t5 questions again

[jolson10450]

I will be using a workhorse 5 in my retro t5 HO kit. 24" bulbs retrofit over a 30g tank (30x12x18) I will be purchasing the bulbs Friday and i already have the ballast, Icecap reflectors and waterproof end caps. all in a custom built canopy.

Bulbs will be

Front:
ATI Blue+
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue+

First question is what can i grow in it. its only 96 watts over a 30g tank.

Second, The workhorse diagram says "Wih linear lamps, use a starting aid" does this mean i need a starter? or has someone got them to fire without.

And Last, Do i need some kind of a splash guard to protect the bulbs and reflectors from salt creep or would they be fine if i just did my usual monthly wipe down?

Thanks!

[iyachtuxivm]

1st how far are they going to be off the water?
2nd usually you can keep just about anything with T5.
3rd a splash guard wouldnt be a bad idea.
4th I have seen workhorse ballast set ups before and have never seen any kind of starter on them so I would say no. You might want to try pming DLBerlin she would most likely know for sure.

[jolson10450]

its 6 inches from the top of the tank to the top inside of my canopy. so it would be about that between the water level and bulbs (water level 1" below top of the tank and bulb 1" under top of canopy)

thanks for the input so far. i will wait and see what people have to say before making the PM. i am not wiring it until saturday so i got time.

[iyachtuxivm]

Maybe she will chime in. I see she was on a little bit ago. My T5s are 6+ inches off the water and I get salt spray so I would say yes a lens of some sort is a good idea.

[John]

You do not need a starter with a workhorse 5 ballast.

Fulham - Ballasts and Lamps

This is their website it will give you all the diagrams you need. Also, there should be a diagram on the ballast itself if that helps.

Your lighting config is pretty much exactly what I'm running btw. So far I can keep SPS, Softies and LPS. I haven't tried a clam yet thought.

[iyachtuxivm]

I have clams but 4 of my 6 are overdriven. I have a crocea , maxima and just sold my squamosa.
I didnt think you need a starter good looking out John.

[jolson10450]

Originally Posted by John

You do not need a starter with a workhorse 5 ballast.

Fulham - Ballasts and Lamps

This is their website it will give you all the diagrams you need. Also, there should be a diagram on the ballast itself if that helps.

Your lighting config is pretty much exactly what I'm running btw. So far I can keep SPS, Softies and LPS. I haven't tried a clam yet thought.

yeah thats where i got the wiring diagram from and on the diagram are notes and one that says "With linear lamps, use a starting aid"

I guess i see what happens. and yea i picked that configuration after doing about 2 weeks of research on it. found out its best to go actinics in front and back and the growers in the center.

right now on my 12g i have a 70w halide and i do have some sps so i want to make sure when i transfer tanks from halide to t5 they will be able to survive thats why i decided to retro and get the high par ATI bulbs.