t5 and LED's anything else i forgot

**vishy100** · 5th Sep 2005, 17:54

Hey,
I'm upgrading my lights on my 4x2x2 with pressurised co2 and pH controller at preent I am running 7 x 40w standard 4ft t8 flouros and that has just hit the mark. I was planning on getting 6 x HOt5's with a auqz parabolic reflector each ( http://www.aquaz.org/light_T5_reflector.htm ). I want to be able to grow anything and am well aqare how to dose with the estimative index. I would also like to put some LED's into my hood and I was wondering if someone may explain to me how many i would need, what types to use and how i should do it.(I found an excellentg post somewhere but as usual i can't find it anymore). So how does this sound?
Thanks
Matt

**vinz** · 5th Sep 2005, 18:16

Just my personal opinion, after reading, but no practical experience.... you can go down to just 4x54W T5s with those reflectors and still grow anything.

Anyway, for tanks that size, 2WPG is enough. You don't need to hit 3WPG.

What are the LEDs for? Night viewing?

**ranmasatome** · 5th Sep 2005, 19:40

Agree with Vinz.. cut those lights donw to 4 tubes.. that should give you about 216 watts over your 4 ft. i dont know what it is about t5s but it seems like with the right relfectors you really dont need too many of them.. if you go 6..you'll realise that you wont ever be switching on the last 2 tubes... just something i heard from a friend of mine. hth..

**vishy100** · 5th Sep 2005, 19:56

Oh cmon guys let me have some fun I have already been cut down from 8 tubes and with 4 I wont have that much spread as they are going in a hood and the reflectors arent very wide. I can always just switch the 5th and 6th light on for just a few hours. Yes the LED's will be for night viewing in case I can't sleep or get some interesting plecs

,
Thanks
Matt

**ranmasatome** · 5th Sep 2005, 20:35

well.. its your money..

**vishy100** · 5th Sep 2005, 20:37

Mmmm yes but I also need some opinions on LED's anyone know how many I should use and are there any good colour combos or is it just trial and error?
Thanks
Matt