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I'm in need of lighting advice (1 Viewer)

brendondreher

brendondreher

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2007
Messages
1,147
Location
south minneapolis
My home brew lighting is crapping out on me so I have been doing some looking around but I'm a bit lost. I have a 10g with lps, sps, and softies, wanting T5ho, I'd like to stay around $200 if that is reasonable.

On to my questions,
Is my budget for this off?
What is a good place to shop online?
What are some good brands?
Will a 2 bulb 24" fixture be fine or should I get the 4bulb?

Thanks,
Brendon
 
Whats the shortest length of a t5? Will it stick out either side of a ten gallon?
 
call me at around noon tomorow at the store 952-892-1090 I'll find a price for those (Under your budget)
 
Glad to hear that. I assumed that the 2 bulb was fine but wanted to be sure. When I did the home brew it was a test that cost under $30. No big deal but I dont have the time for a retrofit and want to do it right this time.
 
I've been using the 24" bulb and they do stick out a bit but its not a big deal. I've heard that they come in a 20" but I have'nt seen them in stores and I would rather not have to buy the bulbs online.

I am working for the next week (at least) solid and that is kinda why I was hoping for something online. My lights are failing and I need to get something going. I will try and call sometime soon but have no idea when that would be. Where is your store located at? I like to support TCMAS members.
 
Yeah. Stay away from 20". None of the main T5 players make a 20" bulb so choices would be extremely limited.

I'd say time to upgrade to a 20L and 24" won't be an issue. Two bulb should work just fine. But if you want to have dawn/dusk effect then you'll need 2 ballasts. With two ballast you can always add a third or fourth later on should you need it but very doubtful you would.
 
David Grigor said:
Yeah. Stay away from 20". None of the main T5 players make a 20" bulb so choices would be extremely limited.

I'd say time to upgrade to a 20L and 24" won't be an issue. Two bulb should work just fine. But if you want to have dawn/dusk effect then you'll need 2 ballasts. With two ballast you can always add a third or fourth later on should you need it but very doubtful you would.
Click to expand...

Bulb choices were also a factor in it. I'm happy to have you reaffirm that.
I love the 20L but I like the simplicity/complexity of the 10g. I'm thinking that my next tank will be a DIY in the 10-12g range.
Is it bad to have the lights hangover the sides a bit?
I was wondering about a 3 bulb set up. Is there generaly enough room in fixtures to add another bulb?
Thanks
 
it's not bad, it can just be unsightly to leave um hangin'.

there are some 18"T5HO, but it's only one brand, so as mentioned, only 1 brand of bulbs. If I were you, I'd get a halide over there. make your own or find a used hang on setup somewhere and go topless!
 
Simplicity is just as equal with a 20L and with a 10g. I'd rather use the light than just let it spill over and be wasted. 20L are so inexpensive not too IMO.

Fixtures your not going to have any flexablity like that. It would have to be retro and build a simple light box from wood or acrylic to house them. If your limited to just fixtures then just get a quality 2 bulb unit ( If there is one ).
 
Sorry, I should have mentioned that I just like the 10g. I'm tempted almost daily to get a 20L though. Its a good lookin tank.


REEFSTOCK said:
I don't know of any quality 2 bulb fixtures.
Click to expand...
Awww, thats not what I wanted to hear.

How concerned about heat should I be with the halide? I really like the T5s, have had good luck with em and want to stick with them but just out of curiosity/ exploring my options.
 
Heat on a 10g would be a real concern. Would likely be just fine this time of season but come spring/summer, it could be a real challenge.

Hate to say it but a 10g ( unless your running a remote sump ), I'd think your pretty much stuck with PCs....or retro T5 that stick off the ends.
 
I don't think a 70w halide puts off more heat than a 96w quad bulb PC, and looks way better, IMO. I'd bet it puts off more useable light, too. on my old 12g I did this with an ebay bulb and even got growth out of a scripp's stag that was in there. You seem like the hand type... a ballast, a socket, and a bulb are all you really need.

ballast wise.com for a ballast
ebay.com for a bulb
wal-mart for a socket/fixture (use any 300-500watt halogen work lamp for 70 or 150w halide bulbs)

bingo. bend some pipe and hang it over there and you're rocking. throw a fan in the mix and you'll have zero issues with cooling. It's a really simple, fun project if you're so inclined.
 
I'd move up to a drilled 20L.
I have a 20L with a 10g for a sump sitting by the computer, it’s a fun tank.
It has a 175mh with a 65w pc for actinic.
It has a tall canopy on it (looks like a breadbox) with 2 fans 1 for in and 1 for out.
Heater set at 78 and the temp never reached over 82 during the summer nor drops under 78 at night.
Maxi jet 900 for the return and a SeaClone 100 with an airstone mod for a skimmer and it pulls mud from the tank.
It's a cheap tank to run and parts are easy to find, Just ask.

Terry
 
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