New Aquaticlife T5 48"

[eclecticTravel]

I have just setup my new 55 gallon reef tank with a 4x54 aquaticlife t5. What type of corals can I keep and what type of corals will not receive enough light from my setup? I am window shopping at the lfs until my tank is finished cycling.

 

[PharmrJohn]

Well, a few questions first. Does this fixture have individual reflectors and what brand of bulbs are you using? And are they 2x true actinic, 2x 10000K or 12000K??

The brand of bulb that you get can make a big difference. If you do not have individual reflectors and want more output per bulb, UVL just came out with a bulb with an internal reflector. So not only do you get a great quality bulb, but something else (the added reflective capabilities) if needed.

 

[PRDubois]

Get the right bulbs and you can have anything you want.

 

[eclecticTravel]

Right now I am just running the stock bulbs that came with the unit. It does come with individual reflectors and the two outside reflectors are positioned so the light is directed into tank instead of the floor of the room. What bulbs are best to get? I like the glowing effect on corals and fish but I do not want the tank to look too blue.

 

[Michael]

vertually all corals can be kept under t5 lighting with individual reflectors,go for 2 reef whites and 2 reef blues rather than actinics imo, thats what i have and my corals are growing very well, the other thing id do if your unsure is pop onto the filteration and llighting forum and ask the grim reefer, theres nothing about t5s he doesnt know and will give you the best advice, no problem there