Looking to add DIY T5 Supplemental Lighting

[veni vidi vici]

The title says it all,I would like to hear your recommendations.I currently have 3-250w 20k MH and i want to add T5 10k supplemental.
I know it sounds ass backwards but i have 3 new MH lamps im not going to just toss.I would like to see better growth in my tank and when its time to change out my MH lamps i can rearrange my configuration.
My Tank is a 72" 125 gal and this is what i was thinking for equipment.
2-60" PowerChrome, Midday T5 Lamps by Giesemann powered by either a IceCap 660 Electronic VHO Ballast or IceCap 430 Electronic VHO Ballast.
Whats your thoughts.
TIA

 

[saltycrab]

Originally Posted by Veni Vidi Vici
http:///forum/post/2741004
The title says it all,I would like to hear your recommendations.I currently have 3-250w 20k MH and i want to add T5 10k supplemental.
I know it sounds ass backwards but i have 3 new MH lamps im not going to just toss.I would like to see better growth in my tank and when its time to change out my MH lamps i can rearrange my configuration.
My Tank is a 72" 125 gal and this is what i was thinking for equipment.
2-60" PowerChrome, Midday T5 Lamps by Giesemann powered by either a IceCap 660 Electronic VHO Ballast or IceCap 430 Electronic VHO Ballast.
Whats your thoughts.
TIA
I would look into 6500K sup. With 20k MHs I dont even think that 6500Ks would look yellow. They supposedly have better growth rates than 10000k and cost significantly less for the bulbs. I would PM the GrimReefer on -- though. He knows his T5s better than anyone else.

 

[reefraff]

Any chance you can make due with 48" T5's? You get a lot more intensity out of those overdriven than you do the 60" lamps plus you can get better reflectors for the shorter lamps. Even using 36" lamps side by side would be good. With the shorter lamps you also have a better selection of lamps available.

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by reefraff
http:///forum/post/2741198
Any chance you can make due with 48" T5's? You get a lot more intensity out of those overdriven than you do the 60" lamps plus you can get better reflectors for the shorter lamps. Even using 36" lamps side by side would be good. With the shorter lamps you also have a better selection of lamps available.
That wouldn't be a problem.I was considering 36" bulb side by side , but i figured less connections = less chance for for malfunctions,and less work installing.
Thanx for the input.

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by SaltyCrab
http:///forum/post/2741011
I would look into 6500K sup. With 20k MHs I dont even think that 6500Ks would look yellow. They supposedly have better growth rates than 10000k and cost significantly less for the bulbs. I would PM the GrimReefer on -- though. He knows his T5s better than anyone else.
Ill look into thais SaltyCrab,I thhought 65k was better for growing algea than SPS though.I will definately look into it though .
Thanx

 

[reefraff]

GE 6500K daylights are nearly 10 bucks less than the other lamps. The UVL Aquasun and Giesemann Middays are both good too.