Lighting Decision

mcliffy2 · 02-24-2007, 07:12 PM

I think this got lost in my build thread, so I'll post it separately:

So while I'm waiting for the next batch of RO/DI water to finish up, I've started thinking about options for lighting. I like the idea of metal halide shimmer, but I think I want to avoid the heat issues that come with it, so I think I'm going to stick to T5HOs. My space in the hood is also somewhat limited. 48" will not fit in the 48" diameter semi circle, so I'll have to go with 36".

It is a 30" deep tank so I figure I will need a lot of light, I'm guessing 6 T5s wont be enough, will 8 do it?

I looked around, are any of these any good?
http://www.reeftanksupply.com/produc...roducts_id=386
http://www.petsolutions.com/default....69&SID=FROOGLE
http://cgi.ebay.com/T5-HO-Aquarium-l...QQcmdZViewItem

Or should I get a retrofit kit? I'm leary of these, because I don't quite understand what they are, but I have a good hood (7" room above the tank) and I've heard one of these with individual reflectors will have more light output and run cooler? Should I go with something like this and what would be involved in installing it?
http://cgi.ebay.com/T5-HO-8-X-39-wat...QQcmdZViewItem

Jflip2002 · 02-24-2007, 07:17 PM

Id say go with a retrofit, if you already have a canopy. And make sure they have individual reflectors. Then I think 8 bulbs would be good.

mcliffy2 · 02-24-2007, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jflip2002

Id say go with a retrofit, if you already have a canopy. And make sure they have individual reflectors. Then I think 8 bulbs would be good.

Any thoughts on that ebay unit? or if not, any suggestions on which retrofit I should go with? I think I'll need all 8 in one to fit them (most units w/ 2 T5s look to be 5" each, so 4 won't fit).