T5 question for Fragenstein

Ok sir....I'm falling into this t5 thing. I'm building my 75 gallon prop tank and have decided to go with a 6 bulb t5 retro. I have been a mh guy for the last several years and have never fallen into this t5 thing. I know most facets sp? of this crazy hobby pretty well and digging into my brain, I just can't figure it out. If you had 3 workhorse 5 ballasts, what else would you have to add to bring it online. The reason I'm asking this is, I took the actinics off line on my 150 gallon a few days ago, and my inquiring mind had to take the ballast box apart and found 2 workhorses in each box. I have a friend that is giving me 36 inch reflectors so for the first go round, I will stagger them. if I don't like it I can just order 48 inchers and 48 inch bulbs and just spread the sockets out right??? HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Daniel...
A WH5 can run a total of 128w... So that would be 1x80w, 2x54w, 3x39w or 4x24w... So you are correct in the statement that you would need 3 WH5...Odd that they were in a MH ballast box but thats beside the point, they must have ran supplementals....
How many reflectors is he giving you? What brand?
I ask because the width of the reflectors is important here....
Also I agree with you plan to conserve money alittle but if you don't like it, you are not only buying 36" lamps but then you will be buying 48" SLRs and 48" lamps.... Might be worth just doing the 48" right from the start if you ask me... Just take your time... Get the SLRs... save a little then get the lamps... But hey do what works for you.

What you will need is this, ballasts-you have, SLRs-you are getting, WATERPROOF endcaps, standoffs, lamp clips for SLRs unless you buddy still has his, extra wiring-in case, and lamps.... I take it the WH already has a power cord?

To answer you last question, yes you can just buy the lamps and SLRs if you feel like going to 48"ers... End caps and stand offs are universal, and like you said you can just redo the retro and put them at the 48" mark..

Good luck, and if you have more questions you know where to find me

 

Hey, I was a little jealous that you only asked for Frag, but, since I am not a lighting expert and Frag is, I got over it.......

 

LOL I'm sorry, I just know the doc is a major t-5 nut and he's the one that came to mind. I think I am going to go with 6 39 watters and see how that goes. If not I will rewire and go with 6 48's. I know the 6 bulbs will be plenty cuz I'm gonna raise my frag rack up pretty high. The question is, will the 39's work. I believe I will try putting some of my lower light stuff (chalice, acan, and stuff like that) on the ends and keep my sps kinda centered. it's worth a shot. Regardless, if it doesn't work, I'll just have to go buy the lamps and slrs

 

The 3'ers will work, it will be the same set up as mine, well kind of...I still would recommend the 4'ers but its your call..
I wouldn't keep them high up though.. Not only would you be wasting light but energy. If the goal is a prop tank you want those bad boys getting the most light you can give them without bleaching them. I would keep potential acan frags and favids off to the sides as well as mushrooms if you plan to do that...
You could have SPS all along the lamps, and some lower light ones off the light a little bit, monti caps come to mind....

Are you planning a prop tank with like egg crate or a prop tank to grow broodstock to frag?