How long are your T5s

[Ah64av8tor]

I started a thread detailing my 150 build, look here but havent gotten any of my questions answered.

I dont want to build this thing and find that the lights dont fit.

Will a 16” X 48" X 30" hood be enough to fit 2 X IC 250 watt HQI pendants, 4 T5s and give enough access to the tank?

What would be a good height from the water surface for the 250 watt HQI pendants to cover the 30" X 48" surface area?

My T5s are 46" long do they come any longer?

 

[theatrus]

"48in" T5s are 46.5" long, so with endcaps that puts you at pretty much 48in. They do also make 6.5ft ("80in") T5s, but bulb selection is very limiting.

If you have a 48" hood/tank why do you want something longer?

I'd put the pendants about 8-10" off the water. They will still be most intense in the center, since its hard to get 30" of spread out of MHs (maybe with LumenArc pendants). The T5s at the edges will help a lot though.

 

[Ah64av8tor]

They seemed a little short as compared to the old 47 1/2" T12s that bailey fit in a 48" hood.

Mine only measure 47 1/2" with the end caps and bases. I dont want to have to rebuild the rack if I decide to go back to T12s.

How high should the HQI be?