This is an interesting thread. I saw someone post a par30 bulb for sale recently and decided to read up a bit. Like the other bowfront owner posting "recently" here, I'm wondering...
1) how many par bulbs would be needed to supplement T5 lighting, and
2) what optics would work best
I've got a 46g bow...36" L x 16" W (in center) x 21' D. There is a center brace. I have two Sunlight Supply 2x39w T5 retro kits I got used and that I'm still cleaning/tweaking to be mashed in my tight little hood....*&@! end-mounted plugs.
I was thinking I could either use only one 2x39w T5 with a couple of par30/38 bulbs...or go all out and do...
-2x39 T5
-2 x par30 with 80-degree optics (maybe par38, but they take more space)
-2x39 T5
hmmmm...thoughts?
I've also been told at least once to just DIY 12 cree LEDS in a strip...but I'd rather buy sockets than solder. And unfortunately, I don't think my 2xVHO will also fit in the hood with 4x39 T5...as was planned.