T5 question for you reef addicts

FullPull · 08/03/2011, 07:21 PM

I came across to nova extreme 4 x 54w T5 fixtures (older ones with one solid reflector). I'm going to use them on a 55 gl tank. Would i be better off using both units or stripping them down and using 3 ballasts and say tek reflectors on 6 bulbs.

Looking to get as much light as I can. Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm building my own canopy so size isnt really an issue

rtparty · 08/03/2011, 09:56 PM

Well I see a couple choices:

1) Leave both fixtures as is and squeeze 8 bulbs over your tank. This will be the most electricity used and the most to replace 8 bulbs every 9 or so months.

2)Completely gut both fixtures and see if you can get 4 bulbs in each or maybe just 2 in each. Use good ballasts and design a cooling system in either scenario. Not cooling the bulbs properly will kill output and life.

3) Ditch both fixtures and go with a retro fit kit if you use a canopy. I would use a 4 bulb LET retro over a 55g tank. Get some fans to cool the label ends and you are set.

matt_wahoo · 08/04/2011, 05:42 AM

agree with rtparty

08/03/2011, 07:21 PM	#1
FullPull Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hawthorn PA Posts: 216	T5 question for you reef addicts I came across to nova extreme 4 x 54w T5 fixtures (older ones with one solid reflector). I'm going to use them on a 55 gl tank. Would i be better off using both units or stripping them down and using 3 ballasts and say tek reflectors on 6 bulbs. Looking to get as much light as I can. Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated. I'm building my own canopy so size isnt really an issue __________________ If Duct Tape wasn't meant to fix everything...Why can you get in so many @%#$@ colors !!!! Current Tank Info: 55 gl, 20 gl sump, GU10 Led, Reef Keeper lite, Modded CSS 125 Skimmer, Phosban Reactor, Mag 7 Return Pump, DIY Refugium

08/03/2011, 09:56 PM	#2
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	Well I see a couple choices: 1) Leave both fixtures as is and squeeze 8 bulbs over your tank. This will be the most electricity used and the most to replace 8 bulbs every 9 or so months. 2)Completely gut both fixtures and see if you can get 4 bulbs in each or maybe just 2 in each. Use good ballasts and design a cooling system in either scenario. Not cooling the bulbs properly will kill output and life. 3) Ditch both fixtures and go with a retro fit kit if you use a canopy. I would use a 4 bulb LET retro over a 55g tank. Get some fans to cool the label ends and you are set. __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+

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08/04/2011, 05:42 AM	#3
matt_wahoo Registered Member. Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 101	agree with rtparty