T5 lights

[sprinklerman500]

Well im finally going to be able to upgrade my floresent lights in my 60 with some good ones so I can start getting some frags.Im going to go ahead and get T5s.The question is what size?I was thinking about 2 small 18" 2 bulb T5s so I could keep my tank cover and not have to get a new canopy or mesh cover and do all the other stuff to keep the fish in.Im in love with this new hobby and cant wait for the feed back.All input is good input seeing how I dont know jack.TY Chris

 

[jennm]

Well if you go with 18" fixture/lamps, you're limited to the Current USA Nova Extreme and the Current USA Lamps to go with it. To my knowledge they are the only ones that make T5HO smaller than 24".

Jenn

 

[mufret]

What are the dimensions of your 60?

 

[rbredding]

or a picture...



I have a nova extreme fixture over my 30L and it looks great (but I don't have any jumpers in there). I've been VERY happy with it given the price..

 

[sprinklerman500]

The tank is 48"long24"high and 12 and a half inches wide.And by the way what are jumpers?And do the Novas come wiyh the ballist?

 

[jennm]

Yes they do but with a 48" tank you have way more options.

Jenn

 

[sprinklerman500]

So what do think I should do,Im not loaded with money but Im wanting to get the good lights so I dont have to up grade later.

 

[jennm]

AquaticLife makes 2-lamp fixtures that can be linked together (to look like one fixture) - you could start with one and add another later...

Jenn

 

[sprinklerman500]

Will thay work with my hood?

 

[jennm]

I don't know... depends if they will fit underneath.

Otherwise you could do a retrofit kit that fits inside the hood. Those are generally less expensive than a full fixture. AquaticLife doesn't make retrofits, but Wavepoint does.

Only thing I don't like about those is that you cannot control the daylights independently of the actinics.

Jenn

 

[sprinklerman500]

They will not go under seeing how its a cheap top,the one that came with the tank,I'm just not sure how would rig it all up,I'm looking for some hands on help and have to guys from Locust Grove that are members of ARC that I just pm and hope I can get this figured out,I feel like retard!lol

 

[sharkbait]

Go without a canopy. Buy the fixture you want then go to
home depot and get some glass pieces cut and put those on the top trim.

 

[sprinklerman500]

Sounds like a sweet plan =]

 

[xzypholo]

I found my T5's at a very unlikely place... and got a great deal on them. Check online at Linens and Things... the online store sells Nova Extreme T5's... I got a 24" really cheap. Well worth it too.

 

[sprinklerman500]

Thanks alot for the input I will check it out!