T5 Retrofit Advice/Help

RTab619 · May 25, 2016

I currently have two Kessil AP700s for a 6x2x2 180 Gallon mixed reef.

I want to add retrofit kits. I need advice on the length and type.

Should I go 4 or 5 ft?
4x5 ft non dimmable bulbs - obviously better spread and PAR here, but do I need the full 5 w/ powerful LEDs as my primary light source
4x4 ft dimmable bulbs - I actually want lower PAR on the sides so this could work, and I get dimming options

Suggestion on the brand?
Giesmann Razor T5
Hamilton Aruba Sun
Miro-4 LET - Dimmable in 4 ft but DIY

cjd · May 25, 2016

BRS has a video on this from their 52 weeks of reefing 160 build . check that out if you haven't already, they describe differences in retro fit kits .

RTab619 · May 25, 2016

Yeah I watched their video. They use Kessils and the Hamilton 5ft kit I think (the Giesmann wouldn't fit in their canopy). I was wondering if it might be better for me to go 4ft since I use the sides for lower PAR and then I gain the potential for dimmable options.

cjd · May 25, 2016

I would think the 4 foot would be fine since they are not the only light source, but maybe wait for someone who runs them on a 6 foot tank to chime in. I have a 75 gallon 4 foot tank build in progress with an ATI six bulb dimmable T5 sitting about a foot and a half away from my bio cube 14 and I had to turn down my leds over the bio cube because of the light bleed was making corals unhappy on that side .

RTab619 · May 25, 2016

cjd said:
I would think the 4 foot would be fine since they are not the only light source, but maybe wait for someone who runs them on a 6 foot tank to chime in. I have a 75 gallon 4 foot tank build in progress with an ATI six bulb dimmable T5 sitting about a foot and a half away from my bio cube 14 and I had to turn down my leds over the bio cube because of the light bleed was making corals unhappy on that side .

I do have a 30 gallon frag tank only about 8 inches away so you're right, light bleed may be an issue. I think I might just go with 4 ft lights