how many t-5's for a 75 gallon

[pondy]

I was just wondering how many t-5's I could fit under my 75 gallon standard hood. Its a canope and its just as wide and long as the tank. I want 48 inch t-5's. What do you all think?

 

[sly]

You could probably get 6 or 8 of them under there. Are you wanting to build your own light set or buy one premade?

 

[pondy]

I am wanting to get a few retro fits, but I am trying to decide to use t-5's or halides. I have heard that by having 5-6, t-5's Is like having a metal halide, or it puts out the same amount of light. Is this true?

 

[sly]

Yes, I have heard that also. They last longer than halides and are cheaper. Some people just like the shimmering look of halides while others prefer the even light that t-5's offer.

 

[chilwil84]

most kits have either 2 or 2 1/2 inch reflectors tek i belive are 2" reflectors and icecap are 2.5 so 6 or 8 is right remember to put fans on one end and an opening on the other to allow for air flow and heat disapation heat lowers t5 output a lot

 

[pondy]

I am planing on putting 6 in the tank and maybe later I will add another just for kicks and giggles and to say that I have 8 of them or so in my canope, I am going to have a open back on the canope. How high should I put lights from the water? ALso should I put a piece of glass to keep water off of the lights?

 

[sly]

I placed my lights as far up as possible in my canopy so that it would minimize any salt splash on the lights. I do not recommend a glass cover on the tank. They etch over time which greatly reduces the amount of light that can pass through and they hold in a lot of heat. With 8 bulbs you tank will probably overheat unless you get a chiller (if you cover it with glass).
I took a piece of eggcrate material that I got from Lowe's and used that as my cover. It keeps the fish from jumping out and it lets in all the light. Aim your powerheads so that they do not disturb the surface a whole lot... any splashing will get onto your lights and could cause rust problems.