T5 questions
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=80732
Printed Date: October 12 2025 at 6:54pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: T5 questions
Posted By: LakeCityReefs
Subject: T5 questions
Date Posted: August 22 2016 at 7:23pm
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I am thinking about changing to a t5 setup on a 24" cube. I have a few questions that I am hoping to get some help with. So far I am leaning toward the ATI 24x6 dimmable. I cannot hanget this from the ceiling any ideas on mounting options? I have a mixed reef with plenty of SPS. Are 6 bulbs really necessary on a 24x24 footprint? What length of acclimation should I perform if I am switching from LEDs? Any suggestions on other T5 setups that might fit my needs? ------------- Here we go again |
Replies:
Posted By: bur01014
Date Posted: August 22 2016 at 11:58pm
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I run a 6X24 watt ATI dimmable on my 24X24X24 cube, wish it was an 8 bulb. If you want good coverage front to back, I'd do 8 if I could do it again. I'll probably add a couple reefbrites for led pop and better coverage as corals mature. I couldn't hang it from the ceiling either, so I bought this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E9LU9MA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" rel="nofollow - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E9LU9MA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Works great. If most of your corals are in the middle of your tank, with LPS in the very bottom, you'll probably be happy with a 6 bulb. I am sps dominant and wish I had those two extra bulbs for more coverage from front to back... In terms of acclimation - for first few weeks hang it as high as possible - 10-12 inches, or dim the bulbs, although don't dim new bulbs until they are broken in. Each week, drop fixture down or increase peak intensity by 10%...for the fixtures final resting place, don't put the fixture any lower than 6-8 inches unless you run a heavy nutrient tank...start off no longer than 5 hours total with all bulbs on....working your way up to 8 or so max. |
Posted By: Marcoss
Date Posted: August 23 2016 at 8:09am
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Bur, you are a GD life saver. I know this isn't my post, but I have been struggling so much on how to get a T5 over my frag tank (I have drop ceilings and its next to a window- so hanging from the ceiling/bracket is not going to work). I have been struggling like hell on what to hang the T5 with, since there only seems to be 48" brackets for things like Ecotech, AI, etc., that do not support the weight of a heavy ATI. THANKS FOR POSTING THIS! Marcos ------------- RedSea Max S400 - 90G Rimless Frag Tanks x2 - 185 Lookdown Bin |
Posted By: kevin.st
Date Posted: August 23 2016 at 8:47am
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I run a 8 bulb ati, non-dim and it's awesome. There are 2 plugs, so you can set them up on separate timers. I also run a reef brite LED strip. My lights turn on at 8am with the LED, then at noon with 2 bulbs, then at 2pm with all 8. Then the lights ramp down at night in opposite. I don't get that smooth ramp up/down like a dimmable or LED, but it's fine. Something else to consider-you can acclimate your tank to an 8 bulb fixture by not using all 8 to begin with. I just slightly turned the bulb out of socket for a couple of weeks until I thought my coral was ready to get blasted. I am really happy I went with 8 bulbs. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: August 23 2016 at 9:29am
 Burt is an awesome hobbyist and a great guy. I'm thinking if the 6 tubes in that fixture were spread apart further, it would probably work perfectly, or alternatively multiple 2, 3 or 4 tube t5 fixtures would provide complete coverage. This is why I have often built my own fixtures and draped fishy fabric over them to cover the wood frame and add pizzazz. Brackets can be mounted on the wall. I have done this for many years for different tanks. In the pic below, long shelf brackets from Lowes were mounted on the wall way up above the window. I find the wall studs and attach the brackets at the stud using long grabber screws. If the stud was too far to one side I have mounted the bracket using a Molly Bolt(not the stupid plastic pieces and not the butterfly Molly Bolt, but rather the metal expanding type). That way there is no question that it will hold the weight of the fixtures. There are decorative shelf brackets, also pretty brackets made to hold hanging plants. Use two brackets for stability and so that each bracket only needs to hold 1/2 the weight of the fixture. In the pic you can see the stainless steel chains leading from the wood frame fixture actually reach up to the brackets which also hold the chains to the fixtures on the left and right. The fixtures could be moved up the chains with an "S" hook allowing easy access to the coral farm tanks.  Aloha, Mark   ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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