How many T5 bulbs for my application?

[Fmellish]

I'm going to try T5s with my new 90 gallon. I've never used them before.

The tank is 36" wide, so I'll be getting 36" fixtures and bulbs.

The tank is 24" front to back and 24" tall.

How many 39W fixtures/bulbs do I need for SPS?


I see Sunlight suply makes their fixtures with 2, 4, and 6 bulbs.

It would be cheaper to get the 4 bulb solution.

So can I go witha 4 bulb setup, (39w each). Or do I require the 6 bulb solution for a tank that it 24" front to back?

Thanks
Josh

 

[818]

Get the 54w'ers for a 24inch tall tank.

So is your tank 24 inches wide or 36 inches wide? front to back= wide.

Sam

 

[Fmellish]

24 front to back and 24 tall.


36 wide (left to right).

I didn't see 54 watts in 36". For 36" long I only saw 39W bulbs.

Wattage aside, how may do I need? Is 4 enough?

Thanks
Josh

 

[818]

Hmm I'll let the T5 masters talk about this one. My tank is 60''L.

The one I was going to get was 80wx6 TEK.

Well 39wx6 bulbs=234w

We both have tall tanks but I dont know how to convert it to your dimension size tank.

 

[Fmellish]

Thanks

I was afraid I would probably end up needing 6 bulbs.

Josh

 

[SBJim]

Josh you are correct. 26" HO bulbs are 39w. I'd suck it up and get 6.

 

[Fmellish]

Thanks. I'll got for 6. I wouldn't want to underlight my tank

Josh

 

[Mchava]

go with the 6bulb set up or if you want to do a canopy go with 8bulbs. but I think the 6 will be enogh just make sure you play with the bulb setup. Most recommend a 1:1 ratio on the bubls for every blue+ get one aquablue(11k)

 

[rockindacheeks]

if you are doing 6 39 watters i would go with 4 aquablue+ (11,000K) and 2 pure actinic

 

[Fmellish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8037656#post8037656 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rockindacheeks
if you are doing 6 39 watters i would go with 4 aquablue+ (11,000K) and 2 pure actinic

Thank you very much rockindacheeks. This was going to be my next question.

I want as clear/white of light as I can get, like Hamilton 14K MHs. WITH THE OPTION to turn on actinics when showing off the tank.

I hate orange, and I hate blue. I really like the clear white light of 14K MH. What T5 combo would simulate 14K MH bulbs? And then I'll just add a few actinics that I can turn on and off for fun to show friends the flourescent properties of some of the corals.

Does the config you recommended above jive well with my requirements?

Thanks
Josh

 

[mmoore0803]

Josh check out this thread

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=878433&highlight=t5+q

I think about page 22 another guy is asking about the 39w t5s.

Talk to The Grim Reefer here on RC...guy knows his stuff

 

[ub32965]

For bulb choice I would go with 4 aquablue plus and 2 atinic plus, it will produce more par then 4 aquablue plus with 2 pure atinic.

 

[NALCOMIS]

[/IMG]

I have 6x54 3 true blue 03, 2 10k and 1 true actinic. very bright and balanced look. you can even ditch the actinic and replaced with a true blue for a little better look.

sam

 

[Fmellish]

Thanks Sam.

Rather than the blue tint you have in your tank, I prefer the whiter light like from these pics from my main tank.

What combo of T5 lights would I need to achieve this lighting? With the option to flip a switch and turn on some actinic love for those special occasions?

Thanks
JOsh

 

[ub32965]

For a white look go with this 2 aquablue plus, 1 midday and 2 atinic plus. In this order:

aquablue plus
atinic
midday
atinic
aquablue plus

 

[Fmellish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8039000#post8039000 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ub32965
For a white look go with this 2 aquablue plus, 1 midday and 2 atinic plus. In this order:

aquablue plus
atinic
midday
atinic
aquablue plus

AWESOME, thanks. Now what do I put in the 6th socket?

And does this give me the ability to have the whiteish lighting, but then turn on the actinics for fun, but leave them off most of the time?

Or do I achiece actinic love by virtue of turning the white ones off?

Thanks
Josh

 

[ub32965]

If you want atinic for dawn to dusk affect go this route:

atinic plus
aqua blue plus
midday
aquablue plus
aquablue plus
atinic plus

 

[Mchava]

here this is a picture of mytank that is 6 t5 as followed 2quablue,3blue+ and 1 SA (uri)

 

[mikedege]

You may want to play with bulb placement. I place my midday 2nd from the front, i prefer this look better. Its all personal preference. Keep in mind, bulb placement with T5's make all the difference in the world. Sometimes you have to experiment to get the look you prefer.

good luck,
Mike

 

[ever818]

has anybody try the ice-cap's T5s' i want to put 6 60" 80w on my 100 gal tank w/ 2 660 ice-cap ballast n the SLS reflectors.

my tank is 60x18x24