T-5 mounting height

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Kevin_E, Jul 4, 2013.

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  1. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    I am installing 4 54-watt ATI T-5 bulbs under my canopy. It's a 55 gallon aquarium. The ballast will be an Ice Cap ballast and I will be using 4 individual reflectors.

    I was thinking about mounting the end-caps to the top of my canopy. As a result, the bulbs will be about 8-10 off of the water. Will that be too high?

    [​IMG]
     
    Kevin_E, Jul 4, 2013
    Kevin_E, Jul 4, 2013
    #1

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  2. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    No should be fine.
     
    Vinnyboombatz, Jul 4, 2013
    Vinnyboombatz, Jul 4, 2013
    #2
  3. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Thanks. Will it provide enough lighting at that height for an sps dominated tank.
     
    Kevin_E, Jul 4, 2013
    Kevin_E, Jul 4, 2013
    #3
  4. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    You could go double the height and still have enough light.
     
    2in10, Jul 4, 2013
    2in10, Jul 4, 2013
    #4
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  5. Blue Falcon

    Blue Falcon Fire Goby

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    i hang my 4 bulb fixture about 12 inches above my 75 gallon tank. PLENTY OF LIGHT
     
    Blue Falcon, Jul 4, 2013
    Blue Falcon, Jul 4, 2013
    #5
  6. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Fantastic. Thanks!

    Awesome. Appreciate it.
     
    Kevin_E, Jul 5, 2013
    Kevin_E, Jul 5, 2013
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  7. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Turns out, neither ballast I have works. Oh well.

    I guess I will go back to LEDs for this tank. I don't think one 250 watt halide will cover a 55 gallon tank.
     
    Kevin_E, Jul 5, 2013
    Kevin_E, Jul 5, 2013
    #7
  8. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    Why not??:confused:I mean besides boiling the water.
     
    Vinnyboombatz, Jul 5, 2013
    Vinnyboombatz, Jul 5, 2013
    #8
  9. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Don't you think the spread would be a little inefficient to cover 48" on an SPS tank?

    It's over my 20 gallon now without a chiller and the water temperature only rises from 77-79.
     
    Kevin_E, Jul 5, 2013
    Kevin_E, Jul 5, 2013
    #9
  10. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    You're right about the spread. Bummer on the ballasts. T5HO ballasts can be purchased for about $50 each.
     
    2in10, Jul 5, 2013
    2in10, Jul 5, 2013
    #10
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