[Samper]

As you all know I run UV T5's on all my systems now with icecap reflectors and great results. Will post a few pictures later. Yes I miss the shimmer lines also but I know how to get them back. I have a few headlamps for spelunking. They have clusters of white LEDs in them. If I turn one on and hold it over the tank the shimmer lines are instantly back. If someone were to wire up a cluster or two of LEDs to mount beside the T5s you will have them back.

[Ratpack]

I just ordered my T5 setup for a 75g. I got the TEK fixture with 6 bulbs. I think my bulb selection may be wrong though. I got Giesemann bulbs, 3 Aquablue Plus and 3 Actinic Plus. I believe it will be too BLUE. Oh well, I guess I can buy a 10,000 Bulb and through in there and save on of the blues until later for a replacement.

[Samper]

I also have geisemann bulbs laying around. They and the UV bulbs are my preferred choices. You won't have any problems out of them.

[radar]

So what kind of depth do you guys think the t5 is good for.

[Poseidon]

I think the blue plus are actually white.... BUT 3 Actinic Plus would be very blue. I would get at least 1 6.5K bulb, and 1 "true actinic" in that mix.

[Ratpack]

Originally Posted by Poseidon

I think the blue plus are actually white.... BUT 3 Actinic Plus would be very blue. I would get at least 1 6.5K bulb, and 1 "true actinic" in that mix.

Yeah, that is my thought as well after reading some data on the different bulbs, but the order has already gone through. So I will probably just pick up some other bulbs locally and hold some of the ordered ones for replacement.

[Poseidon]

Originally Posted by radar

So what kind of depth do you guys think the t5 is good for.

Well, I have Montipora growing on the sandbed of my 90, with a DSB. I would say the distance from the coral to the bulbs would be about 22". The standard logic is that T5 is good for 24", but given my experience, I would say that it is good for at least 28-30", but that could change based on bulb and reflector choice. Also, my bulbs are overdriven by IceCap, so that will affect PAR output as well.

Overall I am pleased with my T5 experience.

[Samper]

My Sandbed is 4-6" deep in a 75 gallon. I have no trouble keeping anything at any height from the sandbed up.

[Ramer]

Charlie, after reading all this I think I am gonna jump on the ban wagon. Might Have to look into Sampers White leds for the shimmer shot.

[Poseidon]

You won't regret it... I have almost all the color back that I had with halides, and I am drawing far fewer watts from the power company.

[Samper]

I have no trouble holding extremely vibrant colors as well. Even in that 180 at the school everything is thriving.

[ret25yo]

I think the "shimmer" is overrated I have fantastic colors(as you saw tonight,Ramer) - even after you moved the rockwork Brandon..lol
Hope the frags do well..
let me know how that red people eater does in your tank...

[charlie]

I don't think it is overrated, I just think that folks are being a little more money conscious. If you read a little more around here, they miss the shimmer, but they love the cost!!!!!!

[Nikki]

Sorry to jump in so late here, but I had a question. The first picture you posted looks much brighter and vibrant to me than the second you posted. It could be the color and resolution on the computer I guess, but since I have been thinking about this lighting thing lately I was wondering if you had changed cameras, didn't have the full lights on in the second etc? My understanding from reading the thread is that they are both T5 shots though?

[Poseidon]

Yup, they are both T5 shots. The second is a little underexposed, and shot from a different angle. Same camera though...

Also the second image has 5 bulbs, 3 blue 2 White, the first has 2 of each. That accounts for the more blue hue.

The color of the corals in person is just like the first image, maybe even more vibrant, I need to take another FTS soon.

[art_of_war]

that is most impressive! I'm going to have to invest in some T5's. Cheaper than owning MH.

[crasico]

After doing some research and then some advice from some of you in another thread, I am going with a four bulb fixture for my 65g.

crasico

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by crasico

After doing some research and then some advice from some of you in another thread, I am going with a four bulb fixture for my 65g.

crasico

When choosing a T5 fixture, it is VERY important to select one that has individual reflectors for each tube.

[art_of_war]

Yesterday I did my own research and went to a few of the LFS's and I found the price of retrofit kits for T5's to be very very very inexpensive! Therefore, I removed my retrofit PC light fixtures and installed 4 (48 inches) - 54 watt bulbs with reflectors/balasts and found them to be a cheaper alternative in terms of setup, bulbs and cost of running them.

They are as bright and cheaper running than MH's.

[FireEater]

I'm waiting for my retro-fit T5's to come in this week. I got everything for $525.00, Six 80W Giesemann bulbs, end caps, standoffs, reflectors, three ballasts, and wiring.

Then I will build the rack to hold them.