I need lighting help

[Nano_reeflover]

I will be starting a 20H macro tank soon. My problem is that I dont know what kind of lighting to use. Someone local is selling a 4x24" T5HO retro I could get. Or should I go cheap and just get two of these: http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/page/001/PROD/Reflectors/1P381951
I dont really want to get a MH cause it is too expensive. Really all I'm looking for is a light that is cheap, practical and will give me good growth.

 

[graveyardworm]

Go with the T5's,

 

[Samala]

I would definitely go with the T5s if this were my tank. With four of them on the tank I think you could try to keep seagrasses as well as even the most light demanding macroalgae (like Sargassum for instance, which seems to love light). I am myself switching over to T5HO.

>Sarah

 

[Nano_reeflover]

Well I would get T5s, except I read the guys ad wrong and they are VHOS lol. I guess it wouldnt be too hard to buy new end caps though.

 

[Samala]

Are the ballasts compatible for the wattage? Sorry if that a simple question, but I'm still learning the T5 technology stuff. I'm not good with all the aquarium hardware.

>Sarah

 

[Nano_reeflover]

Yup! I cant remember the exact numbers, but I know that T5s can be run on a 660.

 

[graveyardworm]

I think the problem with running T5's on a Icecap 660 is that the ballast overdrives the bulbs which makes them brighter, but at the same time shortens bulb life. Check in the equipment forum for other opinions.

 

[Samala]

Oh I'm sure that would be a complication, but so long as the bulbs last longer than PC's average six month shelf life it probably isnt the biggest concern.

>Sarah

 

[Nano_reeflover]

I'm just gonna get everything to do a retro for T5HO. I'm going to go with a 4x24w retro. Here is the ballast I'll use:
http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=6185

How well will algae/plants grow under these?:
http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=8885
There is also 3100k

Nevermind, found these:
http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/24w-24-inch-6500k-t5-ho-fluorescent-lamp-2pack-p-1789.html

 

[Nano_reeflover]

I found an even better deal for 6500k. With shipping, this one is cheaper:

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...aylight_T5_HO_Fluorescent_by_General_Electric

I've decide to go with 2 4100k and 2 6500k. I think this should give me good grow even though it may not be pleasing to the eye

Here is the parts list and grand total:
Ballast - $19.74
http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.ph...m=shopping+site&utm_campaign=froogle+datafeed

End Caps - $20.00
http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=4569

Bulbs, 2 4100K - $7.34
http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=8885
2 6500K - 25.90
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...aylight_T5_HO_Fluorescent_by_General_Electric

Grand total with shipping - $89.32

Of course I could get everything even cheaper if I can get some of this stuff at Home Depot. We'll see what else I can come up with.

 

[jmanrow]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8965673#post8965673 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by graveyardworm
I think the problem with running T5's on a Icecap 660 is that the ballast overdrives the bulbs which makes them brighter, but at the same time shortens bulb life. Check in the equipment forum for other opinions.

Workhorse ballasts are very popular for running T5's without overdriving them. Use the Fulham website to find the correct ballast for the lamp type you will be using.
T5 Linear HO are most commonly used for aquarium lighting.

www.fulham.com/
For example, if I wanted to run four 54W T5's, I would enter
T5 Linear HO as Lamp Type,
4 X F54 HO as Wattage,
120 Volts,
Click "Find" -
"This would bring me to The page "Diagram 7 for Workhorse 7"
Click "Display Diagram" button for diagram of proper wiring.

They should carry these ballasts at Home Depot.