The T5 Q&a Thread - Page 19

jbeltmann · #**451** 04/03/2007, 01:44 PM

I just thought of using one of the icecap reflectors on the helios if it would make sense to use the 2 bulb retro. Is this even possible on the helios?

The Grim Reefer · #**452** 04/03/2007, 02:04 PM

Dont think you can get the Ice Cap reflector on the helios fixture

jbeltmann · #**453** 04/03/2007, 04:10 PM

So are you saying I could keep lps and very easy sps with 3 24" bulbs or do I have to go with 4?

The Grim Reefer · #**454** 04/03/2007, 04:50 PM

3 would work if you are using the Helios stuff. If you get Tek retros use 4 because the ballasts fire pairs of lamps.

jbeltmann · #**455** 04/03/2007, 05:04 PM

If I go with tek retro 2 24" can I get away without using an actinic bulb since my helios is a super blue. I know actinics have a lower par, and I like the way the super blue looks. I would like to keep a similar look. I don't want to have a yellowish look.

The Grim Reefer · #**456** 04/03/2007, 05:13 PM

That would be fine

jbeltmann · #**457** 04/03/2007, 05:19 PM

What bulbs would you recommend seeing that I already have the super blue in my helios? As far as the icecap reflectors, I could maybe tinker with it to get it to fit in the helios fixture. Unless you know for a fact that it cant be done, then I won't even bother.

JDS · #**458** 04/03/2007, 05:56 PM

HI ALL

I'm plan on using 6-60 inch 80W t5 using three workhorse 7 ballasts. Is there a comparable ballasts to the workhorse 7 that I can look for?

jamesdawson · #**459** 04/03/2007, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JDS
HI ALL

I'm plan on using 6-60 inch 80W t5 using three workhorse 7 ballasts. Is there a comparable ballasts to the workhorse 7 that I can look for?

Go IC 660s, you won't regret it. Its a mild overdrive and hellaciously bright.

Each 660 will drive three of the 5 footers. Make sure you blow one of those inexpensive clip on fans on each end of your setup.(DR F&S have the 4-fan units on sale right now for like $20)

James

JDS · #**460** 04/03/2007, 06:08 PM

I Was looking at the 660's. Do you get that much more light for the $200 in extra cost. I'm not trying to argue with you I just don't know. I could spend an extra hundred dollars get three workhorse 7 which would be 12 -60 inch and I will still be saving 100 bucks.

Fish_Freek · #**461** 04/03/2007, 06:59 PM

No doubt the IC 660 is a top of the line ballast, i can't argue with that, but for for us on a budget, are the WH ballasts a good alternitive? I can't drop the big bucks on an IC and am looking for a good alternitive, what are the pros and cons to using a WH ballasts to overdrive a few bulbs?

The Grim Reefer · #**462** 04/03/2007, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jbeltmann
What bulbs would you recommend seeing that I already have the super blue in my helios? As far as the icecap reflectors, I could maybe tinker with it to get it to fit in the helios fixture. Unless you know for a fact that it cant be done, then I won't even bother.

I seriously doubt it. Really wouldn't make a huge enough difference anyway.

I would run 2 Super Blue and 1 10K for Helios lamps.

The Grim Reefer · #**463** 04/03/2007, 07:13 PM

The Ice Cap ballasts increase output by around 20% on the 80 watt lamps.

jbeltmann · #**464** 04/03/2007, 07:34 PM

Grim, should I not worry about switching out the tek reflectors for icecaps? I was hoping to have the highest possible output par wise and still have it look good(i.e. not yellow, but blueish). I was trying to find the post where you did all the tests with par of different bulbs to compare but couldn't find it.

The Grim Reefer · #**465** 04/03/2007, 09:38 PM

How tall of a tank are we talking about here?

Urban_Squrill · #**466** 04/03/2007, 09:44 PM

Ok if I had a 6 bulb setup on my 75. Could I keep a clam? Also I am going to build my own retro, what are the best reflectors? Should I go more then 6 bulbs?

db_triggerfish · #**467** 04/03/2007, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Urban_Squrill
Ok if I had a 6 bulb setup on my 75. Could I keep a clam? Also I am going to build my own retro, what are the best reflectors? Should I go more then 6 bulbs?

