MH/T5 Retro Will it work?

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by jhill12, Nov 16, 2010.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. jhill12

    jhill12 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2009
    Messages:
    32
    I have a 60 gallon, 48x13x24 Tank. I already have an existing canopy to match my stand, I was going to eliminate my 2 250Watt MH but now I'm thinking of retrofitting them in a Sunlight Supply Reef Optix 3 Pendant and hanging them inside my canopy since they are only 9" wide I would still have about 5" of space to work with after a small modification to the back of my canopy. I want to supplement with 2 48" Ice Cap T5 Retro Kits One Blue, One White, and that will leave me some room in the middle to work in moonlights. My question is how would i need to schedule the lights and will 2 t5's be enough?

    I asked that help make a decision, if that will not work I am going with the Tek Elite 48" 4x54 watt T5 Fixture and hang it on the underside of my existing canopy. I'm not sure exactly how but I will retrofit moon lights onto the Tek Fixture. Any other suggestions are welcome, these two options just seem to be the most cost effective for my situation and the fact that under the canopy I have 48 3/4" x 13-14" to work with. Oh and last thought, I do not have a chiller at the moment and my tank is overheating but I do plan on buying one along with whatever lighting choice will work out the best so temp is not a problem. The reason I am going through so much trouble to make my existing canopy work is I hand built, stained and treated every square inch with Polyeurethane so I'm attached to it. Thanks for all your help in advance!