Modding Aquarium Lighting - Sundial T5

Ok so we're currently running the Sundial 36" T5 fixture. It comes with two 10k bulbs and two 460 nm actinics, not sure on the brand name, but they're the stock bulbs.

What can we do to upgrade this current fixture? I've heard things like UVL bulbs, other "better" brand name bulbs, numbers numbers and "IceCap Ballasts" etc etc. But I'd very very much appreciate it if someone could consolidate all of that mumbo jumbo into something I can put to use.;D

 

well, the standard bulbs aren't necessarily bad, but UVL bulbs are better. I have two super actincs and two white actinics. I like them a lot, the color they give is more lavender then white, but the corals love them. You could upgrade the ballast, but usually you only do that if you want to retro fit your fixture, meaning you have a hood and just place your bulbs on the top of the fixture. An easy way to upgrade without do any electrician work is to change bulbs. The ice cap ballasts overdrive the bulbs. If you have a 54 watt bulb, it will then overdrive it to about 85watts, but the bulb won't last as long. If you have a fixture, I would just upgrade the bulbs, anything more, you mine as well get a different fixture.

 

i would grab the D-D Giessemann bulbs, i got the UVL 10k and was not satisfied, going to try and get something a bit better.

 

If you are going to the hassle and expense of replacing ballast esp to the costly Ice Cap, you might as well make your own DIY fixture or buy a new one. If you add up the cost of new bulbs and Ice Cap ballasts(if they even fit in the sundial-which I doubt) you could most likely buy a Tek light and not have to fool around. OR buy all the components to build a retro and expirement that way.
Bulbs will help, a good amount regardless of what else you might hear. I would also, if you are going to "mod" the light, get new reflectors to put in there.
But again with all the work that is going to take place to make this a "great" light, you might as well BUY a great light!

Happy reefing, and DIYing!

 

Like Dr.Fragenstein said by the time you get done replacing everything in the light you could just buy a tek light or equivalent.I have the 48" sundial and don't have a problem with it just need to get better bulbs, it already has SLR and dual timers and a photo cell for the moon lights.
The stock lights are made by current so replacing those will help.