Another T5 lighting question

[tx reef]

Originally Posted by wattsupdoc
Yes, that would be fine, I believe. I use the UV 10,000k(4) and then 4 superactinics(UV also I believe). And I dunno what else caused the cap to turn a light pink... The old actinics were pretty bad when they finally got changed. If changing pc bulbs can bleach softies why cant T5's bleach monti caps???
Changing actinics should not cause any stress to corals.
I just went from 130 watts PC actinics w/ 2-175 watt 15k MH to 220 watt VHO super actinics and 2-175 watt 10k MH and my coral immediately started growing like crazy....

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by hot883
I thought I posted this, guess not.
The lights are made in the USA by Catalina. Individual reflectors(8 of them). I asked for 2- 420nm and the other 6 per fixture to be daylight. If they do not create a heat issue then I can put them in like my PC's about 3-5" above the water. Will that be ok?
Thanks for all the help guys. Barry
Oh, and yes, a workhorse ballast.
Anyone; ideas on heat issues? Barry

 

[yote]

Im running 8x54watt t-5s on my 55gal. actually its the nova 432 watt fixture.Getting less heat than the 192 coralife PCs I got on my 30gal.

 

[hot883]

Thanks Yote.

 

[mrdsmack]

I switched tanks from a 225 to a 120. The 225 has MH/ VHO. I installed a retro kit of 6-54W T-5 overdriven with icecap ballast. I like how it looks, but the corals do not like it. I placed some xenia on top and on bottom. The bottom died and the top is thriving. Some of the hard corals either are in shock from the change or they dont like it. They are loosing color and not growing like before under MH. Mushrooms are not as big as before. I have some zoos that seam ok with this setup. I have three different brain corals and they seem fine. I switched tanks around 4 weeks ago. Im saving to get some MH's for this tank to replace 4 of the T-5's. JME.

 

[matt819]

mrdsmack: What else came with your retro...kind of reflectors?
Hot: they say if you blow fans across the bulbs (perpendicular) it also helps them run cooler and increases par. As we all know this will also ease heat issues. That's also from the experts at --...I've read the Q&A thread A LOT. I've had cheapo t5's running for close to 2 yrs...xenia and shrooms are out of control. I'm going to get a retro setup soon (4 x 54w), from a place that's like a "nerdy reef." Icecap makes the best reflectors right now...I'm probably just going to normally drive them, for longevity (I'm cheap). I've heard almost zero complaints from anyone who has done t5 the right way...

 

[hot883]

819, Thanks. I have not heard anything bad about the T5's especially if Upgrading from PC's. I also have heard that about the fans blowing across them. I am excited and hope thois works out the way i wish them too. Ha! I believe they get shipped out Today. Barry

 

[scrapman]

are the bulbs individually reflected on the Nova extreme 432 W(8 bulbs)?
Also, what would be the best combination of bulbs (light and actinic) for look and growth?
Thanks

 

[mrdsmack]

I have 6 Icecap reflectors, two 660 icecap ballast and uvi bulbs all brand new with two fans blowing over the end caps.

 

[scrapman]

What brand is your individually reflected 8 lamp-39 W?
Do they make a 8 lamp-54 W (48") for my 90 gal?
Thanks

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by scrapman
What brand is your individually reflected 8 lamp-39 W?
Do they make a 8 lamp-54 W (48") for my 90 gal?
Thanks
Mine are "Catalina". I purchased them online bidding.