T5 advice

[bnmir]

I'm looking to light a 24wx18dx20tall tank with T5s.
Planning to keep some sps/clams. Does 6 x 24w sound right over that size? Am i better off going with retrofit so i can space the bulbs over 18"? Can anyone recommend a good retrofit kit(s) that aren't outrageously priced?

[yeldarbj]

I think you would be fine running anything from 4-6 bulbs. I'd recommend the IceCap retros - check AquariumSpecialty or ReefGeek.

Or you can mix and match to save some money. Get a 2 or 4 bulb IceCap and a 2 bulb Tek retro.

[bnmir]

I thought i read something about the icecap ballasts not being designed specifically for t5 or overdriving or something suggesting it was a poor choice.

[yeldarbj]

IceCap ballast work fine for T5's - definitely NOT a poor choice, but an excellent choice in my opinion. They do overdrive the bulbs - getting more light output.

Maybe someone else will chime in and/or check out the IceCap forum.

I run 5 bulbs on my 65g (24" high) tank and keep a clam happy on the bottom, and tons of sps all over. 3 x 36" on an IceCap 660, 2 x 24" on a Tek ballast -which I'm going to replace with an IceCap 430.