Custom T5 Canopy

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Kaianuanu, Apr 12, 2011.

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  1. Kaianuanu

    Kaianuanu Peppermint Shrimp

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    Okay, so im planning a custom 2 x 54w 48" T5 canopy for my 55g, but i have a few questions i need help with. First, Is it alright if the bulbs are close together? I can get a hardware store fixture for $10 at lowes w/o a ballast which is great because i need a special t5-HO ballast anyway, but the fixture has the bulbs right next to each other. Is this okay? Also, Do you recomend a certain type of bulb combination for zoanthids and palythoas?
     
    Kaianuanu, Apr 12, 2011
    Kaianuanu, Apr 12, 2011
    #1

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  2. con999

    con999 Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    im sorry but the lights wont work, ur need a certin blub to go with the ballast
     
    con999, Apr 12, 2011
    con999, Apr 12, 2011
    #2
  3. con999

    con999 Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    and then that means a certin fixture too
     
    con999, Apr 12, 2011
    con999, Apr 12, 2011
    #3
  4. Kaianuanu

    Kaianuanu Peppermint Shrimp

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    i am getting a t5HO ballast and bulbs from aquacave.com
     
    Kaianuanu, Apr 12, 2011
    Kaianuanu, Apr 12, 2011
    #4
  5. Reeron

    Reeron Blue Ringed Angel

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    The whole point of a T5HO system is using good reflectors. Without good ones, T5HO is nearly useless (might as well use regular crappy T8 bulbs). That hardware store fixture either doesn't have a reflector(s), or it is a very crappy one. Spend the money on individual parabolic reflectors and you won't be disappointed.
     
    Reeron, Apr 12, 2011
    Reeron, Apr 12, 2011
    #5
  6. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    That should work OK for your current plans. But I agree with Reeron.

    Get one ATI Blue Plus and one ATI Aquablue Special.
     
    2in10, Apr 12, 2011
    2in10, Apr 12, 2011
    #6

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  7. xmetalfan99

    xmetalfan99 Giant Squid

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    Buy a retrofit kit and screw it in to your canopy.
     
    xmetalfan99, Apr 12, 2011
    xmetalfan99, Apr 12, 2011
    #7
  8. Kaianuanu

    Kaianuanu Peppermint Shrimp

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    would regular NON-HO T5 bulbs work in a hardware store ballast?
     
    Kaianuanu, Apr 12, 2011
    Kaianuanu, Apr 12, 2011
    #8
  9. xmetalfan99

    xmetalfan99 Giant Squid

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    You will save more money doing things right the first time. Buy one of these and be done with it. they are cost effective and will allow you to keep your zoas and palys.
     
    xmetalfan99, Apr 12, 2011
    xmetalfan99, Apr 12, 2011
    #9
  10. Kaianuanu

    Kaianuanu Peppermint Shrimp

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    your link didnt work
     
    Kaianuanu, Apr 12, 2011
    Kaianuanu, Apr 12, 2011
    #10
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