T5s Q&A

I would go with a Tek unit, good reflectors and nice pricing.. If it is a 2 bulb unit then you are looking at the readyfit or retrofit unit.

 

allrighty mr Frankenstien let me know your thoughts on this one, or anyone else with experiance with the Giesemann bulbs. i got a 4 bulb t5 unit and i hate the current bulbs they came with. i want to use a decent brand i know you have pushed the Giesemann bulbs before, but all i see is actinic bulbs from them. i would like to get 2 actinics and 2 daylights, whats your fix to this? or do the G-manns make daylights and im just blind ;D anyone have 4 of their bulbs? whats the color like? i dont want too blue, just half and half. thanks for any responce/experiance.

 

Nano, G-Man makes a 6700k bulb-your "yellow" daylight, an aquablue+, which believe it or not is white, an actinic + that is a "blue" but not heavy and still puts out great PAR, and a TRUE actinic, supposedly the only true actinic T5 on the market..... I skipped that one in my set up and I have 3 aquablues,3 actinic+ and 2 6700k which I might replace one of the 6700ks in the future....but thats another story. I believe I have pics of my retro build on my tank thread, and if I do I should have a side view of 2 aquablues and 2 actinic + running, you can then compare color. If you can not find it I wll post them again..

Happy reefing!

 

Whats everyones take on the Coralvue Retrofit systems. My LFS is trying to talk me into buying them, He uses them in combination with Metal Halide on all his systems in the store. So many options out there, I'm getting a headache just reading about the different makes on the market to make my choice.....Aaarg

 

Think you better off with a Tek or Icecap. Little better reflectors. I bought mine from DIYReef.

https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=55_89&products_id=355

 

Tek is going to be wide about 3.25", Icecaps are about 2" as are Aquactinics which used to make Icecaps anyway. I would consider them as well. I heard that the ATI ones clean up very nicely but haven't used them myself. Don't forget lamp clips, waterproof endacps, stand offs and so on...

Good luck

 

Sounds like I will be going with Tek.
Thanks, now I just need to determine how may fixtures to place in the canopy.

 

Again, just to reitterate, if you want MORE bulbs Tek is NOT the way to go, you can almost get Aquactinics in the smae space as one Tek, but that call is up to you.... Some like the bigger spread on the new Tek reflectors..

Happy reefing!!

 

would I be able to get 4 of the Teks into my canopy or is that to many...I don't have a lfs in my area that has them to compare them with anything

 

I would go with icecap or aquactinics. Teks are too wide for my liking.