Going T-5 how many?

[danferd2002]

Im wondering how many t-5 lights i will need on my 50 gallon. Its 18" tall, and i want to keep mostly LPS and some SPS. I was thinking either an Icecap 4x54w or 6x54w.

Also what kinds of bulbs do you recommend, im coming from a 14k metal halide and would like to keep about the same color.

 

[Logzor]

If you are going to overdrive icecaps 4 would be plenty. No need to go overboard. A friend of mine actually took the reflectors off his four OD icecaps on his 55 to keep his LPS from bleaching.

Go with ATI bulbs:

Blue Plus
Aqua Sun
Blue Plus
Blue Special

This is a great combo.

 

[scapes]

get the 6x54

 

[LoyalConvict]

if it was up to me i'd go with a 6 bulb for lights i'd go

back to front

blue special ATI
blue plus ATI
fiji purple Korallen Zucht / or 75/25 UV /or 6000K Midday Sun Giesemann
super actinic UV Lighting
blue special ATI
blue plus ATI

or if you like the bluer look take out the purple and add a blue special

in my setup i have the 6000K and the aqua sun and its WAY to pink/red for my taste and thats on an 8 bulb tek

 

[danferd2002]

Ok looks like the 6 bulb would be better, should i go with icecap, or is there another alternative?

 

[D_Hood87]

current has a fixture that works great its 6x54 with 4 moon lights two fans and seperate controlls for lights i have the 8x54 on my 90 and wouldnt change it for anything i think the whole thing is right around $275 or $300 but it worth the $$$

 

[LoyalConvict]

ATI would be top of the list then tek both can be found at http://www.reefgeek.com along with all the bulbs if you do decide against the icecap setup

 

[EvMiBo]

i really don't think 6 bulbs is necessary for this setup.. 4x54w overdriven or not will be fine.

i'm running this on my 55g (tek 4x54w)

front
ATI blue plus
ATI aquablue
UVL aqua sun
ATI blue plus

all from www.reefgeek.com

 

[avshockey311]

Not to Hijack but do you guy running the ATI bulbs have any photos? Im just curious running all those blue bulbs how it looks.

 

[LoyalConvict]

here's a link to sonny's tank 3 blue+ 3 blue special and 1 pro color

EDIT: forgot the link

http://rimlessreef.weebly.com/pictures.html

 

[tkeracer619]

I would just replace the halide bulb and add a nicer reflector =]

 

[Mark426]

I would ask your questions or look for the answers here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1527167

 

[danferd2002]

Well i just picked up an Icecap 4 bulb SLR T5 Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs for $260

 

[EvMiBo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14020414#post14020414 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by danferd2002
Well i just picked up an Icecap 4 bulb SLR T5 Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs for $260

Grats, I can't see you being dissapointed with 4 bulbs. (especially since they'll be overdriven!)

 

[danferd2002]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14020517#post14020517 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EvMiBo
Grats, I can't see you being dissapointed with 4 bulbs. (especially since they'll be overdriven!)

Yea judging from others tanks that ive seen 4 should be enough. That, and the 6 bulb wasnt on sale.

 

[woodiecrafts]

The 4 over driven will be fine, just keep an eye on your LPS and place them in a more shady location.