Need help with T-5 lighting.

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by budbreak96, Mar 28, 2009.

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  1. budbreak96

    budbreak96 Plankton

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    Hello everyone,
    I have a 75 gallon tank and right now i have 2 48" vho and a corallife pc 48" 4 65 watt. bulbs. I want to go with t 5's and want to get the right set up. I want to be able to keep any coral without having to worry if the lighting is good enough or not. Im thinking about an 8 bulb set up, just not sure what to go with and what bulbs to get. I want my colors to be bright and colorful. So bulb choice is something i need help with also. Thanks for the help and all suggestions are greatly appericated.
    Thanks, Joe

    Also what reflectors should i go with? Brands and where to get them.

    Thanks again
     
    budbreak96, Mar 28, 2009
    budbreak96, Mar 28, 2009
    #1

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  2. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

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    Are they going in a hood or stand alone?
     
    cuttingras, Mar 28, 2009
    cuttingras, Mar 28, 2009
    #2
  3. budbreak96

    budbreak96 Plankton

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    canpoy. so i want to do retrofit. the back of the canpoy is open and i have a 6" fan blowing in.
     
    budbreak96, Mar 28, 2009
    budbreak96, Mar 28, 2009
    #3
  4. psiclone

    psiclone Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Are you wanting to overdrive the bulbs and increase the watts or just use workman ballasts?

    Looking for a blue, white or purplish tint to your tank?
     
    psiclone, Mar 28, 2009
    psiclone, Mar 28, 2009
    #4
  5. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

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    Tek or Nova Pro retros, ask Tangster about bulbs. You can buy them from him too, he's a sponsor on here as well as being a member.
     
    cuttingras, Mar 28, 2009
    cuttingras, Mar 28, 2009
    #5
  6. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    (Didn't see the retro fit post until after I posted)

    As for bulbs, I have used Slimpaq, the ones that come with many fixtures, UVL and now Aqua Science bulbs. I like the temperature of the Aqua Science best, it is a very blue color. Here is a thread that shows some bulb comparisons including the difference between the Aqua Science and UVL bulbs.
    http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-lighting/t5-bulb-combinations-w-pictures-59447.html
    If you have any questions feel free to pm me
     
    GuitarMan89, Mar 28, 2009
    GuitarMan89, Mar 28, 2009
    #6
    1 person likes this.

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  7. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

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    I was just sending him to this thread :lol: you beat me to it :p;D
     
    cuttingras, Mar 28, 2009
    cuttingras, Mar 28, 2009
    #7
    1 person likes this.
  8. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    Well, great minds think a like
     
    GuitarMan89, Mar 28, 2009
    GuitarMan89, Mar 28, 2009
    #8
  9. Dr.Fragenstein

    Dr.Fragenstein Panda Puffer

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    If you are planning a retro I would use Aquactinic SLRs as they are the thinest, only 2" wide. You COULD cram 8 bulbs that way. Most other reflectors are 3.25" or so wide. If you are planning on an 8 bulb fixture be aware that most fixtures-well the body- will be wider than 18" wide.
    As I have said before, unless you really want to save money and compromise quality, forget about the Current fixtures...any of them.
    Most decent fixtures will allow you to grow SPS to the sand bed of a 75 gal, most likely with only 6 bulbs as well.
    My votes would be Solar Flare, Constellation, or 6 bulb Tek. If you get an 8 bulb Tek it will be wider than the tank and you will have to take it off to access the tank.

    Bulbs I woul recommend ATI then Giesemann.

    Happy lighting!
     
    Dr.Fragenstein, Mar 30, 2009
    Dr.Fragenstein, Mar 30, 2009
    #9
  10. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    Have a look makes it a lot easier

    Products


    http://sunlightsupply.com/aqua/prod...CTORS&title=Fluorescent Lighting&type=product
     
    Tangster, Mar 30, 2009
    Tangster, Mar 30, 2009
    #10
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