T5 retrofit

[systemfan15]

I plan on getting 2 of these
lights... http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/itemdetail.asp?itemid=LT-CV-T5RK2-4

It says it comes with a ballast, one actinic 54 watt and one daylight 54 watt bulb,
reflector, waterproof end caps, power cords, screws, nuts, and wires.

1. what is a ballast?
2. Lets just say I get a tank with a glass lid and thats it? will all
these parts be all I need for my lighting or are there other things i
need?
3. its a 54 watt bulb...it i got any other 54 watt bulb would it be the same about this one?
4. is there anything unique about this particular lighting fixture?
5. any recconmenadations on a lighting fixture for a 75 gal tank?

[dakar]

I'll take a stab a some of your questions;

1. "A ballast is an electrical device for starting and regulating fluorescent and discharge lamps."

It's the box that converts the supplied voltage from the wall (generally 110 or 220 volts) to much a mugh higher voltage to start and operate the bulbs. Not all ballasts will operate all bulb types, they can differ dramatically.

Added to the CR dictionary now, thanks.

2. You will likely need a canopy to house the lighting unless it's a complete enclosed fixture that can stand above the glass.

3. All bulbs will differ from one another, the lighting spectrum they pruduce can vary widely.

5. Depending on what you are planning to keep in your tank, you will likely find that <2 watts per gallon is only adequate for fish and a select few very low light demanding corals.

[systemfan15]

since its a double bulb, does that mean that i'll be getting 2(56*2) watts?
In other words 112 watts for each double bulb? Im not exactly sure though becuase one is a daylight bulb and one is something else...

[davejnz]

The links not working for me

[dakar]

Edited the link above, there were some extra characters on the end of it.

But here it is again.
http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/itemdetail.asp?itemid=LT-CV-T5RK2-4

[davejnz]

Thats a 2 bulb retro so yes you'll be gettin roughly 108w.I just got to try both the CV actinic and the CV 50/50 T5 bulbs today and am pleased with there color/intensity.
Being that its a retro,you'll have to install it in either a canopy that fits on the tank or hanging it from the ceiling is another option.It looks like with a little creativity,you could build some legs that would mount on the ends of the black ballast.The legs could be made to sit on the sides of the tank to support the fixture.