T5s Q&A

It's not a bad fixture and should be fine for lps and soft corals. I do question the reflector a bit as they don't say much except it is "German made" and "specially angled." But even so, for your purposes, it should be fine.

 

Well i think I drank a 6pack of Coors in the amount of time it took me to read this thread. Its a long one, but I learned quite a bit. Im looking to upgrade from my 2xT5 HO 54 watt (actually I only have 82 watts going because im using a Coralife Trueblue 28watt). Right now i have a FOWLR tank.

I want to do is upgrade to start placing corals in my tank. I havn't decided on what corals yet, but I definately want to leave all options open.

I want to upgrade to the 6 bulb ceiling hanging lighting fixture, get rid of my canopy and go with a clear glass top w/ lights hanging over.

 

Looking to switch out bulbs in the next month...going to give ATI a try and am curious about their ProColor bulb.

What's the differance b/w the ATI ProColor and the KZ Fiji Purple? They both seem to have an emphasis on the red spectrum. I'm wondering which may be more benefitted from with a 4-bulb setup?

FYI- I think the remaining bulbs will be 2xATI Blue+ and 1xAquablue

 

bump

Any thoughts on the better buy b/w the procolor or fiji purple?

 

I would go with the procolor based on cost. KZ bulbs are always more $$, and I don't think there is that much difference between the fiji purple and procolor to justify the added $$. Granted, it's not a lot of money difference, but ATI makes great bulbs. They are easily the best bulb brand for all kinds of spectrums.

 

What is the difference between a 54Watt t5ho and a 54Watt t5vho?
Or am I missing something crucial here?

I know that vho is very high output, and ho is simply high output. but if the wattage is the same, then how is the output different?

 

There is a difference in wattage that they're not describing on whatever you're looking at. Here's an example, where they show the VHO and HO wattages for the same bulb.

 

Just remember to get the difference you need the right ballast to get the bulb to operate at the wattage.

 

Now I understand. there's not difference in the bulbs. It's the way the ballast usses the bulb. Makes oodles of sense now!

Thanks allot gentlemen!

 

i donno if this is the right place or should i open a new thread for the question.
i have a 48" 4 bulb t5 fixture. it has 1 reflector for all 4 bulbs. does anyone know where can i get individual reflectors to retrofit?
is this fixture enough to grow some soft corals in there? is it better to add more light? or get a new ballast with icecaps? (i have now 2 actinic and 2 white bulbs)