need some T5 measurements

[ds4x4]

OK so im about to break this light i have.. If anyone can measure their t5's width wise that would be great. I may be able to retro this light .. at $35 a pop this is the third 10000k to burn out in 2 months.

 

[ds4x4]

OR recommend a t-5 light that isn't on the high side of pricing.. like 400 and under

 

[panmanmatt]

Brandon,

What size light is it? What measurements do you need?

I have a 36" T5 fixture.

 

[TheGuyFromNJ]

the reflector width varies by manufacturer. My tek retro reflectors are about 3" wide each. some fixtures have 8 bulbs and are only 10" wide. You have seen my setup, thats 6 t-5's that consume the entire 18" canopy.

 

[ds4x4]

reefsandrotts sent me this link.. and i need 48 in for the 55 gal. $35 a piece for bulbs that burn out every two weeks or so aint happening

http://cgi.ebay.com/48-Aquarium-Lig...39:1|66:2|65:12|240:1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 

[JerseyWendy]

Which fixture are you currently using, and which T5 bulb costs $35 a pop? The only bulb that I'm aware of that costs near that much is the Korallenzucht Fiji purple, but that would have been for an 80W bulb. ???

 

[ds4x4]

i have coralife aqua deluxe with 4 PC's at 65watt each..

 

[jceli728]

I will do a retro 4x54w from Icecap, each Icecap reflectors is 2.5" wide.

 

[TheGuyFromNJ]

+1 on the retro. That fixture is 9 inches wide with 6 bulbs? Those reflectors are only about 1.25"? For a bit more you can get a 3 tek retros from our sponsor TFJ. You will get a ton more light than you would out of that fixture. (you seen the sun under my canopy) Also fixtures are not designed to be in a canopy, if you ever plan to use one.

http://www.tfjpetcenter.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=278

I can help you put it together if you want.

 

[jceli728]

I have not seen the 6 bulb fixture but I know some people have the 8 bulb fixture using them on 120g tanks. They look good but I was not to convinced by them.

 

[ds4x4]

i just have to decide to retro the coralife or just pay a few extra bucks for a new light all together.. maybe i'll look at getting a t5/MH light and say heck with it.. the 55 is kinda her tank now i think and alot of people might not see the big tank all the time.

 

[ds4x4]

If i went with something like the Current orbit.. what should i get? 150W or 250W MH?
i may just try to find a used one in 48" and have actinic t5's

 

[JRWOHLER]

reefsandrotts and I are using the same fixture....you can check out my tank thread if you want.
I have the 8 on a 120. I would someday like to go LED but....well I didn't hit the lottery yet.

 

[ds4x4]

i was checking this out..

http://www.tfjpetcenter.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=701

would 150watt work or the 250's better.. tank is maybe 20"high.. I'd like to have the 55 capable of some nice corals since not everyone will see the big one in the basement.. that one will be more for Our/My enjoyment.

edit: does TJF offer a discount to members?

 

[redfishbluefish]

edit: does TJF offer a discount to members?

I can't tell you first hand, but they are a sponsor of NJRC, so my guess is yes! Give them a call.

 

[jceli728]

i was checking this out..

http://www.tfjpetcenter.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=701

would 150watt work or the 250's better.. tank is maybe 20"high.. I'd like to have the 55 capable of some nice corals since not everyone will see the big one in the basement.. that one will be more for Our/My enjoyment.

I have no experience with MH, but if you really want to go with that fixture I will recommend you check eBay for refurbish units save some $$$ most likely you will need it to invest in a chiller. I'm not to sure but I think is Current USA themselves selling on eBay. Here is their link http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/currentusa_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ

 

[JerseyWendy]

OR recommend a t-5 light that isn't on the high side of pricing.. like 400 and under

Brandon, I know nothing about MHs, but seeing the unit you looked at, there are cheaper T5 units out there, which I think you'll be very happy with.

I had the 6 X 54Watt TekLight fixture on my 75 from when I started the tank, and could not have been happier with it. The growth was amazing, and the colors great. It was an SPS dominated tank, with clams on the sand bed.

Looky here:
http://www.tfjpetcenter.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=108

I incorporated the fixture into a canopy that I built, and never had any problems. If you don't have a canopy, you can get the legs for the entire fixture and use it that way.

Lastly, here's how much 75 looked with those lights:

 

[magic]

I have the Outer Orbit Pro - 2 x 150w MHs and 4 x 39w T5s. I picked it up from a club member and paid $350 for it. Great fixture.

Bob

ps. I did have to buy a chiller.

Bob

 

[JRWOHLER]

I am a full believer in T5 lighting, cheaper to buy and run(electricity and likely cooling), thus you are saving energy. You cannot argue with Wendy, her tank speaks for itself. I don't have long term experience but everything is doing well so far in my tank. Go Green!

 

[ds4x4]

wow.. thanks for the ebay link.. ok i'll dive into it a little deeper. maybe i will go with the t5 only setup.. I would like to get the rocks straightened out and put some clams on the bottom and a few sps