T5 Fixture Length Conundrum

ksfulk · Apr 28, 2016

So... I have a 72" x 19" x 24" tank. Im thinking about buying a t5 fixture but Im torn, as the 60" fixtures are few and far between and purchasing 2 36" fixtures seems to be a bit of overkill for lighting. So Im a bit torn and not sure what is the optimum for my tank. Figured maybe someone would have a suggestion for me.

With the tank being only 19" wide, I dont know if a 6 bulb fixture (typically 15" wide) or an 8 bulb fixture (typically 20" wide) is appropriate. Eventually Id like to start keeping SPS again, so I want some heavy duty par output, but spilling half the light out of the tank seems... silly. I dont know if 6 bulbs is enough though.

I already have 3 AI Hydra 26s, but Im not happy with the spread on them. Id rather not spend another $500 on even more LEDS for full coverage as Im already $700+ into the lighting thats on the tank.

Ive also thought about purchasing a 48" T5 fixture, and putting the Hydras on the ends, at a really low power to keep some low light areas. This would allow me to purchase bulbs locally (80w bulbs just arent carried around here), and I could still get some of the shimmer from the LEDs.

Thoughts?

Broadfield · Apr 28, 2016

So what is your budget? If you have a healthy budget, I would sell the 26's and buy a 60" T5/LED hybrid. If you are on a tight budget, I would keep the 26's and buy a couple of 60" T5 retrofits. You could make your own hybrid fixture and run the 26's down the middle with twin bulb T5 ballasts along the front and back.

ksfulk · Apr 28, 2016

Im already using a retrofit at this point, lol.

My current lights are 3 - AI Hydra 26s with 2 60" T5s to supplement. For the cost of two more retrofit kits ($300) im already near the price point of an ATI fixture. Im not happy with that. Budgetwise, i probably have another $100- 200 I can throw at the thing, so Ive posted the Hydras up for sale and we'll see what happens. Assuming I can get my asking price for them, I should be able to pickup a new ATI fixture and then pick up some reefbrites to supplement. If I go that route then i have to go with the 6 bulb, as the 8 would be wider than the tank - I think.

Still, Im curious to see what others have to say.