Looking for a T5 Lighting Fixture
- Thread starter jellygeee
- Start date
Dyngoe
New member
Go Retro with SLRs! The performance blows any fixture away. I'll be glad to show you an easy way to build you're own canopy-CHEAP. Definitely get SLRs, not Tek. You can read about them here:
ReffCentral T5 Q&A Thread
Just ask asny question here and you'll be given the best info on T5s. I followed the advice here and I am beyond happy with the results. You can check prices at ReefGeek.com. You're probably looking at 2-2x54" Tek retro with Icecap SLRs. If your tank is less than 20" deep you really don;t need Icecap ballasts, but if you have the cash, go for it. I updated my non-Icecap ballast to a 660 (Thanks Cits and BAR raffle) and I love it. Icecap ballasts are simply the best!
ReffCentral T5 Q&A Thread
Just ask asny question here and you'll be given the best info on T5s. I followed the advice here and I am beyond happy with the results. You can check prices at ReefGeek.com. You're probably looking at 2-2x54" Tek retro with Icecap SLRs. If your tank is less than 20" deep you really don;t need Icecap ballasts, but if you have the cash, go for it. I updated my non-Icecap ballast to a 660 (Thanks Cits and BAR raffle) and I love it. Icecap ballasts are simply the best!
Dyngoe
New member
Retro = You build it yourself
SLR = Single Lamp Reflector - the best reflector for T5 lights. As with any light, one of the most important considerations is the reflector, followed closely by the ballast.
Let me ask, do you have a canopy on your tank or is it open to the air? That might make a difference in your decision as well. At least on an aesthetic level.
SLR = Single Lamp Reflector - the best reflector for T5 lights. As with any light, one of the most important considerations is the reflector, followed closely by the ballast.
Let me ask, do you have a canopy on your tank or is it open to the air? That might make a difference in your decision as well. At least on an aesthetic level.
jellygeee
Premium Member
Ah, I see. Thank you for the explanation, Dyngoe.
My tank is open to the air. So its kind of tough to do the Retro since I have no canopy to hook it to.
My tank's dimension is 48"lx13"wx20"h
If I couldn't find a light soon, I will probably directly buy either Tek or Aquactinics. Any advice or recommendation on those about what length of fixture I should choose and total bulbs that I will need.
Thanks in advance. =)
My tank is open to the air. So its kind of tough to do the Retro since I have no canopy to hook it to.
My tank's dimension is 48"lx13"wx20"h
If I couldn't find a light soon, I will probably directly buy either Tek or Aquactinics. Any advice or recommendation on those about what length of fixture I should choose and total bulbs that I will need.
Thanks in advance. =)
jellygeee
Premium Member
Phong: Can you give me ChemE (Kelby)'s contact?
Thanks for letting me know.
Charles: Yes, I've seen that pics in your picture album. I won't be able to do the same thing since my wife won't let me use the hang out kit. Not sure if I want to do it either in a townhouse.
On another note, I found another disturbing fact of my home's electricity breaker. It turned out the living room and dining room shares the same breaker. Having 12 recessed lights in those 2 areas (50 watts/light), a tv, wii, a treadmill and a tortoise tank don't help at all =(
My current light is a 2 light setup fixture. One of them is 10,000K daylight and the other is actinic light. They both have an individual ballast (I'm still learning all this new term), and each ballast is about 120 volt, not sure how many watts that is.
I figure if I buy Phong's light, at least I am using a total 234 watts (39 watts/bulb), instead of the 54 watt/bulb that the 48" Tek has.
What do you guys think of using a 36" light fixture in a 48" lenght tank? Will there be any problem?
My tank's dimension is 48"length x 13"width x 20"height
Thanks =)
Thanks for letting me know.
Charles: Yes, I've seen that pics in your picture album. I won't be able to do the same thing since my wife won't let me use the hang out kit. Not sure if I want to do it either in a townhouse.
On another note, I found another disturbing fact of my home's electricity breaker. It turned out the living room and dining room shares the same breaker. Having 12 recessed lights in those 2 areas (50 watts/light), a tv, wii, a treadmill and a tortoise tank don't help at all =(
My current light is a 2 light setup fixture. One of them is 10,000K daylight and the other is actinic light. They both have an individual ballast (I'm still learning all this new term), and each ballast is about 120 volt, not sure how many watts that is.
I figure if I buy Phong's light, at least I am using a total 234 watts (39 watts/bulb), instead of the 54 watt/bulb that the 48" Tek has.
What do you guys think of using a 36" light fixture in a 48" lenght tank? Will there be any problem?
My tank's dimension is 48"length x 13"width x 20"height
Thanks =)
E-A-G-L-E-S
New member
Actually I was told by Hanhmeister their #'s are worse than the original which weren't as good as the SLR's?
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