T5’s

[Jon Fishman]

I know nothing about these...... I want to supplement my LEDs with T5’s. It seems the results and overall look of a tank is better with them.

What are ballasts or fixtures and bulbs etc I should look at? 96” long tank, so I am assuming two 4’ fixtures?

I just don’t know where to start

 

[Jon Fishman]

Looking around, I like the “retrofit hybrid” units. But pretty spendy.....

 

[piranhaman00]

Aquatic life hybrid

 

[Jon Fishman]

Aquatic life hybrid

The Gieselman or whatever it’s called looks like it would work better, but again, I would be in for > $800 before bulbs?!??

 

[piranhaman00]

The Gieselman or whatever it’s called looks like it would work better, but again, I would be in for > $800 before bulbs?!??

From my research the AL is better then that one, but there are a couple of threads comparing them for you to meander .

Yes for a 96" long tank its going to be pricey my friend!

 

[Jon Fishman]

From my research the AL is better then that one, but there are a couple of threads comparing them for you to meander .

Yes for a 96" long tank its going to be pricey my friend!

I was planning on putting my current BB lights on it, just basically laying them across, and then going to Radions in the future. Seems like the Gieslman or whatever is more setup for that.

Why is a fancy “shop-light” so expensive though?!?!

Also, for bulbs, are these fine?

2x 10k and 2x Actnic?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

You could put four 48" dual DIY fixtures in for $200-250 before bulbs:
https://www.aquacave.com/aquarium-l...5-aquarium-retro-kits/miro-t5-retro-kits.html
I used the 60" kit in my six foot aquarium. Super easy to install and very economical.

 

[Jon Fishman]

You could put four 48" dual DIY fixtures in for $200-250 before bulbs:
https://www.aquacave.com/aquarium-l...5-aquarium-retro-kits/miro-t5-retro-kits.html
I used the 60" kit in my six foot aquarium. Super easy to install and very economical.

I’m seeing a 48” dual for $100 each.... 4 of those right? so $400?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I’m seeing a 48” dual for $100 each.... 4 of those right? so $400?

Yes, if you want to install eight lamps.

If you're supplementing existing LEDs, eight lamps might be a bit excessive.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Yes, if you want to install eight lamps.

If you're supplementing existing LEDs, eight lamps might be a bit excessive.

Was thinking of replicating those hybrid lights, which would be 2 front, 2 back

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Yes, then it would be about $400 if you wanted to install 8 lamps (without bulbs), if I understood correctly.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Yes, then it would be about $400 if you wanted to install 8 lamps (without bulbs), if I understood correctly.

And at that point, I may as well spend the money for the nice looking fixtures. Just crazy how much they cost for what they are

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

And at that point, I may as well spend the money for the nice looking fixtures. Just crazy how much they cost for what they are

That's fair. I found with six Kessils and two 80W lamps, my PAR readings are 200-300 6-12" below the water line.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

In my case, I wanted to minimize weight, so the DIY fixtures are extremely lightweight. They are also very flexible with respect to installation configuration.

 

[Jon Fishman]

In my case, I wanted to minimize weight, so the DIY fixtures are extremely lightweight. They are also very flexible with respect to installation configuration.

I may give them a try. I just hate to spend the money, then take them down in 3 months when I decide I want something else!

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I may give them a try. I just hate to spend the money, then take them down in 3 months when I decide I want something else!

Isn't that always the toughest part? :) If it makes you feel any better, I've had mine 2+ years, and they're great.

 

[piranhaman00]

Go with ATI bulbs not the ones you listed.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Go with ATI bulbs not the ones you listed.

Can you link what you’re referring to?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Go with ATI bulbs not the ones you listed.

I agree. I use ATI Blue+ and Actinic Bulbs in my tank.

 

[piranhaman00]

Can you link what you’re referring to?

https://www.atinorthamerica.com/t5-bulbs/
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquarium-lighting/t5-fluorescent-aquarium-lighting/bulbs.html
On a six bulb fixture I use 4 Blue+ 1 purple + and 1 Coral +. The Blue + bulbs put out a lot of PAR with great color. Of course color spectrum is opinionated. :)