Another noob question

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TL1000RSquid

TL1000RSquid

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DIY T5HO you would need end caps(2 per bulb) ballast to handle the correct wattage of total bulbs, some wire like 18g to wire caps and ballast, power cord, reflectors(individual per bulb is best) Then something to mount it all onto a board and or canopy hood.

I think thats everything haven't done a DIY T5 before. They sell retrofit kits that include all the needed stuff but probably cheapest to buy components seperate.
 
greech

greech

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You don't need any light for fish and liverock so if that is all you want for now just stick a standard fluorescent fixture with 2 bulbs and decide what you want to do coral wise later. I really like my T5s and in that size tank you could grow a lot of LPS with a decent 2 bulb (especially a retrofit with nice reflectors, ballasts and bulbs). What you may have read was lots of hobbyist building LED fixtures.

http://www.rapidled.com/

+1 to Purigen.
 
TL1000RSquid

TL1000RSquid

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Need to be more specific when you say corals, generally hard corals need high lighting, softies less.


If you do want to grow stuff ASAP, but moneys a big issue right now maybe consider one of these
http://www.aquatraders.com/48-inch-3x54W-T5-Aquarium-Light-Digi-Timer-Fixture-p/52315.htm
http://www.aquatraders.com/48-inch-4x54W-T5-Aquarium-Light-Digi-Timer-Fixture-p/52325.htm
They're not the greatest units reflectors could be alot better and you'll want to replace the included bulbs ASAP but they will let you go beyond being FOWLR. It could hold you over until down the road when you have money for a decent unit. My first recommendation is to wait and be happy with FOWLR until you can swing a good unit.
 
TL1000RSquid

TL1000RSquid

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Frogspawn need medium preferably high light and a low flow. Wouldn't do it unless you have 3 or 4 T5ho's, MH, good LED's, or a combo.
 
greech

greech

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Can't really go by wpg. 1W LEDs can grow corals. Just depends on the application. Would be good for low light LPS and softies in a shallow tank (18" or less). Anything more and you will likely want to go with 3w LEDs. The quality of the drivers, whether or not you use optics and whether you have a dimmable systems will play in to what size and how many bulbs you will need to get what you want out them.
 
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