Reef lighting T5 for 75G?

Mrbeachbum2 · 09/27/2009, 07:22 AM

I want to buy a T5 lighting system, but I am clueless. I understand that I want to have excellent, reflectors for every light. I have a 75G and I want to keep zoas, some sps, softies and maybe a clam one day. Would I want to go with 4 or 6 bulbs? (being as energy efficient and non excessive as possible )

So, am I better off building a hood and doing a retro fit or buying a light fixture. I'm an excellent carpenter but new to lighting. If I went this route, what's the best bang for the buck on a cheaper, student budget?

Or, if i went with the ones already set up, what's the best bang for the buck? 1) Tek T5
2) Nova Extreme SLR T5|| 48"x8" 216 watt
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=16770
3) Nova Extreme Pro 48" fixture
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=18700

Mrbeachbum2 · 09/27/2009, 09:16 AM

anyone?

James77 · 09/27/2009, 10:08 AM

6 bulbs would be the best, as it will give you more color variety in the bulbs.

Reefgeek.com has the best and lowest priced retro kits, with discounts on bulbs when you buy them with a retro or fixture. If you build your own canopy or fixture, T5s need active cooling to put out the max PAR and life. Reefgeek sells ATI Powermodules and ATI Sunpowers(cheaper version of PMs), they are the top performers as far as T5 fixtures go- a little pricey, IDK what your budget is.

CLINTOS · 09/27/2009, 10:27 AM

6 bulb's for sure no doubt I have a tek canopy hanging over on my 90G they work great

epleeds · 09/27/2009, 10:29 AM

I have this fixture over my 75 gallon and it works great...

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...2&pcatid=12772

Mrbeachbum2 · 09/27/2009, 12:39 PM

I was hoping to spend around 300 or so. Thank you for the responses thus far.

James77 · 09/27/2009, 02:47 PM

Since you are good at carpentry, then I would go for the retro in a canopy.

09/27/2009, 07:22 AM	#1
Mrbeachbum2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,093	Reef lighting T5 for 75G? I want to buy a T5 lighting system, but I am clueless. I understand that I want to have excellent, reflectors for every light. I have a 75G and I want to keep zoas, some sps, softies and maybe a clam one day. Would I want to go with 4 or 6 bulbs? (being as energy efficient and non excessive as possible ) So, am I better off building a hood and doing a retro fit or buying a light fixture. I'm an excellent carpenter but new to lighting. If I went this route, what's the best bang for the buck on a cheaper, student budget? Or, if i went with the ones already set up, what's the best bang for the buck? 1) Tek T5 2) Nova Extreme SLR T5\|\| 48"x8" 216 watt http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=16770 3) Nova Extreme Pro 48" fixture http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=18700

09/27/2009, 10:08 AM	#3
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	6 bulbs would be the best, as it will give you more color variety in the bulbs. Reefgeek.com has the best and lowest priced retro kits, with discounts on bulbs when you buy them with a retro or fixture. If you build your own canopy or fixture, T5s need active cooling to put out the max PAR and life. Reefgeek sells ATI Powermodules and ATI Sunpowers(cheaper version of PMs), they are the top performers as far as T5 fixtures go- a little pricey, IDK what your budget is. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

09/27/2009, 02:47 PM	#7
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	Since you are good at carpentry, then I would go for the retro in a canopy. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

09/27/2009, 09:16 AM	#2
Mrbeachbum2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,093	anyone?

09/27/2009, 10:27 AM	#4
CLINTOS Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: windsor,ontario Canada Posts: 859	6 bulb's for sure no doubt I have a tek canopy hanging over on my 90G they work great

09/27/2009, 10:29 AM	#5
epleeds Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: virginia Posts: 346	I have this fixture over my 75 gallon and it works great... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...2&pcatid=12772

09/27/2009, 12:39 PM	#6
Mrbeachbum2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,093	I was hoping to spend around 300 or so. Thank you for the responses thus far.