Recommend T5 setup for softies?

[SaltyMember]

Hi, I have a 65 gallon AGA 36x18x24 tank that I would like to set up for soft corals and polyps only. I would like to use T5 lighting for this tank primarily for the lower energy costs. I am considering the 4 x 39wt retrofit from Reefgeek. Does anyone have experience using T5s for their softy tanks? If so how is it working out? What combo of bulbs are you using or recommend?
thanks

 

[InLimbo87]

Also tagging along as I'm in the process of setting up a 65g AGA at the moment. Was planning on going with 4x39w T5's two actinic/ two daylight to keep softies and lps.

 

[adam82]

tagging along as well but setting up a 90g was considering 4,6, or 8 54w T5 fixture from reefgeek.com

 

[Dave VG]

I purchased a Nova Extreme HO T5 to top off my 90. I went this way for the same reasons as you SaltyMember, cost. It comes with 10,000k Daylight Bulbs, 460 NM Actinic Bulbs and Moon White Lunar Lights and a cooling fan. Upgraded from standard single light fluorescent light that came with the tank (was a FOWLR tank). There are four plugs, 1 each for the 10k, 1 for the Actinic’s 1 for the moons and one for the fan. I have them all on timers. I bought some zoas at a frag swap because of the awesome colors. These were raised under MH lights and under them at the meet. Of course they faded under my standard lighting. Bought the T-5s and about a week later they had a much richer color. Now they look like they did when I bought them. Hope this helps.

Dave

 

[onecrzyboi4u]

dave i have the same lighting.. can u explain the lighting schedule and what time u used?

 

[Dave VG]

I do a 12 hr sch. Actinics come on first along with the fan. 1 1/2 hrs later the daylights come on and for the last 1 1/2 hrs the Actinics only. The Actinics say through the whole lighting cycle. Then the moons come on.

Dave

 

[onecrzyboi4u]

How did you manage to get ur antinics to come on.. i was told.. to place my lighting like this.. which i have had very good results

antinicis
daylight
daylight
antinicis

 

[Dave VG]

Seperate timers for all, daylights, Actinics and moons. Actinics should stay on through whole 12hr lighting cycle.

dave

 

[onecrzyboi4u]

So i should have my lights.. antinicis, daylight, antinicis, daylight?

 

[Dave VG]

Antinicis turn on first.
1 ½ hrs later the daylights come on, antinicis stay on at this point.
10 ½ hrs later the daylights turn off.
1 ½ hrs after that the antinicis turn off and the moons come on.

 

[onecrzyboi4u]

hmm guess i'll have to move some bulbs around..