new tank

[schoch79]

Ok so I'm planning on setting up a new tank. I know that I want to go big but not too big so my plan is a four foot tank. With that in mind I was looking at a 120 because it is 48-24-24. I really like the idea of a tank that deep from front to back. My concern is that with my plans on using one of the tek t-5 fixtures (only about 16" from front to back) that the light won't cover the whole tank. So I have also considered using a 90 gal or 75 gal with only 18 inches front to back.

Here's the question. If you had the choice and space and money what size 4 foot tank would you set up and why?

 

[sir_dudeguy]

Is a retrofit an option? If so, get more bulbs??

 

[schoch79]

Oh yeah that's something I forgot to put in there. The unit I'm talking about is the 8 bulb unit. That's the most I've seen so far in a single unit and as far as retrofit goes I wouldn't be against it but I'm not sure if it is something that I would be able to do myself. I don't trust myself to install electric components much less something that I insist on being absolutely right.

 

[schoch79]

Does anyone not very handy with DIY have any experience with retrofit kits/ballasts and such? If so what is the ease of installation? I once tried to do some woodwork and both "finished" products looked not so good to say the least.

 

[schoch79]

Anyone?

 

[sir_dudeguy]

as far as retrofit goes I wouldn't be against it but I'm not sure if it is something that I would be able to do myself. I don't trust myself to install electric components much less something that I insist on being absolutely right.

Does anyone not very handy with DIY have any experience with retrofit kits/ballasts and such? If so what is the ease of installation? I once tried to do some woodwork and both "finished" products looked not so good to say the least.

MEEEEE!!! I just got a new 4x39w t5 HO retrofit from reefgeek.com...i'll get the link in a minute. But anyways, i'm pretty much crap when it comes to diy stuff, and i finished this thing in a night. Would have only taken like 3 hours tops if i hadnt been looking at the diagram (yes, there's diagrams so its not just guesswork! ) upsidedown for half an hour and didnt have to clean up the mess from my tank leaking 4 gallons on the carpet lol. Long story, but i made it much more difficult than it really was. Once i finished the 1st set (its 2 separate 2x39w ones) i understood it all the way and the second one took my 15 minutes or so is all.

I took a long time to fit it into my canopy because i had a REALLY tight fit...if it was more spacious, i'd have had the light in there really quick. Its not hard at all, and you got this forum too...if you have trouble, post a pic and ask what to do. Its saved me 2 times now

I'll get that link...

 

[sir_dudeguy]

ok heres' the one i got...but you'd obviously get a bigger one...

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap

 

[schoch79]

Hmmm. After looking at that, I wonder. To fill the entire size of that tank I would need like 10-12 bulbs I think. With a kit like that it would mean five or six ballasts and probably five or six power cords/switches. Am I mistaken? Can it all be wired into one ballast? If so where can I get the retro kits without the ballast? Thanks again.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

I dont think it could all be wired to one ballast...but i do think that there are some icecap ballasts that you could do at least 4 bulbs into...

Contact greg at reefgeek...he's great to deal with. Might take a couple days for him to get to your email, but i've always had good luck.. As him if they sell something that can handle more than 2 bulbs...i'm thinking its the icecap 660 but i might be wrong... i dont know...all i know is the lights get bright and make my corals grow :lol:

And now that i'm thinking about it...that really is a lot of bulbs...I personally love the color of my new t5's and until something better comes out, i'm thinkin i'll stick with them. But Maybe you could just simplify with a couple MH's? Depending on what size tank, get like a 2x250 and then run a couple t5's for actinics? Might make it a bit more simple as far as number of bulbs (thats a lot of bulbs otherwise...but i'd still do all t5's...just personal preference tho)

 

[schoch79]

Yeah I'll probably get ahold of him and ask about it but I don't think I'll go with the halides. I would rather go with the t-5's because of the lower heat and energy consumption. Thanks for all the help.