T5 Bulb Arrangement

[redfishbluefish]

Have a five foot tank (actually 59 inches) and will be putting six, 4 foot T5 bulbs over the tank.  Four of the bulbs will be powered by an Icecap 660, and two by an Icecap 440.  Two questions.

1.  What bulb configuration should I use?

2.  What two bulbs (location amounst the six) should be controlled by the 440?  I figure the two will be the first on and last off to mimic sunrise and sunset.  My guess, with no rhyme or reason, would be the one at the front and the one at the back of the tank.
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Three of the configuration options I came up with are below.  Option 1 are the six bulbs in a row centered on the tank (about six inches on either side); Option 2 is individually staggered; and Option 3 is a paired staggered arrangement.  I’m open to other options if you think it would be more appropriate.

I’m just wondering if it is necessary to stagger the bulbs….it’s only approximately six inches on either side and that area would be receiving scattered light.

Oh, and if it matters, the tank is 20 inches deep.

Thanks.

 

[Phyl]

I believe that Wendy has Option 1 setup on her tank. I think that she puts less light demanding corals towards the edges.

 

[Edwardw771]

I think you will be ok with any of the options. Do you have all the parts? They do sell 5 foot t5 bulbs but only in some colors. I highly recommend looking at the new LEDs retros from ICE Cap. You maybe able to get rid of the 430 and save on electric. I liked them so much I picked up one there fixtures for my 90. Your welcome to come by and check them out.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Ed, I’ve got all the parts and about a dozen bulbs. Just want/need to get a light unit up on the tank asap. Without having the ballast in front of me, I see that I mistakenly called it a 440...must be a déjà vu moment from the ’72 Chrysler I had...8 miles to the gallon.

I would like to stop by at some point and check out the IceCap LEDs. I was under the impression Icecap’s LED setup was only supplementary lighting, not primary.

 

[Tazmaniancowboy]

I would go option one for the same reason that Phyl stated. The bottom sides will still get little light anyway. I ask the same question as Ed, do you have parts already? If not, I personally would do 2 sets of 3 on 2 660's(although I am second guessing myself now) and think you could do bulb 2 and 5 on the 430 for dawn/dusk and the rest on the 660.

I would not go for 5 footers thinking there is a limited supply of bulbs for that size
Taz

 

[Edwardw771]

Your right they are supplemental lights. But 4 t5s on that size tank should be enough. The LEDS could mimic sunrise and sunset. I'm running 4 t5s on my 90 not over driven and its actully really bright. It goes against everything I've learned with reef lighting but the tanks looks great. And I'm hoping my $500 electic bill goes down soon.

 

[curt]

I'm using the leds for night lights.I have 6 bulbs over an 18" tank.The first and last one are on a 430(dawn to dusk).When I have the time I'll move the last one to the 5 spot because it's over the over flow.Not sure it will make a big difference though.

 

[NikkiT]

Does this mean you are getting a saltwater tank?

 

[JRWOHLER]

Yeah I like option 1 or 2 just don't put any SPS on the ends if you go with 1.
Run the actinics on the weeker balast as you don't need the par really for them. IMO

 

[gd13]

They should all work but i would prefer opt. 2

 

[redfishbluefish]

Thanks for the feedback…it really helps me work out in my little beany brain what needs to be done. Anyway, I went with option 1, with all the bulbs in a row. I’m also going to put the two-bulb combo on bulb 2 and 5. Here’s the picture of the retro frame before endcaps and ballasts are attached. Note it is upside down.

 

[Edwardw771]

That looks great wanna do somehting like that at my house?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Hey Ed, if you need a hand building a little something, let me know...Although I thought you had a canopy on that tank in your living room. I am a little concerned about breaking a leg if I come to your house.

 

[Tazmaniancowboy]

I am a little concerned about breaking a leg if I come to your house.

OUCH! that's not right....LOL but funny!

 

[magic]

Hey Ed, if you need a hand building a little something, let me know...Although I thought you had a canopy on that tank in your living room. I am a little concerned about breaking a leg if I come to your house.

He'll carry you from your car to the house. ;D

 

[redfishbluefish]

OK, it went through a few iterations, but the final fixture is option 1, all in a row, with the addition of 2 IceCap LED moonlights, for a total of eight bulbs.

Here’s a picture with the 430 ballast bulbs not installed (bulb 2 and 5).

And here it is on the tank…the timer on the left of the ballasts is for the LED lights.

I’m happy…a lot of light even on either side of the fixture.