Wow! That is a nice fixture.https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=55_90&products_id=599 is one 72" T5 fixture. I haven't even seen one of these, but it shows that they do exist.
How does he mount the 2 fixtures? I have no canopy or glass tops.You'll have a much easier time using two 36" fixtures to do the work. A friend of mine in my club has two 6 x 39 watt Tek T5 fixtures over his 180 gallon tank. Honestly though he only ever runs 4 of the bulbs so you could easily get away with two 4 x 39 watt Tek T5 fixtures. The 36" fixtures have a much wider selection of bulbs.
I also highly recommend the Giesseman Midday 6,000k bulbs. They have a really nice color to them and they last a good long while.
I recommend www.seedsetc.com. Don't pay retail though, he'll haggle price with you a little bit.
He's hung them from the ceiling. You can also build a DIY hanging fixture that attaches to the back of the stand made out of 1/2" or 3/4" EMT electrical conduit.How does he mount the 2 fixtures? I have no canopy or glass tops.
The T5 lamps in question will last 2 years before needing to be replaced. MH bulbs really aren't much cheaper and do need to be replaced every year.With this size of a tank I would go with mh lights. The compact fluorescent will cost you a fortune to replace every year. The metal halide is a bigger initial cost but the yearly is a lot less to keep up.
I think I will go with 2- 4 x39 watt Tek T-5 fixture. Would you go with all Giesseman Midday 6,000k bulbs, or mix the 8 bulbs? How close to the tank top should this unit be hung? Will these two fixtures over a 180 gal tank be able to grow most any plants? Thanks for the help! LarryYou'll have a much easier time using two 36" fixtures to do the work. A friend of mine in my club has two 6 x 39 watt Tek T5 fixtures over his 180 gallon tank. Honestly though he only ever runs 4 of the bulbs so you could easily get away with two 4 x 39 watt Tek T5 fixtures. The 36" fixtures have a much wider selection of bulbs.
I also highly recommend the Giesseman Midday 6,000k bulbs. They have a really nice color to them and they last a good long while.
I recommend www.seedsetc.com. Don't pay retail though, he'll haggle price with you a little bit.
Yes, I would use all Giesseman Midday bulbs. I use them on all three of my setups and they give a very natural color, not yellow like other daylight bulbs.I think I will go with 2- 4 x39 watt Tek T-5 fixture. Would you go with all Giesseman Midday 6,000k bulbs, or mix the 8 bulbs? How close to the tank top should this unit be hung? Will these two fixtures over a 180 gal tank be able to grow most any plants? Thanks for the help! Larry