Question on Lighting Upgrade

[Abraxos]

So I'm hoping for some Christmas cash for hobby buying and am considering "moving on up" to a T5 setup. I currently have a retrofit Current USA Powercompact set up (4 65 watt bulbs) on my 90 gallon and was thinking about six T5s. Any suggestions for brands? Can I use something like a Nova Pro T5 in a canopy or do I have to use Retrofit? Which would be easier for feeding?
Currently my PCs have a tendancy to sometimes come loose when I have the canopy open.

 

[8BALL_99]

If you have a canopy your best bet would be a Retro from ReefGeek.com Best kits for the Best prices. If you get one with Icecap ballast it will over drive the bulbs. This means you would need active cooling (fans) to keep the bulbs cool. The icecap reflectors hold the bulbs very snug I don't think you would have any problem with the bulbs fitting loose or trying to fall. Infact my T5s are mounted to my canopy and are raised and lowered 19" every time the canopy is raised and I haven't had any problems.

 

[Abraxos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14010882#post14010882 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 8BALL_99
If you have a canopy your best bet would be a Retro from ReefGeek.com Best kits for the Best prices. If you get one with Icecap ballast it will over drive the bulbs. This means you would need active cooling (fans) to keep the bulbs cool. The icecap reflectors hold the bulbs very snug I don't think you would have any problem with the bulbs fitting loose or trying to fall. Infact my T5s are mounted to my canopy and are raised and lowered 19" every time the canopy is raised and I haven't had any problems.

Yeah I saw their set ups. It's just weird to me that a full fixture with fans, reflectors and such like the Nova Pro is cheaper than a retrofit setup. I will look back at what they have.
Thanks !
Matt

 

[8BALL_99]

Well what reflectors matters quite a bit. individual reflectors are suppose to put out as much as 30% more light. Bulbs also matter a lot also. In most cases the cheap fixtures come with poor reflectors and cheap bulbs they also dont have moisture proof endcaps. All that stuff addes up.

 

[atlantisaquari]

let me know if you want me to get you a quote on a custom made retro with literaly whatever you want in it. any bulb conbination or color, moonlights. fans , what ever. usually well below factory made retros. 334-538-2522

 

[Abraxos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14014250#post14014250 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by atlantisaquari
let me know if you want me to get you a quote on a custom made retro with literaly whatever you want in it. any bulb conbination or color, moonlights. fans , what ever. usually well below factory made retros. 334-538-2522

Sounds good. I need a retrofit with six of the 54 watt T5's plus ballasts and single reflectors per light. I am wanting (2) 10K lights, (1) daylight light and (2) 460 Actinic and one Super Actinic bulb (420). if you can swing it?
Send me a PM for price and wait etc.
Look forward to seeing the store....
Matt

 

[atlantisaquari]

sounds like a great set up. i should be able to get a quote monday. i will also get one with 1 fan included. also one with moonlights if your interested. thanks again.

 

[8BALL_99]

You might want to consider pushing the Actinics back to just one with maybe a blue plus to go with it.. Actinics give you no par. T5 Actinics also don't give you the same effect as VHOs. IMO they are kind of a waste since you don't get much benefit from them.

 

[Abraxos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14025642#post14025642 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by atlantisaquari
sounds like a great set up. i should be able to get a quote monday. i will also get one with 1 fan included. also one with moonlights if your interested. thanks again.

Appreciate it. I'm pretty new at this whole light thing. I get what 8ball_99 is saying though and am thinking maybe I should go with 4 10K lights, 1 420 and a Blue Plus?
I was going to give you a call today but am still recovering from Christmas fallout. Look forward to the quote.
Matt

 

[atlantisaquari]

well . obviously i can get what ever bulbs you want. also you can always experiment with different combinations after the fact as your never nailed down to a certain combination. however i have noticed that the quality of blue and actinics on the t-5s is pretty good, maybe even better than pc's. but they are a little dim. thats why i think your choice of 2 420 and 2 460 is right on. as the 6700 and 10k t-5s are pretty stinkin bright. you know maybe we better talk. just to make absolutely sure you would be getting something that will work with what you have and may want to have later. it is a 90 were talking about and it is a little on the deep side. 334-538-2522 or pm me you # , thanks again. dave