T5 lighting questions

LOF14134 · 01/03/2010, 12:48 PM

I just bought a 55 gal tank that is 48x121/2x20. It has two 24 inch canopies on it with only one fluorescent bulb in each one whick is only good for fish but I would like to put some corals in it eventually. Do I need to buy a whole new canopy with T5 lights in it or just one bulb? also can I get one 48 inch canopy or two 24 inch ones. I know this sounds confusing but I'm kind of new at this and just want to get the right setup. I already have a 34gal RSM so that tank came fully equipped with everything I need. i already have ordered the filtration system, protein skimmer, powerheads and thermometer but for some reason the lighting confuses me.

jkt182 · 01/03/2010, 01:01 PM

why don't you retrofit your lights within the canopy?

I have a brand new 24" Tek retrofit kit that has two actinic bulbs. I may be willing to sell them if you're interested.

jimzin15754 · 01/03/2010, 01:06 PM

What your referring to as a canopy are actually hoods. A canopy is a large box generally made of wood that covers the whole top of tank and is optional. I have a canopy on my tank with a retrofit lighting system. Basically just alot of light parts attached to the canopy itself. This would be your more expensive option since you dont have a canopy now. Your other option is a light fixture that can either sit on top of the tank on stands (usualy supplied) or it can be hung from the ceiling. As for size you can use 2 24" fixtures or 1 48" fixture. In most cases the latter will cost less. And no a t-5 bulb wont fit in your hood unless its different than Ive ever seen

LOF14134 · 01/03/2010, 01:27 PM

jkt182=what would you be willing to sell your retro kit for?

01/03/2010, 12:48 PM	#1
LOF14134 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: minnesota,usa Posts: 34	T5 lighting questions I just bought a 55 gal tank that is 48x121/2x20. It has two 24 inch canopies on it with only one fluorescent bulb in each one whick is only good for fish but I would like to put some corals in it eventually. Do I need to buy a whole new canopy with T5 lights in it or just one bulb? also can I get one 48 inch canopy or two 24 inch ones. I know this sounds confusing but I'm kind of new at this and just want to get the right setup. I already have a 34gal RSM so that tank came fully equipped with everything I need. i already have ordered the filtration system, protein skimmer, powerheads and thermometer but for some reason the lighting confuses me.

01/03/2010, 01:01 PM	#2
jkt182 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 77	why don't you retrofit your lights within the canopy? I have a brand new 24" Tek retrofit kit that has two actinic bulbs. I may be willing to sell them if you're interested. __________________ DFWMAS member hobby time: 10 years 90g DAS corner mixed reef w. Kessil AP700 lighting, BRS 2-part dosing system, ACIII, & more!

01/03/2010, 01:06 PM	#3
jimzin15754 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 109	What your referring to as a canopy are actually hoods. A canopy is a large box generally made of wood that covers the whole top of tank and is optional. I have a canopy on my tank with a retrofit lighting system. Basically just alot of light parts attached to the canopy itself. This would be your more expensive option since you dont have a canopy now. Your other option is a light fixture that can either sit on top of the tank on stands (usualy supplied) or it can be hung from the ceiling. As for size you can use 2 24" fixtures or 1 48" fixture. In most cases the latter will cost less. And no a t-5 bulb wont fit in your hood unless its different than Ive ever seen Last edited by jimzin15754; 01/03/2010 at 01:13 PM.

01/03/2010, 01:27 PM	#4
LOF14134 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: minnesota,usa Posts: 34	jkt182=what would you be willing to sell your retro kit for?