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Educate me on T5 lighting (1 Viewer)

Otolith

Otolith

Ehhhhhhhhh........
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Jan 7, 2007
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OK, I admit I'm too lazy to do the research on T5 lighting. I'm thinking of using a 4' light fixture on 2/3rds of a 6' tank, and a 400W MH on the other end. Will probably have SPS on one end, and LPS/zoas on the other. I have the MH stuff, but don't have the T5 stuff. I was thinking of a 6 or 8 bulb fixture, and would appreciate your input.

I was considering an LED fixture, but not sure I want to go down that road quite yet, but would appreciate input on those as well.

Thanks!
 
Is it in a canopy? If so, a retrofit kit will be better. Its cheaper and you get higher quality parts.
 
Tek fixtures are a really good bang for your buck. I run one. Also consider the new Tek Elite fixtures that include a fan for active cooling. You'll get more output and longer life out of your bulbs.

But, if this is going somewhere where you can't see it like an in wall, I'd really go for the retro. Cheaper, better, and easier to expand (ie, start with 6 bulbs and add 2 more if needed over buying an 8 bulb fixture deciding you don't need it all and leaving 2 bulbs off all the time).

FWIW, I think it might look a little odd with shimmer at one end of the tank. Perhaps consider 2 MH bulbs over your main rockwork and T5's to supplement. You could double up 36" ones if you are worried about dark sides.
 
What are you planning on keeping? You could just do a 8 or 10 bulb fixture, and skip the MH, and have the 1' on either end be fr lower light corals

I have that 8 bulb on my 4' 120 and love it
 
I'd prefer to skip the whole build/wiring of a retrofit, although I wouldn't be that opposed if it's easy to do and someone does it for me if I pay them with a couple beers. :)
 
Its very easy. Just screw it to a wood frame and connect the wires from the ballast to the sockets. You can buy all the parts in a kit so you don't even have to figure out what works with what - it comes together in a box ready to be mounted over the tank.
 
I'd work for a Ten and tonic or Private Stock coke. :beerchug: OK, or a beer.

Being in-wall I would go with the retrofit kits as well and mount them on a movable frame. All easily and quickly done. :)
 
If your going retro, i'd add some LED strips *reefbrites* Give you the shimmer of MH without the heat or the wattage.
 
The thing with the LEDs is that you can't change the color temp once you buy them. With T5's if you can change it if your taste changes over time. I thought about LEDs for actinics, and decided against them for that reason.
 
It would be cool to have them on like a roller track like a cabinet, that you could roll right out for easy replacment/ reflector cleaning!
 
LED atinics are better than any T5 atinics. Since I assume your going to have atinics with the T5s I would supplement it with LEDs. Your other colors *White, pro-color, Pure Atinics, etc* should be T5 Bulbs. Again this is just my opinion.
 
Thanks for the input, all!

So, the light fixture above is $420.
To get the retrofits like this: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...w-48-t5-retrofit-kit-tek-sunlight-supply.html
They're $125/each for a 2 bulb system.

Ergo, I could buy a nice fixture for $420, but the equivalent for an 8 bulb retrofit is $500. Is my math incorrect? Am I missing something? If that's the case, I'd rather buy the fixture. Heck, you guys can still come over to drink beer, we'll just do other things. :beerchug:
 
RaysReef said:
LED atinics are better than any T5 atinics. Since I assume your going to have atinics with the T5s I would supplement it with LEDs. Your other colors *White, pro-color, Pure Atinics, etc* should be T5 Bulbs. Again this is just my opinion.
Click to expand...

Last time I looked, I wasn't overly thrilled with the T5 actinics, so I appreciate this input.
 
You'll probably get the same output from a 6bulb retro as that 8 bulb fixtures. The reflectors are that important and you are getting much higher quality ones in the retro. An additional benefit to the retro is that you can "aim" the reflectors in a little.

If you are set on a fixture, consider this one instead: http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...-Output_Fixture_(Graphite)_by_Sunlight_Supply

For the retro, there are better prices around. I'd have to research this reflector as I haven't done it myself, but here is a 4 bulb for $200.

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1824

If you don't like T5 actinics, the retro gives you the option to use VHO or LED actinics and T5 daylights.
 
I'm not set on a fixture, just bringing up questions. I certainly appreciate your input. I'm ok going either way, just want to make sure I know what I'm getting myself into. :)
 
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