how much light for a t-5 set up

[Redbellyjx]

Hey guys

im setting up a 65 gallon tank for sea horses and pipefish. the only corals im going to have are mostly softies and gorgonias and macro algae.

however, i want to make sur ethat i have enough light to grow most LPS corals if i change my mind.

can i get away with a 2 bulb fixture with individual reflectors? the salt guys at my LFS seem to think so but im doubting them.

 

[SimilanRocks]

Depending on what kind of bulb you will use. You will need at lease 1 daylight bulb to grow macro algae. The other one can be blue+ that gives more PAR than actinic, and still help yellow washed out from daylight bulb.

I personally would do 4 for 65g. So I can put more actinics to get better overall look. You can check out the T5 thread here.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1214393

 

[MetalReef9]

Go for 4: 2 actinics and 2 12k's. Looks great!

 

[kookerson]

I currently have only 2 T5s over my 75 with the IRs......even though I am able to keep my corals happy, I havent seen very much growth....waiting for my next vacation check to get the next retro! : )