are at peak Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03/29/2017, 07:29 AM	#7
SDboatguy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: So Cal Posts: 89	I'm also running 2b+ and 2c+ ,to supplement my Hydras26 HDs . I have the B+ on for 10hrs and the C+for 4hrs. So for my lighting, the C+ are on during the LED peak period and the B+ are on for all but the ramp up/down cycle. Seems to be working pretty good, but I've only had my SPS frags for a couple months,getting lots of encrusting and some growth, everything else in the tank looks good.