T5s Q&A

Think it might need little more Blue in it. Like a ATI Blue Plus. One thing i did read on another site on the Pro Color was to run it in a 6 bulb fixture with a 6500k next to it. Guess it depends on what color you like more Blue or White? Also I think you should use a fan to cool the bulb in the retro kit more for bulb life than tank temps. Also might want to check out the link below. They have always help me in my lighting questions and I think they are now a sponsor.

https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=55_82&products_id=375

 

Thanks, I kind of like more of the white look. A little blue is good, maybe something like this. I know he is using metal halides, but I hope to get something close with my T5 kit. Maybe a little more blue wouldn't be bad.


Also, that other site I listed (reefGeek.com) has the same price except they include your choice of bulbs. I would rather give my money to a 3reef sponsor, but $80 is $80

Th Dr, said 6 bulbs may be over kill for my shallow tank. But I have been thinking of upgrading the ballast and getting the IceCap. Then it pushes more watts and I could add a 5th bulb if I needed

 

Sorry I should of explained better about the 6 bulbs. You are correct 6 would be overkill for your tank. The reason for the six is with the Pro Color you will not get a good balance. Just what I seen in my tank and what others posted on Reef Central. I know I hated buying bulbs that didn't look good. Also if you run a Ice Cap you will need to run fans and it will take out some of blue. So a ATI Blue Plus will be brighter, but not look as Blue. Good Luck! The only thing I hate about T5's are the choices.

 

Prices are not the same - the 4 bulb Tek Kit at DIYReef is 90$ less than the 4 bulb Tek Kit at Reefgeek, so it's pretty close to the same when you add in bulbs.

 

You are right, I was mistaken. It's only like $10 more at DIYreef. $10 is worth ordering threw a reputable company that gets good reviews for customer service. And thanks for the reccomendation on the bulbs.

I am still pretty new to this forum, but I am a veteran member at NicoClub.com. There companys often offer group buy rates. Say if they release a new car part and 20 people are willing to order it. They will take 15-20% off the price. Does that kind of thing ever happen on this forum. If not, then maybe we should start makeing some calls. lol

 

The main difference with a retro and a fixture is plain and simple cost... Well and the ability to customize the retro to some extent. Keep in mind that the Tek retro reflectors are 3.25" wide unlike the reflectors in the actual Tek fixture. You might want to consider Aquactinics or Ice Cap SLRs if you want to save some space, but on the otherhand with the Tek SLRs you will get better coverage with only 4 reflectors as compared to 4 IC or Aquactinic SLR.
I would recommend a fan or two, all you need is small 3" fans or similar computer fan. This way you will not only keep the bulbs running their best for as long as possible but you will be able to regulate your tank's temperature if the lamps do increase the temp.
The Tek fixture itself does not have fans ATM, but they do have something in the works and they SHOULD have Teks WITH fans soon.
The TX5 has built in fans but it is more costly, probably a good $100...

To answer the six bulb question, could you do it? Yea of course, but do you need to? Of course not. 6 bulbs would give you slightly more spread(unlesss you use Retro SLR) and the increased ability to color blend.

Good luck and happy choosing!

 

Hey doc,
I was wondering what the general consensus is for when to change bulbs..only because i've heard a multitude of opinions. i've heard 6 months...1 year...when they blow. whats ideal!?

 

You are talking T5 bulbs? Overdriven or not?
Regularly driven bulbs if properly cooled can last quite awhile I'd say 16months or so. Tom at Aquactinics was telling me you could IF cooled well run a bulb for almost 18 months. Or if in say a Tek maybe 12-14 months. Overdiven even if cooled you should change about every 12months maybe 14 if you wanted to stretch it. BUT like everything in life there is many variables and other considerations.

I take it you are in the market for new bulbs?

Happy lighting!

 

Well, yes t5 and they're cooled pretty well. I was in the market for new bulbs last august, i purchased the UVL actinic whites and their super actinics. I was under the impression you needed to change them every 6 months...so i ordered UVL again except instead of the actinic whites i bought their 14k bulbs (75/25). I was looking for more of a bluer look. But since you're saying numbers like 16 months...maybe i'll wait on changing them. I'll keep the bulbs just incase!!

Thanks doc!! I appreciate it the info!

 

If you want to replace them early you can... You just don't need to!! :-D
Next time try Giesemann or ATI they have more PAR and are a bluer blue.

Happy lighting!