Urban_Squrill, tagging along on same question plan on ordering Tek limited edition 48" from Reefgeek for a new 75 maybe later tonight. They have a special on it with any bulbs in stock.

Thanks,

jbeltmann · #**468** 04/04/2007, 12:11 AM

Sorry, forgot to mention that, 22" from light to sand.

The Grim Reefer · #**469** 04/04/2007, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Urban_Squrill
Ok if I had a 6 bulb setup on my 75. Could I keep a clam? Also I am going to build my own retro, what are the best reflectors? Should I go more then 6 bulbs?

6 lamps will be enough for clams but stick with the good reflectors, Ice Cap or the new Tek

The Grim Reefer · #**470** 04/04/2007, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jbeltmann
Sorry, forgot to mention that, 22" from light to sand.

If you want clams or SPS then you need the better reflectors, otherwise I wouldn't worry for softies and LPS.

jbeltmann · #**471** 04/04/2007, 12:35 AM

Thanks Grim, your the man! Everyone on here really appreciates your vast knowledge of t5.

dadonoflaw · #**472** 04/04/2007, 03:10 AM

i have a 180 gal tank that will be about 80% sps so i was going to go with 3x 400 watt 20k radiums and t5 as a supplement but after reading more about them i have considered doing only t5 with one vho bulb and 7 t5 80 watt bulbs. will i be able to get sufficient par for growth as i want a bluer look to the tank but i would like to be able to keep some high light corals from the very top to the middle and maybe even bottom. also will i be able to run 7 80 watt t5's and a 160 watt vho with two ic660's as they state 440 watts is the max and that config would come to 400 watts. a member of the local club has this setup and has good growth with this so thats why i used this as a starting point but feel free to correct if better options eexist. standard 180 6x2x2.

dadonoflaw · #**473** 04/04/2007, 03:22 AM

o nevamind about the vho bulb. answered my own question but i would still appreciate info on the other questions thanx

sayn3ver · #**474** 04/05/2007, 08:30 AM

New reef guy here, coming from the planted tank world. I am setting up a 40g...my first salt water tank and reef. 36"x18"x16". I'd like to be able to grow a variety of corals if possible. I was set on the 3ft 6x39w tek fixture but the aquatics 3' 5x39w looks the better deal(not to mention running less bulbs = savings).

Too much light? I'd like to keep soft and stone corals for what its worth.

TropTrea · #**475** 04/05/2007, 09:02 AM

Ah another past planted tank person. I'll probably be adding one of those tank again after switching to salt water about 5 years ago. Only thing is when I get back into fresh water Im afraid my tank count will start growing again.

Now for your 40 gallon. I'm assuming your using what is commonly refered to a a breeder tank with a 36 X 18" base. With my new set up I'm setting up a simular tank under my main display tank which is a 120 gallon.

Keeping in mind that your tank is only 18" you realy do not need a super wide fixture. After adding the substrate you also will only need your light penetrating about 12" into the tank maximium as well. Therefore I personaly think the 5 or 6 bulbs units are basicly overkill for this tank.

In my personal set up I'm going with a 4 bulb unit, on both my 40 gallon tank as well as my 120 gallon tank. However I'll also be using 10,000K 250 watt hides on my 120 gallon so the T-5's will be mainly for atinic and a little fill lighting on that tank.

On my 40 Gallon tank I'm thinking about using a 10.000K bulb, a 4,100K bulb, plus atinics. in the T-5 fixture. I'n my personal taste I see many tanks that simply look too blue, however bulb selection is heavily weighed by personal taste as long as can maintain a high enough PAR for your corals.

Dennis

Quote:

Originally posted by sayn3ver
New reef guy here, coming from the planted tank world. I am setting up a 40g...my first salt water tank and reef. 36"x18"x16". I'd like to be able to grow a variety of corals if possible. I was set on the 3ft 6x39w tek fixture but the aquatics 3' 5x39w looks the better deal(not to mention running less bulbs = savings).

Too much light? I'd like to keep soft and stone corals for what its worth.