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| 4 T5 HO bulbs for 46 gallons, Is this enough light? |
 Nov 6 2009, 07:05 PM
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#1
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Nano Reefer Posts: 258 Joined: 30-January 09 From: tempe, AZ Member No.: 42,145  |
Recently I've been thinking about upgrading my small nano into a 46 gallon bow front tank. I've been searching around about T5 HO lighting, which I want to have for the tank. Is 4x39 watt bulbs enough light for this many gallons, or should I go for a 6 bulb fixture?
Also, does the brand name light fixture vs non-brand name really matter in the end if you supply the light fixture with really nice bulbs? I was thinking about building my own light or looking into this light on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Bulb-36-T5-T-5-HO-Aq...=item43994f5752 Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! -------------------- |
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Nov 6 2009, 07:37 PM
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#2
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 Nano Reefer  Posts: 11,338 Joined: 15-May 06 From: Oak Ridge, TN Member No.: 20,429 |
I think that 4 bulbs over that tank would be enough as long as you have really good reflectors.
Good bulbs and good reflectors will be key. -------------------- The way I see it, life is like a jelly doughnut. You don't really know what it's about until you bite into it. And then, just when you decide it's good, you drop a big glob of jelly on your best T-shirt.
-Janet Evanovich Usually, what you wish for doesn't fall in your lap; it falls somewhere nearby, and you have to recognize it, stand up, and put in the time and work it takes to get to it. -Neil Strauss  |
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Nov 6 2009, 11:20 PM
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#3
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 ^rotating snakes!^ Posts: 13,993 Joined: 28-March 03 From: OKC Member No.: 3,226 |
+1. The fixture in your link has a single reflector with bends in between for each bulb. This is not as effective as individual parabolic reflectors. Bulbs are easy to change.
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Nov 7 2009, 12:31 AM
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#4
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Nano Reefer Posts: 258 Joined: 30-January 09 From: tempe, AZ Member No.: 42,145 |
Thanks for the input!
I'll research reflectors more thoroughly and try to find a way to incorporate individual parabolic reflectors into my plans for building my light. Do you think it would be possible to replace the reflector in that eBay light with the parabolic kind? as for bulbs, I was thinking: ATI true blue + ATI aquablue special UVL super antinic and GE starcoat daylight 6500K I'm going for a blueish tint look and I think these bulbs accomplish this? 
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Nov 7 2009, 11:13 AM
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#5
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 LED Gawd Posts: 9,892 Joined: 26-August 07 From: Shelby Twp. Michigan Member No.: 30,696 |
The bulb spacing is far too close to fit individual reflectors.
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Nov 7 2009, 11:22 AM
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#6
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 Nano Reefer Posts: 3,143 Joined: 3-January 08 From: sheboygan, wi Member No.: 33,388 |
QUOTE (Aeridne @ Nov 7 2009, 01:31 AM)  Thanks for the input! I'll research reflectors more thoroughly and try to find a way to incorporate individual parabolic reflectors into my plans for building my light. Do you think it would be possible to replace the reflector in that eBay light with the parabolic kind? as for bulbs, I was thinking: ATI true blue + ATI aquablue special UVL super antinic and GE starcoat daylight 6500K I'm going for a blueish tint look and I think these bulbs accomplish this? thats the bulbs im running.its bright with a slight blue to it. --------------------  My 30 breeder build,the biocube replacement http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...=185507&hl= my 14 gal biocube Now taken down but still here to help anyone with ?s http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...&hl=plainrt |
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Nov 7 2009, 11:40 AM
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#7
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Nano Reefer Posts: 258 Joined: 30-January 09 From: tempe, AZ Member No.: 42,145 |
Yeah, the bulbs are too close.. duh.
 Bright with a slight blue to it sounds pretty good! If I end up going with 5 bulbs, would adding a fuji make the tank slightly pinkish as well? <-- this may be a dumb question.. -------------------- |
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Nov 7 2009, 12:02 PM
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#8
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Nano Reefer Posts: 11,338 Joined: 15-May 06 From: Oak Ridge, TN Member No.: 20,429 |
One option would be for you to get a Retro-Kit and either buy or make your own hood/canopy.
This is what I have done myself. These links have good quality retro-kits with good reflectors. They also have the advantage of including the bulbs of your choice. http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluore..._Retrofit_Kits/ http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluore..._Retrofit_Kits/ I have one of the retro kits in the first link, but it is my understanding that the Icecap reflectors (2nd link) are of slightly higher quality than the TEK reflectors in the first link. QUOTE (Aeridne @ Nov 7 2009, 11:40 AM) Yeah, the bulbs are too close.. duh. Bright with a slight blue to it sounds pretty good! If I end up going with 5 bulbs, would adding a fuji make the tank slightly pinkish as well? <-- this may be a dumb question.. If you do that, I would trade out the Aquablue for either a Blue+ or a Super Actinic. -------------------- The way I see it, life is like a jelly doughnut. You don't really know what it's about until you bite into it. And then, just when you decide it's good, you drop a big glob of jelly on your best T-shirt.
-Janet Evanovich Usually, what you wish for doesn't fall in your lap; it falls somewhere nearby, and you have to recognize it, stand up, and put in the time and work it takes to get to it. -Neil Strauss |
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Nov 8 2009, 01:38 AM
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#9
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Nano Reefer Posts: 258 Joined: 30-January 09 From: tempe, AZ Member No.: 42,145 |
Thanks for all the info!
Yeah, I was looking into a retrofit. I'm pretty handy, so I was actually going to build the light al la home depot. We'll see how that goes in the end  I may have to give in a buy a retrofit kit, because I certainly don't mind building the casing. The light seems like the most difficult diy task for me at this point. I'm also building the cabinet for my new tank as well, and the sump + sump plumbing. It'll be a fun and educational experience to say the least.
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