Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

[Ranakalea]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

I just import this from china, doesn't has any name yet, I will use FishNeedIt as the brand name.and the length of the bulbs is 57".

Geoff here is a response I got from the ebay seller of the cheap T5 setup if you have not ask them anything yet. But as you said for the price you arent out much if they are just garbage.

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

Thank you very much for that.  I dont have an Ebay account, so thats a problem there.

I am almost thinking of doing a retrofit fixture.  I found a 60" retrokit with 2 bulbs for $199 that are using the German Giesemann Bulbs.

http://www.specialty-lights.com/960093.html

Then, I'll get Andy's (Fishland) builder, to build a small wooden fixture to put it into, and match the stain and trim of the stand.

Just an idea..

[Mzungu]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

When I linked that one, I wasn't exactly looking for the best priced one...just for an example. But, if I find something cheaper than $199 I'll post it. I think the retros are a great idea.

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

Do you know if the retro-fit kits need soldering, or is it all just strip and use crimps, wire nuts, or heatshrink?

[Mzungu]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

No idea! I've never done it before, and really don't know anything about it. I'm actually in the process of making my first canopy with my dad. But I'm sure someone here knows.

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

Most of the other 48" T5's are fan cooled. I probably need to get a fan too.

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

look here

http://www.petmeister.com/item2304.htm

[Delock]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

how deep  is the tank?

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

24" deep.

I contacted that Petmeister people, and they offered me a custom built 60" T5 fixture with (3) bulbs 1-10K, 1-6.5K, and 1- Blue Actinic.

Thats 240 Watts using 60" Bulbs.  It comes with the Workhorse Ballast and 5 year guarantee.

It also comes with aluminum fixture, and aluminum reflector.

I am getting pricing on it right now, for 3-Bulb and 4-Bulb.

See what they say..

[Ranakalea]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

Let us know what they say, I will be looking at lighting a 5 ft tank here in the future and would be interested in what they say...

[ddaquaria]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

look here

http://www.petmeister.com/item2304.htm

Here is my confusion...is it 3-36W or 3-96W?  Can they do better on the bulb mixture?  Maybe 1-10K+2-6.5K (i'm not sure the actinic would be useful) - (I'm not sure the 10K would be either  :?  )

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

I spoke with them, and it is 3-36 Watt Bulbs end to end.

Yes you can get any mix of bulbs from them at no cost extra.

The price on the 4-Bulb T5-HO was $399.00
The price on the 3-Bulb T5-HO was $379.00 only $20 less because still have to use another ballast.  The Ballast can power only 2 bulbs.  Each Ballast come with 5 year warranty which is top-notch.

So, I asked for a price on 2-T5-HO which would be 160W, and be twice the amount of wattage for a 48" Twin bulb (80W) which was what originally came in this tank when it was new.

I am still considering the 4-54W 48" T-5 Fixtures, and debating the 60" Powercomapcts from Odyssea, and Catalina the one from the previous link.

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

Ok... I got the pricing on the 2-Bulb fixture.

2-Bulb Catalina 160W 60" T5-HO - 5 year warranty - $199.00
The same fixture with a fan, if I want one added, is $239.00

3-Bulb 60" 108W Power Compact - 5 year warranty no fans - $152.00

4- Bulb Odyssea 60" 322W Power Compact - 1 year warranty - $149.00

4 - Bulb Current Usa Orbit 60" 260W Power Compact- 1 year warranty - $249.00

4- Bulb Nova Extreme 48" T5-HO 216W - 1 year warranty - $199.00

4- Bulb Marineland 48" T5-HO 216W - 1 year warranty - $212.00

4- Bulb Catalina 60" T5-HO 320W - 5 year warranty - $399.00

3- Bulb Catalina 60" T5-HO 240W - 5 year warranty - $379.00

(2) - 2-Bulb Odyssea 48" T5-HO 216W - USED - $70.00

2-Bulb Nova Extreme 48" T5-HO 108W - 1 year warranty - $98.00

2-Bulb Unknown Brand 60" T5-HO 160W - Warranty ?? - $60 Ebay.

Which would you pick?

[Mzungu]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

What are the reflectors like on the Catalina? If they're good ones, I'd pick the 2-Bulb Catalina 160W 60" T5-HO - 5 year warranty - $199.00.  With good reflectors and good bulbs, you'll get a ton of light and won't need any extra bulbs, IMO.

Very close to first choice: 4- Bulb Nova Extreme 48" T5-HO 216W - 1 year warranty - $199.00. I'm actually back and forth, they both seem like good choices.

[CichlidFan]

Re: Lighting for 60" x 18" with Tropheus Annectens

Could I get some advice?

I want to keep expenses down, but add better lighting to my tropheus tank. I am not overly concerned about the growing aspects of the lights due to the presence of new algae that is growing on my T.H.R. now. My aspirations are to achieve a better color spectrum of the fish when viewing them, but I do not want to "upset" them with some multi spectrum light that is overbearing.

In short, I would like to replace the two bulbs I have now in my two 36inch hoods with "color" bulbs. What bulbs would I want to look at?

Now, if there is an important reason why I do not want to do this please let me know, but from what I have read so far, it seems to be a matter of choice as most topics I have researched.

CF