T5HO reflectors/holders

[jestes]

I'm considering upgrading the lighting on one of my 55 gallon planted tanks from 2X54 to 4X54 T5HO. I need some help finding the parts though. It's currently a wooden hood that the previous owner mounted two reflectors/holders in. It works well, but there's some plants I'd like to try that need a little more light than that. There's not quite enough room to mount the extra two single bulb reflectors/sockets, so I'm looking for a 4 bulb reflector and a 4 bulb socket set. Since I already have a working two bulb set, I'd like to reuse what I have to save a little money. Plus, I like the idea of being able to switch off half of the lights if I need to. I'm already planning to use one socket for an actinic bulb to bring me to 3wpg instead of 4. So, does anyone know of a place where I can find the reflector/holder? I found a few retrofit kits online, but they're more expensive than an additional 2 bulb complete set....

Thanks!

 

[thincat]

It's all about quality. You could just get a different ballast and run all 4 bulbs off of it. I dont think I have seen 4 reflector type on DIY kits. Normally putting single reflectors is an upgrade because they reflect more light.

 

[mr_X]

IceCap 48 Inch T5HO Retrofit-Kit (T5 Bulbs Not Included)

 

[BigJim]

A local LFS by me carries Hagen AquaGLO (?) T5HO retrofit components. They were a little cheaper than the complete fixture.

 

[mr_X]

It's all about quality.

that says it all.

 

[pat8you]

This site has nice retro kits as well is a break down of all the parts. Should be able to find what you are looking for there and at a reasonable price usually.

Retrofit Systems - T5 HO Retrofit Kits

 

[cabezon]

I have seen PAR charts, using single reflectors with center ridges makes significantly more usable light.