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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/15/2008 12:45:17 AM
Posts: 5,
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Hello all!
I'm looking to set up a reef tank with a few fish down the road.
I have a 55 gallon tank with canopy and I would like to keep the canopy. Tank size is 48"L x 13" W 19" D. The canopy is pretty deep at close to 10". It is wood so I could screw the retrofit kit to the top. In my research I have decided to go with some T5 lights. I'm looking at 2 day and 2 lunar lights. (If that will be enough).
Since the canopy is exact 48" long I wouldn't be able to fit in 48" light set would I? Would 36" be enough? I'm not dead set on what corals I want to have yet. Looking at some Soft Corals, Mushrooms and Polyps, maybe some leathers.
I was thinking about getting two of these Giesemann
I'm not sure if that would be enough or too weak. If I can't keep the lighting costs under 300 I will probably go fish only. Thanks to all that can help me with this. The lighting options have me almost as confused on which protein skimmer I'm going to go with!  (edited link 5/13 argi)
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Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 12:15:17 PM
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| I am not sure what the actual length of the bulbs and endcaps are for the 48" bulbs. You may want to email Marine Depot (customercare@marinedepot.com) and they should be able to let you know how long they are. If they are too long, using the 36" bulbs will be fine. Just stagger them in the canopy for full coverage over the tank (I have done this with PC bulbs, before T5's were out). The Geisemann line is very good, actually all the T5 retro's MD carries IMO are very good. CurrentUSA, Geisemann, Sunlight Supply or IceCap, all are very good companies. HTH,
________________________________________________ Keith“I'm hitting the woods just great,
but I'm having a terrible time getting out of them.” - Harry Tofcano
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/1/2008 10:12:11 AM
Posts: 455,
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T5 pin to pin is 45.75 inches. Got a router? I routed one out for the old T8 s
90Overflow, wet dry, home made skimmer; self cleaning, w/800 rio. Two return pumps, one off at night. 384W PC. Reverse flow under/over gravel filter. Fish, LR, some corals. Aquarium has over head matching cabinet.
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Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 12:15:17 PM
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I also forgot to mention I would highly suggest adding a fan or two to the canopy. I personally like to have one fan blowing in and one fan blowing out to get a nice cross breeze over the bulbs.
________________________________________________Keith“I'm hitting the woods just great,
but I'm having a terrible time getting out of them.” - Harry Tofcano
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