Which t5HO retrofit for 72x24x24

leroy_jenkinz · Mar 17, 2019

So I have a 180g mixed reef with two Kessil ap700 on it currently. I know there will be a new T5ho retro coming out soon ( projected April) that is dimmable but is dimmable worth the extra price/ wait? Also would I be ok with the 61” or go with 2x 36” ones. I do have cross braces and I’m trying to avoid my pucks being directly above them.

Humongous · Mar 17, 2019

I have dimmable t5 Retro kit (LET Lights from Bulk Reef) and they work really well. I'm not sure they are really necessary but I know the fish don't startle in the morning when they ramp up and they do settle in to their caves at night when they ramp down. If it were me, I would do the two 36" units because I hate the shadow cast by the braces, but that's just my opinion.

dwest · Mar 17, 2019

leroy_jenkinz said:
So I have a 180g mixed reef with two Kessil ap700 on it currently. I know there will be a new T5ho retro coming out soon ( projected April) that is dimmable but is dimmable worth the extra price/ wait? Also would I be ok with the 61” or go with 2x 36” ones. I do have cross braces and I’m trying to avoid my pucks being directly above them.

I have a 6 ft long, 180 gallon tank. I have the 61” aquaticlife t5 hybrid with 6 kessil a360s over it. I personally don’t think dimmable is worth any extra $$ and believe that 1x61” is better than 2x36” models. My coverage with 5 ft bulbs is just fine and more bulbs equals higher replacement costs. mine is in a hood.

Johnson556 · Mar 17, 2019

Similar set up on my 180, I have 3 of the 2x80Watt retros from bulk reef supply. They’re like 160ish a piece I believe. Currently in a canopy with three kessil 360’s but are being swapped next week for g4 pro’s. So far the 60 inch t5’s have been great and I don’t see and reason to get the adjustable version, mine are on from 2-8pm every day. The led’s control the ramp.

Had some absurd par before the back glass got covered in coralline.

Gablami · Mar 17, 2019

I don’t find dimmable that helpful. I also have 2 ap700 with 4 t5. Your dusk to dawn will be from the ap700, so you don’t really need the ability to dim the t5. I think that’s more helpful for full t5 setups.

One consideration is bulb price is minimally affected by length, so if you go with 36” you will be paying a lot more for your bulb replacements.

NYCMAN · Mar 17, 2019

I just purchased and installed a 5' Hamilton MH/T5 with 3 250W mh and 4x80W T5s. I added a 5" ReefBright LED Actinic strip, the higher wattage one. I think it looks stunning. I started with 14000K hamilton bulbs, then tried the 17500K Giesmanns, and yesterday the 20000K Hamiltons. Simply stunning.

jda · Mar 18, 2019

Dimming is for you, not the tank inhabitants. For decades, some of the best tanks in the world, just did fluorescents or MH just on/off with a light timer. If you want it, then get it.. but don't worry about the fish and corals.

leroy_jenkinz · Mar 18, 2019

Thanks for all the informational replies everyone, looks like I’m going to be buying the 61” then now I just need to figure out how I’ll be mounting it. I saw a similar mounting system to the mounting arms for the Kessils but each mounting arm is 70$, i have a slanted ceiling and idk how difficult it will be to hang it evenly. I have a feeling I’ll have to be doing a DIY arms off the wall type mount to hang it from with Wires

Gablami · Mar 18, 2019

I also have slanted ceilings and did not want to hang. Just an idea. Need to find have a well placed stud or a sheer wall (like I have) to have it midline.

leroy_jenkinz · Mar 18, 2019

Gablami said:
I also have slanted ceilings and did not want to hang. Just an idea. Need to find have a well placed stud or a sheer wall (like I have) to have it midline.

That looks nice, your steel bar/brace or whatever is that on the top side drilled down into the top of your canopy? Is that how it’s supported?