[jsgates]

Just got a new 80 ga. tank and decided to go with T5 lighting for the corals. I bought the canopy for the tank and it looks really nice. Problem is I don't know how I am going to fit 48" T5's under the canopy. Was going to go with one of the DIY lighting kits with 4 T5 bulbs, but not sure how to make it work. I they only had T5 bulbs in 46 inch length or so I would be good. the endcaps are going to push the 48" bulbs over to 49 in. and that won't fit under the canopy! Any suggestions? I want to keep my canopy, but I also want T5 lighting. There has to be a way to do this. Any suggestions extremely appreciated.

[jimw369]

Geisman makes 44-45" T5 Bulbs. I had the same problem. Its what I run inside my canopy thats on a 48" wide tank.

Good Luck!

[NATIVEVAMAN]

The whole fixture is under 48 inch's.you have plenty of room.All of those fixtures are made to fit the standard tank sizes.And the bulbs too.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

My calculations indicate that if you are going to use standard ho bulbs you are going to end up with 2.4 watts per gallon and even for t5 thats a bit thin.I think you should consider the t5 vho retros from Ice Cap with the UVL bulbs that are made for VHO.That would bring you up to 3.7 wpg.

[jsgates]

Wow, didn't expect lighting to be so expensive. Definately not doing metal Hallides..............I'd like to have the possibility of adding hard corals, but may just stick to soft ones now. I don't even see a VHO T5 kit from Icecap......only the individual components. If I just want to do the soft corals, will the HO T5 lights be good enough? Trying to get my pumps, skimmer, lighting and stuff ordered today so I will have it in by the end of next week. Ready to get saltwater in the tank! Filled up with tap water last night to test and no leaks this time! Yes!!! Just meased and the top of the tank is 48.25 in wide. Canopy is almost 49 in. wide. So 48" should fit correct? The entire fixture is 48 " and not just the bulbs? Thanks for any clarification.

[jsgates]

Ok, finally made a decision. Did a lot more research this morning and I'm not going to do hard corals! Just going to do the soft corals and some LPS corals. Will I still need to get the T5 lighting, or will this kit be fine for my setup?

IceCap 48 inch VHO Retrofit Kit - 4 Lamps (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Lighting > Retro Kit > Fluorescent > 48in Lamps )

This should fit under my canopy shouldn't it? Thinking of getting these lights and a moonlight. Thanks for any suggestions. It's all starting to come together now.

[CyberJester]

Originally Posted by jsgates

Ok, finally made a decision. Did a lot more research this morning and I'm not going to do hard corals! Just going to do the soft corals and some LPS corals. Will I still need to get the T5 lighting, or will this kit be fine for my setup?

IceCap 48 inch VHO Retrofit Kit - 4 Lamps (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Lighting > Retro Kit > Fluorescent > 48in Lamps )

This should fit under my canopy shouldn't it? Thinking of getting these lights and a moonlight. Thanks for any suggestions. It's all starting to come together now.

If you haven't purchased them yet and its not too expensive you might want to consider going with 2 two bulb rigs. That way you will have 2 seperate ballists and have more control over your lighting times.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

T5HO Retro Kits - DIYReef All the t5 retro kits are on this page.And include bulbs.Have a look at the uvl bulbs under bulb choices,they are vho.