T-5 actinic suppliment?

[MNGold15]

I was thinking of puting a few t-5 or t-12 actinics over my frag tank. I currently have a 400w 14k ushio in a luminarc with a mag ballast. I was thinking of switching to a 20k xm and building a canopy and putting 4x24" t-5 actinics in. Is it worth it? or would the halide drown them out since they are such a low wattage and would be so far off of the water surface (16")? I have no experience with t-5s or t-12s. Thanks for any recommendations!

[Chris Goetz]

Hmmm... I'd need a pict of the frag tank in question to answer your question.:wink: :wink: :wink: :lol_hitting:

[MNGold15]

LOL, there is nothing too interesting to look at. I will try and get some pictures up if I can find my camera.

[REEFSTOCK]

The nice thing about having t-5s as a supplement is you can change your photo period of your MH to 3-4 hours.

[gamepoint]

I am looking at buying light too. If you cut your lighting time down are you going to slow the growth and/or color.

[REEFSTOCK]

Once adjusted to the schedule, I doubt it, and nominal if so.

Most folks uses a 14-6.5k with blue/actinic supplement vho/t-5. 20k look good alone (IMO).
I'm not overly obsessed with color and growth. So, not the best to answer this question. I tend to focus on energy consumption, general healthiness of the animals, and aquarium aesthetics. While growth and color are a part of this, I don't quantitatively measure these things.

[MNGold15]

I was thinking of keeping the 14k and try it with the t-5s if I do go that route, if that is not enough color, then I would go with the 20k. Do you think it is even worth it adding t-5s if they are going to be 12"-15" off of the surface of the water, and will you even notice a difference with a 400w halide running?

[MNGold15]

Is this a decent t-5 retro kit? http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1349

I was thinking about getting two of these kits and put 2 bulbs on each side of my MH. Very similar to what marty did here, http://www.tcmas.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1698

Is there a better retro kit for around that price?

[David Grigor]

It's too early to know if any good. Those reflectors have not been out for very long and they are made specifically for hellolights. Until some numbers come out, best to stick with Icecap reflectors. Plus, I really don't think there is enough $ savings to go with them over the icecap reflectors.

Personally, if you don't plan to put the T5s closer to the surface, I wouldn't waste my time, 15" high by the time it reaches the water surface you've probably spilled out as much light as what reaches the tank.

I'd just stick with a 400W 20K XM myself.....It has been quite proven over the years in a frag tank setup using the lumanarcs.

[MNGold15]

Alright, thanks David. I was thinking of making a half canopy that would sit on each side of the tank, very similar to how marty made his, and have 2x24" t-5s on each side, so 4 bulbs total. The bulbs would be no more than 5" above the surface. Would you think that that would make a difference, or should I just stick to the 20k?

[David Grigor]

I say why spend the money if you don't have too. Start out with the 400W 20K XM only setup. If after a few months or so and not satisfied then consider it. May find you will be perfectly happy with the MH only setup.

[David Grigor]

Lastly, I'm not too sure on 24" T5s. They run hotter and less effecient than longer T5s. Keeping them cool will be very key.

So far, I haven't been very pleased with the 24" T5s on my son's 29g. Already had 2 bulb go out prematurely since Dec. Not sure if bulb UVL quality or what.

[MNGold15]

I say why spend the money if you don't have too. Start out with the 400W 20K XM only setup. If after a few months or so and not satisfied then consider it. May find you will be perfectly happy with the MH only setup.

This is true. I think I will get a 20k xm bulb, and see how things go from there. I think i am just frusterated with the 14k ushio, hopefully the xm will look better. Thanks again David!

[REEFSTOCK]

I would like to add: 6 months one set up, to really get the true results.

[MNGold15]

I would like to add: 6 months one set up, to really get the true results.

I certainly will wait and see how things react to the change. I am in no hurry to go and spend money unless needed. I hope that the 20k xm will do it. I would rather not have to spend the money on a t-5 retro unless I really think I need it. Thanks.

[MNGold15]

Here you go Chris, here are some pics. It does not look much like a frag tank now, because I just piled up all of the rocks for the purple tang to hide in, but once I go and pick up some egg crate I will rearrange them. It is not too exciting, but hey it is a frag tank, lol.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z293/MNGold15/CIMG0233.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z293/MNGold15/CIMG0229.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z293/MNGold15/CIMG0230.jpg