Lighting Question - Retrofit???

[Hoolio521]

Hello I came across this light fixture online that said it was a retrofit kit ... does anyone know what that means?

I have a 46 gallon bowfront and have fish and live rocks and plan on getting soft corals, maybe polyps, and other reef items down the road. Right now i have the t5 series with 2 x 21 watt bulbs. i know i need more. I didn't want to just get rid of the t5 one since i bought it so i was thinking i could either buy an additional single 96 watt power compact or a double 96 watt. waht do you guys think?

 

[Hoolio521]

and by didnt want to get rid of the t-5 series one (2 x 21 Watt) i meant i will keep that on the tank too. so i would have 42 watts plus whatever new fixture i end up buying

either the 96 watt
or the 2 x 96 watt

 

[mandown123]

arent the t5s you have too short for the tank?

Retrofit means it is the inner parts without the actual fixture. This is if you would be mounting it into a custom hood or something.

You can go with 4 t5s or more and make sure they are as big as the dimensions of your tank for maximum effectivness / ease of fit, looks.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

What are you keeping? Choice of light base on the inhabitant's requirement for growth and good look

 

[Hoolio521]

Would the retrofit work if i just placed it on top of my glass top and plugged it in? And the t5 are 36 inches so they fit fine. I have an acan right now and plan on getting more types of corals down the road. should i go with the 2 x 21 watt t5 and 1 or 2 96 watt PC? just debating the 1 and 2 of the PC 96 watt

 

[dacaptain78]

Would the retrofit work if i just placed it on top of my glass top and plugged it in?

No, this would not work. You should decide what type of animals you plan to keep in your aquarium and provide the necessary lighting for them to survive and thrive. You should also do more research on the pro's and con's of the various types of lighting available.

 

[jrobbins]

You should decide what type of animals you plan to keep in your aquarium and provide the necessary lighting for them to survive and thrive. You should also do more research on the pro's and con's of the various types of lighting available.

:iamwithst don't forget flow too.

 

[MO~IDOL]

Would the retrofit work if i just placed it on top of my glass top and plugged it in? And the t5 are 36 inches so they fit fine. I have an acan right now and plan on getting more types of corals down the road. should i go with the 2 x 21 watt t5 and 1 or 2 96 watt PC? just debating the 1 and 2 of the PC 96 watt

dont do it it'll crack the glass top!!! i know it happened to someone(u know who you are) hehe:tongue1:

I would add at least 2x36" T5s if it can fit plus T5 has more bulbs available, pc r limited.