T5 Bulb Configuration

[Garrett]

Hello,

Merry Christmas! I'm going to be getting a T5 fixture (Sunlight Supply) here soon probably a four bulb and was wondering what type of blub configuration i should look into. I would like to keep a nem for my clowns, clams, zoas, and lps. Sps don't interest me at this point i would like to wait until i get a bigger tank and more experience before i go to them. I have looked at Zoanuts website for there recomendations on lighting for there corals, but didn't know if that set up would work for an anemone. Any info would be appreicated. I have a std. 55 gal tank. about 4 months old. I will wait longer to put the anemone in. I'm going to get two Koralia #3's for flow. Also i have 3 royal gammas

Let me know what you think.
Garrett

[Poseidon]

1 true actinic, 1 6.5K, 1 11K, 1 Actinic Plus.

This gives a nice crisp white color, if you look at the bulbs you will have 2 white 2 blue, but they seem to blend well.

[Garrett]

sounds good. Does is matter where they are in the fixture or just alternate with the blue and white?

Thanks Poseidon

[SouthBayPhoto]

I'm also curious as to what configuration they go in or does it matter? I'm looking at upgrading to T5's in the near future.

One other quick question...if you get a configuration that's already mounted (not a retro where it comes as parts that you put together), is it best to have a case/hood that has a fan in it or is it not really necessary for T5's?

Sorry to hijack the thread. Ooops! :-(

[Poseidon]

It does matter, but it is easy to swap positions around. I have mine as true actinic, 6.5K, 11K, Actinic Plus, from front to back.

As for cooling, I bought an el cheapo fan from Walmart and put it above the bulbs blowing length wise across the tops of the reflectors. I think it is a very good idea to add the fan, even though T5 is cooler then halide, they still get VERY hot!

[Garrett]

that sounds good i'll definatly do that.

Thanks again

[SouthBayPhoto]

Cool..thanks for the info.

One other quick question (sorry Garrett ), have you ever heard of the lights getting hot enough to crack the glass tops?

On my 46 my father supposedly cracked 2 glass tops because he went to HO or VHO (I don't know which he used at the time, but I don't think they were T5's). However, that hood stays directly on top of the glass tops. (36" hood on a 36" tank) Eventually he got rid of the HO/VHO lighting fixture and put a NO 2 bulb setup on it, changed the glass out for plexiglass and that's what I'm running now.

Anyway, so I was just wondering if I run a 4 bulb 48" setup over my glass tops on the 90, will it possibly get hot enough to crack the glass tops. My canopy isn't very tall at all, so I don't even know if I can fit a fan in there somewhere.

[charlie]

Anything is possible!!! I would get rid of the glass tops or any top myself. They keep heat in, and they reduce the O2 exchange. In my opinion no reef tank should have the glass tops on.

[SouthBayPhoto]

I believe that's what Poseidon stated in another post as well. I guess I'm paranoid to do that because I've always ran air stones (I'm used to it with freshwater) and it would mess up the lights and such if the water/salt got up in there. However, in my 90, I won't be running any air stones, so I guess it'll be all good.

Well...looks like the glass tops are comin' off when the T5 system gets installed. ;)

Thanks again and, again, sorry for hijackin' your thread Garrett.

[charlie]

Aw, Garrett will get used to it, happens all the time!!

[Garrett]

No worries, good to get ur question answered...

Happy New Year

[ret25yo]

not to steal the thread but what lamps give great combo for a 8 bulb powermodule....

[Poseidon]

not to steal the thread but what lamps give great combo for a 8 bulb powermodule....

How about 2 of each?

[ret25yo]

what brand bulbs give the best par most LUX? ati?

[Poseidon]

I'll defer this one to "The Grim Reefer" over on RC. I have no idea myself, I do know that I like the results I am getting from the bulbs I have. If it isn't broken.....

Search the T5 thread over there, it will keep you reading for DAYS!

[charlie]

Hey Mike, I'm just gonna call you Mr. T5!!!! Thanks for the assistance.

[Poseidon]

LOL! Not even close Charlie! I did a LOT of reading before I decided to make a go of it. I do like the T5's, and the savings on the power bill are nice too... (About $8/month.)

[charlie]

I will admit, that I have learned from what you have been saying about T5 bulbs. Just keep helping out when it comes to those bulbs, I really appreciate it!!!

[SouthBayPhoto]

You and me both! Especially for people trying to upgrade and have no idea which would be better suited for their purposes.

You have helped me a ton in that instance and I appreciate it.

[ret25yo]

i gotta say i'm not getting a good color from my corals I currently use in configuration front to rear:
ATI actinic
6500
ATI blue +
aquablue
pro color
aquablue
ATIblue+
aquasun

any other combo i should try?