Quick 55 gal light help

Waterbury Guy · 05/22/2007, 10:07 AM

I have been running 220w PC on mt 55 for almost 5 years stocked with softies. A local reefer is selling T5 Lights 6 X 54W (complete setup with ballasts, wiring, bulbs, reflectors (two are IceCap and four are SunLight) for under $200.
A few questions:
1) would this change "fry" my existing softies?
2)will this run much hotter than my PCs?
3)If so, what if I just install 4 x 54w, could I still keep SPS?
4) Is this a good deal?

TIA

Wetline · 05/22/2007, 11:24 AM

The 4x54 with good bulbs and individual reflectors would keep sps pretty happy. If the ballast is an Ice Cap 660 it will overdrive the bulbs and produce plenty of light. I plan on putting an Ice Cap 4x54 retro over my 55 but it will be a couple months before that's up and going. I have mostly LPS and softies at the moment.

I certainly wouldn't start off with all 6 bulbs going for your current live stock. I'd have the bulbs off the water quite a ways to begin with too.

T5 only tanks

Really really long...

T5 Q&A

The Grim Reefer is your man for specific questions on T5.

05/22/2007, 10:07 AM	#1
Waterbury Guy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vermont Posts: 582	Quick 55 gal light help I have been running 220w PC on mt 55 for almost 5 years stocked with softies. A local reefer is selling T5 Lights 6 X 54W (complete setup with ballasts, wiring, bulbs, reflectors (two are IceCap and four are SunLight) for under $200. A few questions: 1) would this change "fry" my existing softies? 2)will this run much hotter than my PCs? 3)If so, what if I just install 4 x 54w, could I still keep SPS? 4) Is this a good deal? TIA

05/22/2007, 11:24 AM	#2
Wetline Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tallahassee FL Posts: 127	The 4x54 with good bulbs and individual reflectors would keep sps pretty happy. If the ballast is an Ice Cap 660 it will overdrive the bulbs and produce plenty of light. I plan on putting an Ice Cap 4x54 retro over my 55 but it will be a couple months before that's up and going. I have mostly LPS and softies at the moment. I certainly wouldn't start off with all 6 bulbs going for your current live stock. I'd have the bulbs off the water quite a ways to begin with too. T5 only tanks Really really long... T5 Q&A The Grim Reefer is your man for specific questions on T5.