T5 HO Light Fixture

[monique27]

Would a 4 bulb T5 HO light fixture be enough for a 125 gallon reef aquarium or a 6 bulb?

What is the most suitable and affordable T5 High Output light fixture for a 125 gallon reef aquarium (dimensions: 60X18)?

 

[TimeConsumer]

I know a standard 125g is 72x18x23. Sounds like the dimensions of your tank are 60"x18"x28"?

The general rule of thumb for a reef is to have 6 bulbs over an 18" wide reef. Although it isn't necessary, my 75g is 18" wide and I have a 4 bulb unit. I can grow SPS and clams, just not very quickly.

Depending on how you aquascape you could either get the 60" or the 48" long fixtures. If you hang the light a little higher above the tank and keep your rocks and corals 6" from the sides of the tank you could get away with the 48" fixture.

The best fixture you could get would be an ATI Sunpower or Powermodule. These come in both 48" and 60" versions. A Tek Light will cost less, but won't put out as much light as an ATI. The Tek light is not available in a 60" version. No matter which fixture you choose, get some high quality bulbs like ATI for maximum effect.

 

[monique27]

I will look into the height of my tank it actually may not be a 125 gallons. I recently purchased the tank and will look into the ATI light fixture. Thank you for your informative response!

 

[monique27]

The measurement of my aquarium ended up being 60"x18"x24". You think I would be fine with a 48" long light fixture?

 

[TimeConsumer]

If you aquascape accordingly, yes a 48" fixture should work fine. It may need to be hung a couple of inches higher than normal to get a little extra spread to the sides. And an ATI fixture is known for throwing more light off the edges than a Tek.

You'll save a lot on shipping going with a 48", that's for sure.