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110 Build Advice

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Dendro, Jun 14, 2016.

  1. I had hoped to have this tank up and going by now, but some other things took presidence over this build. The tank needed lots of polishing and removing of scratches which is almost complete. Additionally, I have been building rock structures in a bonsai style, which has taken more time than I had anticipated the the use of six-10 expoxy has made this much easier. Thanks for the tip. @xroads@xroads Enough about what I have or have not got done with the tank

    I would like an opinion about some T5 lighting to complement the led lighting which I am planning for the tank. The tank is 5 foot long and I am debating between the 4 and 5 foot T5 from BRS and bluezooaquatics, but would perfer it to be dimmable.

    The dimmable from BRS is a Mira and linked here, but there is no 5 foot option available that I can see. Link

    The Blue Zoo is the Aruba Sun from Hamilton technology linked here. Link

    I have not made any decisions and if there is something comparable am open to considering that as well.

    If all goes well hopefully the tank is up and running by the end of summer.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. jeremy Acro Addict

    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +836 / 4 / -0
    I personally would not dim t5 bulbs. You are supposed to burn them in at 100% for like 50 hours or something like that. And I have heard it shortens bulb life.
    I guess if it was me I would do 2 five foot 2 bulb either giesemann razor retro or same for LET retro for 4 bulbs total 80 watts a peice.

    Just use your led to sunrise and sunset. Run your t5 mid day.
    I would run either 2 blue plus 2 coral plus or 2 blue 1 purple plus 1 coral plus and adjust color temp of led to your liking.
     
  3. jeremy Acro Addict

    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +836 / 4 / -0
    But 4 foot bulbs will cover your tank just fine. I run 36 inch fixture on one of my 48 inch tanks and works great.
    What corals are you gonna have. If all sps go 60in if mixed go 48 so there are areas of lower light for less light demanding corals
     
  4. jeremy Acro Addict

    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +836 / 4 / -0
    I guess if you want t5 as primary lights 2 blue plus 2 true actinic bulbs and adjust your white led to your liking at your peak light.
    Lots of different ways to set it up. Depends on what you want.
     
  5. GoodGreef Well-Known ReefKeeper

    681
    Clive, IA
    Ratings:
    +239 / 2 / -0
    I am considering getting two of these 48 inch to supplement my LEDs. They are linkable up to 8 fixtures I believe, so good cord management. I had two over my old freshwater tank several years ago and really liked them. Also you can find them cheaper than where I linked if you look around. I think I've seen the 48 inch with reflector for around 39-40 and free shipping.
     
  6. xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

    La Porte City, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,014 / 6 / -0
    I agree with Jeremy, dimming T5 is not usually a good idea. The other problem is you really need a fan to keep the ends of the bulbs cool to keep them going.
     
  7. jeremy Acro Addict

    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +836 / 4 / -0
    Bulbs that are over or under driven by ballasts or cooled too much or not enough will shorten bulb life and shift spectrum.
    If properly cooled and driven bulbs can go 12-14 months before changing depending on run time. Bulbs not properly done 6-8 months. You will have spectrum shift and reduced output
     
  8. I am planning on having a mix of sps and lps. Not really set on anything in particular. Have been running two biocubes one 14 and 29 and am looking forward to being able to have a few more fish as well. Just want to make sure that everything is ready, before I set thing up and begin to cycle the tank. I have put more thought into this tank than any other I have set-up and want it to be as hassle free as possible.
     

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