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sohal1025
10/05/2008, 12:19 PM
I currently run 6x t-5s over a 90 gal. and want to take out two t-5s and put in 2x250watt MH retro mounted on the canopy.

Do I need alot of room from the bulbs to the water surface, I think there is about 6 or 7 inches.

Ehaze
10/05/2008, 12:21 PM
6-7 should be fine, There was a post not too long ago, about people mounting their light above their tank,

quite a few had them 3".

sohal1025
10/05/2008, 12:44 PM
I was also worried that the lights would transfer alot of heat to the water...

kgross
10/05/2008, 06:24 PM
At that distance you will get some heat into the water, but it should not be to bad. Are you planning on mogal based or DE bulb. The problem is the reflector a good reflector makes a lot of difference in the amount of light hitting the water. If you go with DE even a cheap pendant has an OK reflector, while with mogal based, the normal batwing type reflector is not great and takes up quite a bit of room.

Kim

sohal1025
10/06/2008, 08:00 PM
I dont know much on the MH's just learning, but thanks for the info. Not sure what one I would go with.

Any suggestions anyone???????

RonMidtownStomp
10/07/2008, 02:22 AM
You might be best off finding a really good deal on a used complete fixture with bulbs and ballasts. I just bought a 48" dual 250W double ended MH + dual VHO complete fixture for $300 with ballasts, bulbs, everything. If you could find a similar deal and sell what you have, it might be much better than trying to modify what you have. Worth considering.