Where to Buy 48" T5 HO retrofit with 6 bulbs?

stillcity · 02/23/2006, 08:56 PM

I'm looking for a retrofit for a 75 gallon tank. I remember seeing a good deal on here a while back but can't find the thread using the google search.

I have a budget of around 300 bucks for lights, less preferable. Any good deals out there?

bassnman11 · 02/23/2006, 09:16 PM

You canget waterproof end caps from Foster and Smith for about $ 12 a pair with brackets, reflectors from Aqualux lighting for $16 ea. and a workhorse 5 and 7 ballasts to build your own. Shop around for the bulbs. I got mine from Reefgeek. You will need power cords. I just put together a 4 bulb setup for my 55 gal and these were the best prices I could find for first rate parts.

stillcity · 02/23/2006, 09:20 PM

That sounds like a good place to start.

Do you need a piece of glass or something underneath the lights to protect the fixtures from the saltwater? If that is required anyone have any links to some DIY to set one up? I can't think of an easy way to mount a piece of acrylic or glass and still be able to change out the lights easy without removing the glass/acrylic.

Any other suggestions for a complete kit?

horkn · 02/23/2006, 10:15 PM

i got my entire 3x39w t5ho retrofit with 2 ati blue bulbs, and one ge 6500k day bulb, with waterproof endcaps, the aqualux CDR reflectors, standoffs, a workhorse 5 ballast and a powercord for just under $170 delivered to my door from www.aqualuxlighting.com

you will be under 300 delivered with a DIY retro from aqualux..

bulbs will be cheaper from reefgeek, but, aqualux will price match, so there no use in paying double for shipping from 2 vendors...

if you get waterproof endcaps, you dont need to worry about corrosion. the tek lights dont have waterproof endcaps, so that is why they have the shields.

stillcity · 02/23/2006, 11:05 PM

If I go with 4 T5s will that be sufficient for SPS if I decide to grow some?

dvanacker · 02/24/2006, 02:42 PM

Yes 4 would do if you kept them very high.

Ususally with an SPS dominant tank you would want 6 bulbs on a 75 for best colour and growth.

02/23/2006, 08:56 PM	#1
stillcity Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 151	Where to Buy 48" T5 HO retrofit with 6 bulbs? I'm looking for a retrofit for a 75 gallon tank. I remember seeing a good deal on here a while back but can't find the thread using the google search. I have a budget of around 300 bucks for lights, less preferable. Any good deals out there? Last edited by stillcity; 02/23/2006 at 09:15 PM.

02/23/2006, 10:15 PM	#4
horkn Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: milwaukee wisconsin Posts: 4,125	i got my entire 3x39w t5ho retrofit with 2 ati blue bulbs, and one ge 6500k day bulb, with waterproof endcaps, the aqualux CDR reflectors, standoffs, a workhorse 5 ballast and a powercord for just under $170 delivered to my door from www.aqualuxlighting.com you will be under 300 delivered with a DIY retro from aqualux.. bulbs will be cheaper from reefgeek, but, aqualux will price match, so there no use in paying double for shipping from 2 vendors... if you get waterproof endcaps, you dont need to worry about corrosion. the tek lights dont have waterproof endcaps, so that is why they have the shields. __________________ people write stupid things in this space Current Tank Info: 200g DIY wood reef, 2x 250w SE 10k MH 2x80 t5ho, 75g sump, Geo Ca RX, ASD 6" recirc skimmer

02/24/2006, 02:42 PM	#6
dvanacker DID I SOUNDS SMRT?? Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ontario, CAN Posts: 3,690	Yes 4 would do if you kept them very high. Ususally with an SPS dominant tank you would want 6 bulbs on a 75 for best colour and growth. __________________ --DARRYL-- Current Tank Info: 200g SPS dominant Mixed Reef

02/23/2006, 09:16 PM	#2
bassnman11 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Corona Ca. Posts: 674	You canget waterproof end caps from Foster and Smith for about $ 12 a pair with brackets, reflectors from Aqualux lighting for $16 ea. and a workhorse 5 and 7 ballasts to build your own. Shop around for the bulbs. I got mine from Reefgeek. You will need power cords. I just put together a 4 bulb setup for my 55 gal and these were the best prices I could find for first rate parts.

02/23/2006, 09:20 PM	#3
stillcity Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 151	That sounds like a good place to start. Do you need a piece of glass or something underneath the lights to protect the fixtures from the saltwater? If that is required anyone have any links to some DIY to set one up? I can't think of an easy way to mount a piece of acrylic or glass and still be able to change out the lights easy without removing the glass/acrylic. Any other suggestions for a complete kit?

02/23/2006, 11:05 PM	#5
stillcity Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 151	If I go with 4 T5s will that be sufficient for SPS if I decide to grow some?