T5 decision

chefmike · 01/12/2010, 02:31 PM

Trying to decide between a 72" fixture that uses 12 39 watt T5's or a 60" fixture that uses 6 80 watt T5's

Any suggestions?

I am putting this over my 180 gallon 72x24x24 mixed reef

Also any suggestions for suspending the 60" unit...would have to be a bent pipe sort of configuration...ceilings are two stores tall in that room

Thanks in advance

James77 · 01/12/2010, 02:38 PM

I'd go with the 60" fixture, you will not notice the 6" on either side, and some lower light areas can be useful anyways. It will cost about half as much to replace bulbs every year, and the fixture is most likely cheaper.

Metal conduit bent works very well to suspend fixtures, and is barely noticeable.

zachfishman · 01/12/2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James77

I'd go with the 60" fixture, you will not notice the 6" on either side, and some lower light areas can be useful anyways. It will cost about half as much to replace bulbs every year, and the fixture is most likely cheaper.

+1 on the 60", less replacement

01/12/2010, 02:31 PM	#1
chefmike Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 71	T5 decision Trying to decide between a 72" fixture that uses 12 39 watt T5's or a 60" fixture that uses 6 80 watt T5's Any suggestions? I am putting this over my 180 gallon 72x24x24 mixed reef Also any suggestions for suspending the 60" unit...would have to be a bent pipe sort of configuration...ceilings are two stores tall in that room Thanks in advance

01/12/2010, 02:38 PM	#2
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	I'd go with the 60" fixture, you will not notice the 6" on either side, and some lower light areas can be useful anyways. It will cost about half as much to replace bulbs every year, and the fixture is most likely cheaper. Metal conduit bent works very well to suspend fixtures, and is barely noticeable. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater