Lighting question

[trble81]

All,

 

The 90 gallon that we're getting is going to have a DIY canopy. We are going to put 48" T-5 in it for lighting. Ok, so here's the question: what do I buy? Are the retro-fit kits what I want to look into or do I have to go totally piece-by-piece. Also, where's the best place to order?

 

Thanks for helping out a noobie.

 

 

[jamesbuf]

http://cgi.ebay.com/TEK-LIGHT-T5-4ft-6-LAM...1QQcmdZViewItem

 

Saves you the hassle of wiring and such, and its either the same price or cheaper than alot of the retro kits I've seen out there. The seller has over 11K sales and 99.9% positive feedback.

[Guest JasonD]

Just measure carefully...most fixtures out there would not fit in my canopy w/o major modifications.

[jamesbuf]

Just measure carefully...most fixtures out there would not fit in my canopy w/o major modifications.

 

Good call.

[trble81]

Is it better to go with a fixture as opposed to a DIY kit, you know, to avoid all the hassle of wiring? Also, would it be advisable to get a fan to aid in air circulation, even though they are T-5 lights (and a fixture will most likely have a fan built in)?

 

[jamesbuf]

Testing has shown that keeping T5s cooler does prolong the bulb life, as well as helps keep the PAR output stable. I forget where the thread was, but someone over on RC did some testing with fans and T5s.

[Guest JasonD]

I went with a fixture just to avoid the hassles of putting together a DIY lighting system. I don't think it cost me that much more, either. I got 2x250 MH's and 2 T5's for just a bit over $500 -- everything included. By the time you buy sockets, ballasts, bulbs, reflectors (plus the hours it will take to assemble it all) you'll be at or over that figure.

 

I got my Aquatinic fixture factory refurbed from Scotslight -- give 'em a call, they have lots of T5's also.

[jnguyen4007]

Regardless of whether you go with a T5 or MH, it is good practice to have a fan flowing to keep the heat down. Not only does it prolong the life of the light, but it also helps keep your water from over heating as well.

 

James