Suggestion for T-5 lighting for 180

[mkbtank]

Any suggestions as to best fixture? Brand and or model?

Thanks very much.

[luke33]

Honestly if your looking to spend the least amount on a very nice t5 setup i'd go with an 6x60" or 8x60" Icecap retro. Build it in your canopy, you can keep anything anywhere with that.

[mkbtank]

Thanks. That sounds good. I thought that may be the case. 8X60' sounds best, as I want to have as many bulbs as possible

any specific resources that will show exactly how to make one. (Step by step) ??

[luke33]

If you search the DIY Forum u may find some threads.

[reefkeeperfrodo]

IMO use the 2x80w tek2 retros. run 6x80w, its only 3 retros with bulbs, its pretty cheap

[luke33]

Very true, that would work fine as well and it would be cheaper. The IC 60" are tek reflectors anyhow as IC doesn't make over a 48" reflector. SOme take two 36" ic reflectors and attach them together. The ballast is what makes the ic's so expensive, there very nice and overdrive the bulb's from 80w to 100w's. But Either way will work fine.

[mkbtank]

This is great. Thanks. any other suggestions, feel free.