T5 / DIY LED Hybrid question.

[JJsBoas]

No responses to my questions in the general forum, so I thought I'd try this here (where it probably should've been asked in the first place).

After recently moving, I was originally going to downgrade my previously setup 40 breeder to a 20. But once in the new place, I quickly realized a "downgrade" simply wouldn't do.

Soooooooo I'm now planning a 120 upgrade (pending wife approval ). My question involves lighting. I have a 36" 6-bulb Tek fixture from my previous 40 setup. Will the 6-bulb T5 setup be enough to light a standard 120 (4x2x2)?

I plan on having a mixed reef with only a few hopefully easier sps like birdnest, pocillopora, and some monti caps and digis, with some lps, zoas, and ricordea on the bottom to mid level. I know my 36" fixture won't provide full coverage, but I'd actually prefer that since I plan on having my LPS and softies on the outer edges of the tank.

Another plan I've been kicking around is to retrofit a strip of DIY Royal Blue and violet LEDs (between 42 to 48 total LEDs) along the front and back of the Tek fixture for additional pop. I can thrown in a few neutral white LEDS if needed since my 36" fixture won't provide full coverage. But I'm thinking the T5s will give me the spectrum I need and the LED neutral whites shouldn't be necessary. Thoughts? Are the additional neutral whites necessary or can I just add the RB and violets for that LED pop I want?

I'm sure I'll have more questions as I get closer to the build. Right now I just want to properly plan everything and do it right the first time.

Looking forward to what everyone has to say. I know 120 is a popular reefer size, so I'm hoping to get some good firsthand light experience with this size reef.

 

[KarL]

I think the 36" 6 bulb fixture should provide adequate light coverage for a 4ft tank. If you want to add diy leds to the fixture I don't think you need to add white leds just add blue leds to provide extra pop to the corals. If you're hoping to get any shimmer from the leds, it's gonna be tough with 6 t5 bulbs. They'll most likely drown out any shimmer produced by the leds.

 

[JJsBoas]

I think the 36" 6 bulb fixture should provide adequate light coverage for a 4ft tank. If you want to add diy leds to the fixture I don't think you need to add white leds just add blue leds to provide extra pop to the corals. If you're hoping to get any shimmer from the leds, it's gonna be tough with 6 t5 bulbs. They'll most likely drown out any shimmer produced by the leds.

Thanks for the input Karl. I figured any white LEDs would be unnecessary with the T5s already there. A little shimmer from the LEDs during sunrise and sunset would be nice, and I don't expect it when all 6 T5s are on. The photoperiod I'm planning to run is the LEDs for 8 hrs (I might eventually increase up to 12 hours), 2x T5s on for 6 hrs, and the last 4x T5s on for 4 hrs (might eventually increasing this to 6 hours as well). I really just want to add the LEDs for pop and color. Thanks again for the response.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

I would just get a 4' t5 fixture

do it right the first time


Hot Dogs are GOOD!

 

[JJsBoas]

I would just get a 4' t5 fixture

do it right the first time


Hot Dogs are GOOD!

Hey Nick,

Thanks for the input. I hear you on doing things right the first time around.

One of the reasons I'd like to use my existing 36" fixture is budget. Getting new toys/reef equipment is like pulling teeth around my house. Wife gives me the stink eye every time I tell her I need this or that for my reef build.

Also my planned aquascaping is only going to take up a footprint of about 40"L x 18"w. I'm a fan of the minimalist look. So I'm hoping the 36" 6 bulb will suffice for the easy stuff I'm hoping to stock.

Btw, I've checking your t5/led build, I might've missed it, but what did you use as the bearskin for your LEDs? Just aluminum u-channel?

Again thanks for the input.

 

[JJsBoas]

"Bearskin" WTF?! Stupid iPhone autocorrect. And I can't edit the post on my dang phone for some reason.

I meant heatsink.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

If ur aquascaping is only 40" then that's perfect for a 48" fixture. 48"t5 bulbs are only like 44" long. And same with 36" bulbs, they're only 32" long.

U can find good deals on budget 48" t5 fixtures. They might not have the fancy fans that ati fixtures have, but they will work just as good.


Yes I'm using aluminum c channel from lowes

Hot Dogs are GOOD!

 

[JJsBoas]

Ahh I see your point. I might have to rethink my plan. Ive been eyeing the 4 bulb 48" t5 retrokit from hellolights. Seems like a decent deal for a 4 bulb kit with reflectors. I also hear the LET 4 bulb retrokit is solid with really good reflectors. Once I get the tank in hand and can get a visual of the coverage with the 36" fixture on it, I might have to go the 48" route if I'm not happy the coverage. I guess I can always just sell off the existing fixture to help fund the build.

Thanks again for the input. I'm glad I'm this feedback now during the planning stages rather than after the tank is up and running.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Ahh I see your point. I might have to rethink my plan. Ive been eyeing the 4 bulb 48" t5 retrokit from hellolights. Seems like a decent deal for a 4 bulb kit with reflectors. I also hear the LET 4 bulb retrokit is solid with really good reflectors. Once I get the tank in hand and can get a visual of the coverage with the 36" fixture on it, I might have to go the 48" route if I'm not happy the coverage. I guess I can always just sell off the existing fixture to help fund the build.

Thanks again for the input. I'm glad I'm this feedback now during the planning stages rather than after the tank is up and running.

The thing with fluorescent lighting is that it seems like it gives really good coverage. but pull out a par meter, and u will be in the low double digits on ur sand bed. That's no bueno


Hot Dogs are GOOD!