buying t5 retro tomorrow.

Well I decided tomorrow im going to order a t5 retrofit kit for my new canopy. I figure reefgeek is prolly the best place to order from?

I'm curious if anyone else here has the 48" retrofit kit. It says the dimensions are 46.75" x 15.0" x 2.75" (L x W x H). Can anyone confirm this is indeed the FULL width of the setup? I have exactly 48" in my canopy to work with or im going to need to put the bulbs on an angle. :

Should I go w/ their recommended bulb config? 1:2:3 Sun to Aquablue to Actinic/Blue Plus

thx all !

 

T-5s are actually metric and short. My "48 inch" light did fit in my canopy.

Bulb choice is your call Aquablue look nice and have good PAR. GE is kinda yellowish green but is the T-5 PAR. It is your call.

 

Just replaced the VHO's in my canopy with the UVL t5's and I am very happy. I think the VHO actinic still has it beat by a bit but I think part of it is just cause the T5s are visually so much brighter which plays with the eys a bit making you think less "blue"

 

Very nice.

You will love how bright these guys are.

I agree with Covey, they should fit fine.

As for your bulb selection, you might want to think about going with 2 aqua blues and 2 actinics...Im thinking about replacing my 6500k because it makes algae grow like crazy.

Other than that, Upload some pics when you pick it up.

 

Is the extra $60 for the Icecap worth it? compared to the regular sunlight system?

 

Depending on the length of bulbs used The IceCap overdrives the bulbs. 54W bulbs to 80W, higher gain for shorter bulbs. No marketing BS just truly brighter. It doesn't seem to effect the bulb life if any the IceCap overdriving the light is easier on the bulb than the standard ballast. It doesn't seem logical but it has been mine and many other IC users experience. Their good ballast and worth the money.

The real question is do you need that much light. Regular T-5ho is bright enough for most tanks less than 18". Alot of IC owner including myself killed stuff when the first got their light and some users are reporting coral lighting from too much light in the tanks. Some users have had to reduce the photo period or raise the lights because they were to bright.

The ballast are worth the money you just have to ask yourself if you need it.

 

My tank is 48WX18LX20H, so I was going to get the 48" and mount them hanging above the tank. The cabinet is about 14-15" above the tank, but I suppose I can hang them closer (8-10") if need be so I can still get in the tank with ease.

 

I just install my T5's tonight 6 bulbs
B+
B+
AB
AB
B+
B+
You should have pletty of room