[blankminded]

I've decided to get back into darts! I bought a 135 gallon tank from a friend of mine that came with 5 green legged Bicolor's. I wanna redo the whole tank. The tank used to be for saltwater and they kept all the lighting for it. The tank holds 6 58inch 80 watt t5HO's. I would like to change them over the 6700k's as right now it has half 10k and half actinic. My problem is I can't find these bulbs anywhere! I've searched all over the net and keep coming up empty handed.

 

[Pumilo]

Yes, those are some rare bulbs there. You could try this. http://www.aquariumplants.com/Aqua_Medic_Aqualine_T5_Plant_Grow_80W_p/am88733.htm It doesn't state the K rating but is designed for plant growth.
TEK, by Sunlight Supply used to sell 5 foot, 80 watt, T5 fixtures but they don't stock bulbs anymore.
I think these are going to be expensive and harder and harder to find. Honestly, you may want to consider a different fixture. Maybe just a 4 footer and the ends could be a little shaded. Or a 4 footer supplemented with LEDs?

 

[chillplants]

I have the same fixture for one of my tanks. I get bulbs from Catalina Aquarium. T5 Fluorescent - Catalina Aquarium

 

[blankminded]

After looking things over on this light set up I've come up with a few questions. As I said before it was used for salt water so it has 6 58 inch 80watt T5HO's in it. My question is would I be able to shorten every other opposite side by 10 inches so I could use 48 inch t5HO's and not change the 2 ballast? That way i would still light the entire tank but cut the heat, wattage, and cost in half. What are your guys thoughts on this?

 

[Pumilo]

That's a lot of light for a viv. I would think that you could do that AND still eliminate 2 of the bulbs if you have good reflectors.

 

[Rhesus Feist]

Electrical engineering is not my strong suit, but I think the ballasts might overdrive 48" bulbs. You may be able to get away with it, or you might cause some spectacular bulb failures. Might want to see if you can find the MFG specs for the ballasts you're running.

 

[Pumilo]

Yes, it depends on the ballasts. Most of the Fulham workhorse series can easily be reconfigured.