Retro T-5s

[bladeruner143]

Does this even exist?! How much would some end caps, a ballast, reflector, and bulbs cost for something like this? I'm trying to figure out if it is cheaper just to buy a fixture rather than DIY. Keep in mind that I am still months away from saving up the money to buy anything for this. I'm just trying to get some ideas. i was also thinking of adding some Blue LEDs for the "moonlight" effect. TIA

~Rudy

 

[AJPACINO23]

funman had a thread a while ago

 

[bored4long]

T5 retros definitely exist. Its loads cheaper, too. Go to reefgeek. They have great selection, service and pricing.

Here is the one I have: http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...y_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap

 

[bladeruner143]

Mark, THATS what I'm talking about! AND it comes with bulbs?! rollface: Now I only really need 2 of those bad boys so this one is what I'm looking at:

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...inch__2x54W_SLR_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap

How do you like the one that you currently have? The reason for this fixture is just to supplement my MH and so that I have some light still when the MHs turn off. How easy/hard were they to setup?

 

[bored4long]

What size tank will this be going over? The "VHO" T5s powered with the IceCap ballasts run at an overpowered 80watts versus the normal power of 54watts powered by a non-IceCap ballast in the one you linked. If you will have a shallow tank, then its probably fine, but I'd strongly encourage getting the overpowered kit. I don't think anyone ever complains about being too bright...

I like the 4x54 IceCap that I linked because it comes with the IceCap 660 ballast which is a great ballast.

Whatever your choice, stick with the SLR reflectors, they are about the best you can find for T5 reflectors.

 

[bladeruner143]

My tank isn't too deep. Its only about 21inches or so. I dont really need these lights to be of any function because like I said, I already have the 400W MH over my 55G! (Dont worry, its waaay high up) I was thinking of just adding a couple T5s for supplementation because I want to be able to see the tank when the MHs go off

 

[Justin74]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11849269#post11849269 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bored4long
.. If you will have a shallow tank, then its probably fine, but I'd strongly encourage getting the overpowered kit. I don't think anyone ever complains about being too bright...

Actually there was a very informative thread that spurred most of the educating discussions RC has had on the subject of T5, entitled: T5 a cautionary note this after a person bleached there corals and other T5 users chimed in with similar experiences and cautionary tales.

IME overdriving is really not necessary with tank depths 20" and under. But when dealing with 24 and 30" tanks I too would also recommend using an IC ballast when considering T5.

-Justin