Making The Switch To T5s!!!

[143gadgets]

I am gonna switch over to T5sfor my LPS. I have decided to put them in a 24"x24"x10" prop tank on the same system as the 30x30 cube. I have seen you guys tanks running T5s with LPS and your colors are just phenomenal! I have to try it out and see what the rave is all about. Do you all think two 24" AB+ bulbs will be enough? Any other pointers or variables I should take into consideration while switching?

TIA

 

[Hypertek99]

I'm putting a T5 setup on my new frag tank too. Going to get the Tek 24" It has 4 bulbs. But i'm also considering getting the Aquatinics since it's 5 bulbs and cost the same amount

 

[vvolfe1]

I'd probably get at least 4 lamps. 2 AB+, 11-12k, and a 6.5k for growth. 24" is kinda wide for only 2 lamps. Just my opinion and I'm sure everyone else has one too.

 

[gflat65]

I just took a chance on some "too good to be true' T5's, so I need to pay attention to bulb colors:). Let's start a poll...

 

[shred5]

I have 2 tek fixtures one over my 30 and one is going over my frag tank 15. I also have another t-5 fixture over my 20.


Bulbs front to back

ati blue plus
uvl aquasun (may get switched out for a ati procolor)
uvl super actinc
ati aquablue special

You tank is 24" X 24" It will take more than two bulbs. T-5 lighting with individual reflectors is pretty directional even more so than halide. Less light is thrown outside the tank. I would buy individual reflectors. with a 10 deep tank though t-5 is going to give pretty high light.


Dave

 

[143gadgets]

Thanks everyone! I have decided to go with a 4 bulb fixture. Not sure one the brand, but I want to use 4 ATI AB+ bulbs I guess. Or maybe 2 AB+ and 2 UVL SA. Thoughts?

 

[Azurel]

The ATI B+ is what ? 14k spectrum? I think you could go with that or even 3 ATI B+(if it's 14k) and a SAr and that would give you great color.....If your looking for 14k type lighting. If your looking for more blue then add the other Sa R to the combo....

 

[twon8]

i would go with 2 ati blueplus bulbs, one uv superactinic and one out of this list for the others(daylight, aquablue special, ati procolor
, uv aquablue)

I would get at least 2 extra bulbs, and swap them out till you get something you like. the names are also confusing, as each company has an aquablue, and there are "plus" thrown around

 

[Raptor]

Ati blue plus is the sh&%. I really like them and the True actinics they have. Better than the UVL super actinics!!! IMO
I run 2 blue plus 1 UVL super actinic, and one ATI true actinic+
But thats just MH supplimentation. Thanks twon for getting me thinking on an icecap retro. My tank glows blue~