First Time Looking at T5's

[dbozman]

Hello All,

I'm coming from the Halide world, and am new to the T5 world. Getting ready to set up my first large tank (currently have just a 24g cube).

Here's what Are watts the same for every kind of light? In other words, is a 400w MH the same as 400w T5 (assuming ballasts and bulb quality are similar)? If so, for a Tek 5, 8 x 54w setup work well for a 90 gallon with a mostly softs, but also some sps, lps, and a clam?

There's so much information out there that first looking at this thread can be intimidating. If someone could point me in the direction of where to get started in understanding T5 lighting, that would be great!

Thanks in advance!

 

[bristle]

8 bulbs just might bleach out your soft corals. Hard corals too. I have 6x54W on my 75 gallon and I'm somewhat bleaching a lot, but some SPS are growing like weeds.

I'd recommend 6 bulbs for the 90 gallon for the 24" depth.

 

[divewsharks]

watts as a measure of power usage are going to the same, but watts as a measure of a lights performance are not.
i'd agree with Bristly a quality 6x54w (with good bulbs) will give you want you need. if going with the Tek, just keep your SPS middle and higher (depending on their individual lighting requirements) same for the clam. The LPS and softies you should be able to keep anywhere in the tank.
I'd also recommend adding a small fan to blow over the endcaps of the Tek fixture, it will increase bulb performance.

 

[Harry_Fish]

I run six 4 foot T5 Bulbs over a 180.

Tank is mostly softies and SPS + an anemone.

Everyone is happy and healthy