Help me understand T5 technology.... what Kelvin do I need?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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AlaskaCajun

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 25, 2007
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Alaska
Hi, I work in Electrical Sales in Alaska. I have a 55 gallon planted tank and have been collecting the components to build a T5 HO light fixture to give it better/more light! I currently have 2 18 watt T8 bulbs that came with the aquarium!

I mocked up the fixture last night to see what I need to cut and where I need to install my remote ballast to run the lamps. Currently I have 2 standard 54 watt HO lamps in the fixture so I can see how bright it will be. They are 4100 Kelvin, so basically they are just the 841 HO's that we would install in a warehouse....

I have tried talking to several aquarium stores to find out if I need a different lamp with a different color rendering to use in my set up. But all they keep telling me is I have to decide what I want. What I want is the right light for my aquarium.... I don't want to give my fish a tan! :irked:

Several years ago I tried to substitute an aquarium lamp with a standard T12 5000 K lamp and it got green really fast. That's what I'm trying to avoid. I haven't read that I can't use the 841, but I have read that I may want to step up to a 6700 K lamp or more!

Please help me understand T5 technology as it pertains to aquariums.... Thanks! :D

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- Clint
 
Also, something that I didn't really consider in this build. Should I install plexy glass or glass under the bulbs like the original hood has? I assume that's there to keep the fish from splashing water on the bulbs right?

- Clint
 
Another Alaskan-
Good see ya Sir....

Send me a pm and we can talk Sir-

I got a nice canopy that fit s a 90 gallon tank that is set up with T5 HO bulbs....I dont need or want this setup ne more---The only thing wrong with it is the Icecap ballast has went to ****-Other than that everything works great and is current setup for a planted tank....You would have to redo everything yourself seeing it's for a 90 gal....I would like to keep the canopy it'self but you could have all the guts in it if interested....
 
AlaskaCajun;1719261; said:
Also, something that I didn't really consider in this build. Should I install plexy glass or glass under the bulbs like the original hood has? I assume that's there to keep the fish from splashing water on the bulbs right?

- Clint
Click to expand...

Yes-
It's very beneficial to have this...
 
been a while since i was into planted but if i remember right you want 6000 which will give you taller , lanky growth and is most like sunlight , with a slightly yellow twinge to it or you can go up to 10000 in the light spec which will give you short stocky growth .
 
frasertheking;1719282; said:
also any plans for co2 ?
Click to expand...

I'm startin to think so.... I didn't know I needed it till about 15 minutes ago! :confused:

- Clint
 
you do not need it but once you go above 2 wpg with t5 it makes life a hell of a lot easier and increases growth up to 5x
 
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