T5's = Amazing!

[coraline79]

I read somewhere that 6 t5ho's 3 10k's and 3 actinics, are equivalent to a 400w mh. That maybe be wrong as I can't determine where I got the quote from, but I know my 78watts of t5ho kills almost 200watts of power compact lighting. and the pc lights cost twice as much and have to be replaced every 6-8 months. t5 are only replaced every 14 months.

[cowboy572]

Where can I find more info on T5's? In the process of setting up a 100gal and would like to run T5's with it. But the only problem I have been running into is all I can find are 48 inch fixtures. Does anyone make 60 inch fixtures to fix a 100gal tank? I found the bulbs but no fixtures. Any help on this on where to look?

[fjr_wertheimber]

I've wanted to go T5 HO or VHO from the start in my 110g, so on the advice of Grim Reefer, the resident T5 expert (and a few other folks) from ReefCentral, I went with the following 60" setup:
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Su nlight_Supply/Tek_2_Retrofit_Kits/60_inch__6x80W_T ek_2_T5_Very_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_ReefGeek
T5 very high-output fluorescent retrofit kit complete with Sunlight Supply Tek 2 individual parabolic reflectors for each bulb made from 96% German reflective aluminum, two IceCap 660 electronic ballasts, a power-cord, wire bundle and heat sink for each ballast, moisture proof end-caps, standoffs and choice of bulbs from any of our current selection of high-quality lamps. Kit sold complete except for mounting screws. Some assembly required. IceCap ballasts engineered to "over-drive" each bulb to approximately 100 watts for superior output. Because the bulbs are being over-driven cooling fans are required to maintain both bulb output and bulb life. (Don't settle for inferior T5 electronic ballasts, like the Workhorse, that are commonly sold with other T5 retrofit kits.) Multiple ballasts allow for independent lamp control. Produces virtually no noise.

I also got two IceCap fans (4" 50-120cfm) to cool 'em (once again, on Grim Reefer's suggestion).
Lamp-wise, I got the following combo:
(front of the tank)
ATI Blue Plus (ballast 1)
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI True Actinic (ballast 1)
ATI Pro Color
ATI Aquablue (ballast 1)
ATI Blue Plus
(rear of the tank)

Okay, starting to get waaaaay too excited about lights.

[cpreefguy]

Okay, starting to get waaaaay too excited about lights.

Good choice! Im interested to see what color that bulb combo will produce...