CA2OR Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 Just curious. I currently have 48w PC 50-50's and believe I should upgrade. I can't afford the MH's so should I add T5's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanz Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 Yeah, if you can't afford MH, go with T-5s. Don't just add to your current PC, replace the unit completely. You can also retrofit T-5s to your hood if you want to save some cash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted December 30, 2008 Author Share Posted December 30, 2008 How do I do that? I hear that there is a Helio's 24inch fixture that I should be looking at but I get confused when I looked it up. The fixture is $99 but how much are the bulbs it only states the bulbs then says $20 here is link. http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Helios.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted December 30, 2008 Author Share Posted December 30, 2008 It is the 24" VHO fixture with the hper grow is what I was thinking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanz Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Try this site: http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1349 There's a vid in there also, but just look up retrofit kits on google. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamatSLS Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 What are the dimensions of your tank? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted January 8, 2009 Author Share Posted January 8, 2009 24x20x17.5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamatSLS Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Find yourself a 4 lamp T5HO (High Output) system that you can afford. Don't go too cheap on the bulbs, get some good ones from companies like UVL, ATI, D-D Geisemann. Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 +1 Make sure that the T5 system has individual reflectors. Otherwise it is not much better than PC lights. Don't go too cheap, or you will regret it. Spend the maximum amount that you can. I have a 6 bulb T5 TEK light (from Sunlight ) over a 75g tank. I am well pleased with it. I can get anything to grow, including SPS and anemones. I have not tried clams yet, but I have seen clams in a system just like mine. dsoz dsoz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamatSLS Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 Yeah, reflectors and lamps need to be the best you can afford. Only compromise on the housing, ballasts, etc. Reflectors are the most important aspect of T5 lighting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Oh ya, get a splash guard. The reflectors don't work so good once they are stained by salt spray. :( I found this out the hard way. dsoz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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