Looking for a 48" T5 fixture

I am looking for a 4 or 6 bulb T5 fixture for my 75 gallon. I don't have any corals yet and would like to start. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Or if someone is selling one used I may be interesed in that as well. Thanks.

 

I just purchased a 4 x 54watt Ice Cap retrofit kit for my 75 gallon and I couldn't be happier. The tank does get a bit warmer than I would like to see but that could be easily remedied with fans in my canopy which I intend to do very soon.
I went from a 4 x 65watt power compact retrofit unit that is in no way comparable to the new T 5 set up.

You'll be happy when you get a fixture.
Sorry I cant help you with what fixture to get because Ice Cap doesn't sell any fixtures to my knowledge.

 

I have an ebay Catilina 6x54watt fixture. I like it. This is on my 55 but eventually might migrate over to my 75.

 

check out buildyouraquarium.com i have an 8 54 watt from them and have no complaints.

 

Ice Cap DOES have a fixture, well kind of... It is called the Solar Flare. It is made by Aquactinics. It contains IC ballasts and reflectors but is assembled by Aquactinics. It is a 4', 6 bulb unit with LED moonlights, and active cooling fans as well. It would rock a 4'tank, probably even enough light for a 120.
It is PRICEY though.... If you want cheaper look to the TX5 by Aquactinics, it is a 5 bulb unit that is nice and compact and it has built in fans for active cooling.
As you go down the line Tek by SLS makes a variety of 4' fixtures from 4-8 lamps.
Downside is they only have vents and no fans BUT the fan models are in the works but could still be awhile until anyone carries the faned versions.
Nova Extreme Pro by Current is still a fixture with SLRs but they are not the same quality as the Tek or the Aquactinic versions. It is a "higher end" cheap light. More of a slightly above entry level light.

Retros are another great $$ saving option that lets you customize the light the way you want to. Only downside is you need to build it and actually put it together, not plug and play by any means.

Regardless of what you choose, look for single lamp reflectors (SLRs) active cooling is a big plus and quality reflectors, not knock of material, look for GOOD Miro IV Aluminum.
Lamps play a part as well in overall health of the tank, going off of PAR alone, ATI is best followed by Giesemann and UVL respectively.

Happy lighting!!

 

Thanks for the responses guys. I ran into a refurbished 6x54 Nova extreme pro on ebay. I got it for $225 shipped, with bulbs. I plan on switching the stock bulbs for some UVLs from the LFS shortly after. Thanks again.

 

$225 for a refurb NEP? Questionable purchase... Its decent but there is a good likelihood there could be issue. I have seen slews of used Teks floating around other boards for a similar price....

I would skip the UVL and get some ATI's or Giesemann, similarly priced but you will get better lamps that put out more PAR.

Congrats on the purchase, Happy lighting!

 

Did it come with a splash screen or did you have to make one?

 

There are some Tek refub on ebay also...