T5 setup for 180gal mixed reef

[andy51632]

Tank will be 72L x 24w x 24h. It will have to retro because it will go into a canopy. Would like to keep a mixed reef setup with a few SPS, maybe a clam, and a bulb anemone.

Are icecap retros with slr reflectors the best?
Do I use the vho t5 bulbs or are the standard okay?
How many would you recommend?
How far off the water do I put them?
Would 2 fans blowing in from one side and 2 fans from the other be okay to cool them?

[Primetime33]

Are icecap retros with slr reflectors the best? In my opinion, yes
Do I use the vho t5 bulbs or are the standard okay? VHO for the SPS
How many would you recommend? 6-8 bulbs
How far off the water do I put them? 5"
Would 2 fans blowing in from one side and 2 fans from the other be okay to cool them? yes.

[andy51632]

Do I use 16x36" retros or do they make a 72" retro because I can't seem to find a 72" retro?

[moprint]

You would have to use 36" retros. They don't make a 72" t-5 ho bulb.

[twon8]

i use the 5' bulbs, much less expensive both initially and when you have to replace the bulbs. you can stagger them to make up for this. you don't have to use the vho bulbs, the ho woiuld be fine.

and yes the icecap slr's are the best, but because you need to order 2x36" reflectors to make up the one 60" it ends up costing you twice as much as a tek2 would. whether it's twice as good is certainly open to debate.