T5s Q&A

Ya, and he's right the Tek is a better fixture but pricey. I was just letting you in on my recomendations for the budget reefer.

 

i defenetly appreciate the input. I am still considering the Extreme, but probably switch out the bulbs. Or I may just try and get the Tek. I just found it for $260 plus the cost of bulbs. So it will cost me like $340 if I build my own hood. I have high ceilings so I don't want to hang it, and the mounting kit is like another $60. If I have enough wood left over from building my stand, then I will build a hood and probably get the tek.

What would you say about the Extreme and switching out the bulbs Dr.?

Hear is the cheapest Tek I could find.
Custom Aquatic - Store - Lighting Supplies - T5 Systems - [ 36 in 4 Bulb 39w T5 Tek-Light Fixture, Black ]

 

Whats the dimensions of the 25 gal tank? I can't think of it off hand...
The problem with the Hagen glos is they only make two bulb units.... You could do some softies most likely but you will have a limited range. GSP, mushrooms, leathers and zooanthids will probably do fine.

As far as the 55 is concerned why go with 36" bulbs? Why not do 48" bulbs? I would only recommend going with a shorter bulb is totally necessary, such as in my situation where they do not make 6' bulbs in the US and don't feel like replacing 16 bulbs at a time.
If you are building a retro I would do 5x54watt bulbs, granted you could go with 4 but that added bulb will give you better coverage and more ability to blend spectrum. You will still need two ballasts so the added bulb won't cost all that much more, all you need to buy extra would be a pair of waterproof endcap, pair of stand offs, reflector and a bulb. IME it would be worth it. Unless you choose Tek retros that are wider 3.25", that why you wouldn't be able to do 5, stick with Aquactinics or Ice Cap (2" wide)

Happy lighting!

 

Infantry,
You will only be able to find Teks so cheap as SLS has them on the minimum advertised price policy so all dealers need to follow that or lose the ability to sell the fixture...
I have seen the Aquatic Life lights at a trade show.. They look alright and the company has some nice ideas so the T5 could be a decent light... Unfortunately I can go off specs alone and I don't remember if it has SLRs or one single one. I honestly was more focused on their HQI light at the show....

If you want to go with the Extreme go for it, I am NOT telling what to buy I am just giving you friendly advice!;D
I just know that on a breeder tank 6 bulbs can melt coral, I've seen it personally, but on the other hand it could give you the ability-IF you run a tight ship as far as water parmas go-to create an amazing SPS dominated little tank! The SPS can handle the crazy light if you pick the proper species and like I said make sure all the parameters are unquavering. Also you could do a clam tank or heck most softies CAN tolerate being obliterated with light!

If you are building canopies this is what I would do to not only save money but make a "custom" light. Make a frame out of 1"X3", then make a retro, heck I saved over $200 making my fixture and that in my eyes was worth taking the time to do it myself.
I will post a pic of my frame if you need it, my old computer is going awfully slow right now and doesn't feel like loading photobucket!
All you need to do is buy a ballast or two, Workhorse are cheap, get some reflectors (Icecap, Aquactinics or ATI are 2", Tek are 3.25") get the waterproof endcaps and standoffs and there you go, all you need now is to buy bulbs and then assemble your light. It is a good way to save some coin!

Happy lighting!

 

The reason for the 36" is because the canopy only has 48" of room inside, so that would leave any room for the end caps?? would it?? (never mind this was a stupid question)

Also, these electonic ballasts at this link are the ones i have readily available to me at my LFS......what do you think?

sorry link didn't work....took this from sight.......

Glo T5HO Ballast Unit 2x54w

Glo T5HO High Output Electronic Fluorescent Lighting Systems come assembled with a T5HO electronic ballast connected to water resistant compression fit tube end caps.

Perfect for installations requiring high light output. Glo fluorescent T5 high output electronic ballasts also include tube clips, mounting plates and an illuminated on/off switch.

Mounts to inside of aquarium hood using the mounting plates.

For use on 122cm aquariums

Please Note: Tubes (requires 2 x 54w T5 tubes) and mounting plate screws are not included.

 

A 48" 54w T5 bulb is not 48" long. They are designed to work in 48" enclosures the bulbs are actually only like 44 inches long to leave room for endcaps in the enclosure. My 60" bulbs were only 56" long.

 

Ok I think I have decided to build my own hood and put 2 ready fit 36" sunlight supply 2 lamp kits. So there will be 4 bulbs in total.
http://www.aquacave.com/ready-fit-36-two-lamp-t5brretro-kit-by-sunlight-supply-1262.html

What do you guys think of this kit, or should I do the tek retrokit. I kind of like this one because it is allready assembled and with two sets of two bulbs, I will be able to space them out for more coverage.
Then use these bulbs.
http://www.aquacave.com/powerchrome-actinicbr-t5-lamps-by-giesemann-834.html
http://www.aquacave.com/powerchrome-middaybr-t5-lamps-by-giesemann-833.html

What do you think?

 

If you like the pre assembled those will work, you can do it cheaper by buying the ballast, endcaps, reflectors and bulbs seperate though but you have to mount and wire up everything. You can buy all the components for a 4 x 39w retro for around $175 where 2 of those are gonna run $270

Giesmann are good bulbs, ATI are just a little better, have a little more PAR. Personally I'd try and get a nice broad spectrum going with 1 midday, 1 aquablue, 1 blue +, and 1 actinic + Really depends on what final color your looking for in the tank.

 

Ok, what brand of ballast would you reccomend I have heard good things about Ice Cap, but the retro kit seems pretty pricey compared to the other kits. But may be do able if its worth it.

 

Hey has anyone heard of these?

PFO 24"-48" VHO Retrofit Kit - 4 Bulb

I was wondering about the VHO?!?! can you use the regular T5's you can get anywhere like the ATI and Hagen (pitiful excuse for bulbs) that say just HO?!?! not sure how the electonic side of it works (pretty sad when i'm a electronics engineer).....haha
anyways guys this info would be great.