Canopy T5 Retrofit

[chimbo84]

I recently purchased a lightly used Planet Aquariums stand and Canopy. The canopy is the 8” model which provides roughly 10” of height above the water surface.
I have two Hydra 32s but am considering supplementing with T5 by using retrofit kits.

My concern is that the water will be too close and potentially splash on the LEDs or T5 bulbs and cause them to burn out. Do T5 even have this issue? I am only experienced with LED.

Additionally, the 48” retrofit kits will be a really tight fit. I am thinking of going with 36” kits and hoping that the light spread will still look nice. Any suggestions on this? The interior dimension of the canopy is 48.5”.

 

[blaxsun]

Do you need the T5s?

 

[chimbo84]

Do you need the T5s?

Well if I mount the Hydra32s to the inside of the canopy, they won’t have the spread to cover the whole tank (they’re supposed to be mounted 12-14” above the water). I would need to supplement them with something. I was considering some led light bars if I don’t do T5.