thinking of switching to T5`s...but how many?

I am looking at doing t5's as well. Sure would like to do the LED thing you posted a link to, but the upfront cost is a little crazy LOL. If you do end up going with the t5's let me know what configuration worked for you

 

Simple answer 8!
I have been able to keep anything I want under my 8 t5's, I like the idea of mixing and matching the bulbs to get the look I want.  I have been thinking of changing to MH but after moving to my 120 and getting my fixture set up the way I wan it looks great.  I seem to keep color in everything just have to have the right placement.  I get comments on my green slimer and green cap, they look very green and have very good polyp extension.  My pink birdsnest is still pink but not quite as pink (close) as Joels (the main colony it came from).  t5's have been working for me!  I have my bulbs set on a 3-4 month replacement, I alternate the bulbs two at a time so I am not spending money on 8 bulbs at once.

 

Posted By snowman82 on 06/25/2009 04:06 PM
wow your bulbs get little use dont they arn't they good for a year
They are good for 12 to 18 months - I just have them set up on a 2 bulb at a time changing cycle to keep the costs spread out over the year or so.

 

I was looking for some inexpensive T5 fixtures to put over the new frag tank I'm building and I came across these new fixtures @ marine depot.com:
Aquatic Life T5HO Fixtures
This is only a 2 lamp unit, but the nice thing is they can be attached together to form a single fixture.
This seems like a pretty flexible solution.
I plan to get a couple of these for my new frag tank and perhaps add a 3rd at some point.
-JB

 

I just bought 10, yes 10 (5 10k and 5 actinic) Current 24" t5 single bulb linkable fixtures for my sump off ebay all for $30, looks like they are going to work great, I have a little plumbing to redo but great solution for sump lighting.

 

i think 6 would be fine 8 would be better you would need another ballast go another icecap 660 for 8 or a 440 for 6 i think youll have to use icecap reflectors as there the smallest unless thats changed.the icecaps will over drive the t5 put fans on the end caps and one exhaust fan.i think you should go with t5 for 2 reasons less heat bulbs are cheaper.just my 2 cents

 

i think there would be no problem with that set up the reason i suggested single refelectors is youll get better light penetration.just make sure you have fans on the end caps.