[marciemp]

I have read a lot about T5 lights here and you seem to be the expert on T5 vho! Because of your excellent descriptions and information I bought an Icecap retrofit T5 kit second hand off RC. The set up is 36" and it has 4 bulbs. The bulbs it has now are only a month old but they are all actinic. I am looking to change 2 of the bulbs to UVL bulbs non actinic, which ones would you say I should use? 39W UVL Actinic White 12,000k or the 39W UVL Aquasun 10,000k? The bulbs it has with it are
KZ Fiji Purple
2 UVL-SA's
Current Blue

Which 2 should I use from the bulbs it already has? Are the UVL-SA's 60 watts with an IC ballast as well? Do you know how long the bulbs should last before they need changing? Would you recommend installing fans and if so, where would they go, to vent the canopy or blow across the bulbs as I have heard people saying?

My tank is a 92 gallon bowfront corner and it is 20" deep to the sandbed. The canopy is tall and is at least 12" from the top of the water. How far from the top of the water to the lights is ideal? We will probably affix the lights to something other than the canopy so I can adjust the height from the water to what will work best. Do I need to worry about water splashing on the bulbs?

I am planning on buying another retrofit kit, probably 4 bulbs 24" IC retrofit as well to install behind the 36" but for now the lights will be a huge improvement on what we have (36" coralife PC)!

Thanks for your help,
Marcie

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I would use the two UVL super actinics and 2 1200k'sThey will provide a nice look and reasonable growth.The bulbs from UVL will run at 60 watts

[marciemp]

Thanks for your help! Can't wait to get it all set up,
Marcie