T5 Retrofit Kit

[carlos_fb]

I'd like to know where can I find a good deal in a T5 Retrofit kit of at least 260 watts? and how much do they usually go for?

 

[Jaymeany]

try innovativelights.com they have great products and I've used them a binch of times now. What length is your tank?

 

[Krish]

I would check out a few of the sponsors here to see what they have in stock. I by my stuff from Premium Aquatics ( www.premiumaquatics.com ) They are really reliabble, have great prices and great customer service

 

[shallowreef]

Price is going to depend a lot on how big of a tank this is going on.

I always buy from LFS but i hear a lot of people talk about www.hellolights.com i have never used them but supposedly they are good.

Nick

 

[carlos_fb]

My tank is a 60 gal (48" x 15" x 20") and eventhough I don't know what kind of corals I'm going to keep I would like to be able to keep whatever I want. I don't have a lot of space between my tank and the canopy so that's why I'm considering T5's instead of PC or MH.

 

[carlos_fb]

I know it has been discussed many times but are T5's really better than PC's?

 

[tike]

T-5's penetrate the water column further then pc's. T-5's are more comparable to MH then pc's. How much so is a matter of debate. I will be running them on my 60 gallon sps tank soon to see what results i get.

Willie

 

[carlos_fb]

Is it true that the thumb rule of 4 to 6 watts per gallon do not apply to T5's since they are rated differently?

 

[carlos_fb]

where can I see pictures of tanks with T5 lights installed on them?

 

[tike]

Watts per gallon isn't an accurate way to determine what type or bright of lighting you need. here is a link to an article can could help you.
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/show_article.php?article_id=75

You can surf RC for tanks with t-5 lighting on them.

willie

 

[carlos_fb]

What do you guys think of this kit on ebay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/48-4-54-Watt-HO...ryZ46314QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[tike]

T-5 lights with indivdual reflectors on each bulb is the hood of choice. They dramatically improve the lighting intensity. Tek light is the unit i am buying.
Here is another link to a VERY extensive conversation on T-5's.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=878433


willie

 

[shallowreef]

i like T5s better than PC. Just my two cents.

 

[carlos_fb]

Do you think 4 x 54 (216watts) would be enough for my 60 gal tank? (48" x 15" x 20")

 

[tike]

Keeping softies and LPS, yes. If they have indivdual reflectors on each lamp you can keep sps also.

 

[carlos_fb]

I think I'm going to get a Tek retrofit 4 x 54. Where can I get a good price?

 

[carlos_fb]

Can I get a Tek kit with Ice-caps reflectors?

 

[Ed Hahn]

DIY Reef has the best prices I have found so far. I am buying Ice cap reflectors and Giesman bulbs probably tonight.