4xt5s too much for 12 inch deep tank?

[bigfruits]

id like to start a 15 gal zoa tank. id like to use t5s but im wondering if 4 of the bulbs might be too much for zoas in a tank that measures 24x12x12. anyone have any experience with this?

 

[stevemc]

It shouldnt be a problem. I have seen shallow tanks with MH bulbs and everything was good. But it seems that many zoas dont like real intense light, so T-5 or even VHO bulbs would be fine.

 

[bigfruits]

id feel more comfortable using a 150 watt metal halide but i want to be able to change the color and not have to worry about heat.
im thinking 4 t5s with individual reflectors might be too much for some zoas at this depth. does anyone have a setup like this? using a tek or a comparable fixture?

 

[stevemc]

Seriously, 150 or so watts of HO florescent lighting will not be over powering too much at all. A MH bulb of the same could be though, as it is a point of light, where T-5 is spread around. And not as hot at one point. I have small tanks lit with this much and it is not over lit. Plus if you feel that it is too much you could lift it up some. But for a prop tank, you want it fairly close. Florescent lighting loses a lot of power at 12 inches of water. Some zoas do not like intense light and to be right near the light source, but what you are proposing is not too much at all. Good luck.

 

[Kaos]

I don't think it will be too much. If you look around there are allot of people that have zoo's w/ sps. I have a 175w mh pendant over my 10gal. w/ no issues. Before the mh I had a 96w pc quad. My zoo's did fine but since adding the mh they are coloring up much better (even had one kind change color's a little). YMMV.

 

[reefman23]

If you have a good 4x24 watt T5 setup over a 12" tall tank, you will need to acclimate carefully and shade some of the zoas/palys that prefer lower lighting.... i have bleached several pieces in my 20L even after slowly acclimating them. I keep my jokers in a bit of a shady area and they look great.

Jesse

 

[JGoslee]

I'm using a 4 - 24watt T5 icecap setup over my 20gal long frag tank. Just make sure you acclimate your zoa's and they'll be fine.

 

[bigfruits]

thanks for the input guys. i think i might just build a canopy and do 2 vhos and 2 t5s.

cheers
-z

 

[Peter Eichler]

I really think 4 bulbs would be overkill, people that haven't used T5s before just don't realize how bright they are and how easily they can bleach things. I would just do 2x24w T5s with good individual reflectors, it'll be plenty for any zoanthid you want to keep.

 

[sprite]

^^^ what he said

 

[fishes2889]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9951894#post9951894 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Peter Eichler
I really think 4 bulbs would be overkill, people that haven't used T5s before just don't realize how bright they are and how easily they can bleach things. I would just do 2x24w T5s with good individual reflectors, it'll be plenty for any zoanthid you want to keep.

Yes it would be enough light for zoa's but hey i have 4x54watts over a 33g. I get good growth and no beaching what-so-ever. I love the lights.

4 bulbs or 2 bulbs would be fine but i suggest going with the 4.

 

[raskal311]

We are using 4x54 watt in our 12”tall frag tanks and all of the zoos are doing great. But I do agree that’s a lot of light, too much for some of our sps in the same tank.