T5 Lighting for a Standard 120???

[HOBrien]

As the title states I am just trying to get some input on to getting a 36" or 48" light fixture for my tank. It will either be 6 or 8 bulbs.

I am going to want to keep SPS, LPS, and a few softies.

 

[HOBrien]

Since there was no input but views I decided to add a poll. I will most likely be ordering tonight.

 

[Mr. Right]

An ATI 36x6 bulb would do fine.

 

[HOBrien]

An ATI 36x6 bulb would do fine.

So pretty much as long as it has 6 bulbs and has individual reflectors????

 

[HOBrien]

Also what bulb combo would yall suggest either in the 6 bulb or the 8 bulb...

 

[milkman55]

I have the 8 bulb TEK fixture with 4 ATI Blue Plus, 2 Aqua Blue Special, and 2 Actinic White.

I have never heard of a 36" T-5 fixure on a 48" tank. I have my fixture on tank mounts and it sits about 4" over the water. I would definitely have dead spots if there was no light over the last 6" on each end.

You can do that with MH, but I would not think it would work for T5.

 

[HOBrien]

I have the 8 bulb TEK fixture with 4 ATI Blue Plus, 2 Aqua Blue Special, and 2 Actinic White.

I have never heard of a 36" T-5 fixure on a 48" tank. I have my fixture on tank mounts and it sits about 4" over the water. I would definitely have dead spots if there was no light over the last 6" on each end.

You can do that with MH, but I would not think it would work for T5.

They way they do it with a 36" fixture is only if it is hung above the tank and that would provide the ability for full coverage.

 

[HOBrien]

what do yall think of this light fixture?

http://www.aquacave.com/sun-blaze-t-5-48-lightbr-fixture-8-x-54w-lampsbr-by-sunlight-supply-699.html

 

[HOBrien]

or this one?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...ild=AQ1885&tab=2&style=8x54 Watt&size=48 Inch

 

[Fishamatank]

I went with 7 48" bulbs with Ice Cap ballasts retrofitted in a canopy. I would do 6 48" bulbs.

 

[HOBrien]

I went with 7 48" bulbs with Ice Cap ballasts retrofitted in a canopy. I would do 6 48" bulbs.

And that will be able to handle any light needs of SPS corals?

 

[Fishamatank]

I have actually had to cut back my photoperiod because of bleaching. I don't have a ton of SPS, but I have a few acro's 18" from the lights that were getting burned (admittedly with too long of a photoperiod). Anyway, it's a TON of light.

 

[Slim_jim989]

I have a tek 8x54w and i love it great coverage and i can keep almost anything anywhere. heres my combo
ATI Blue +
Aquablue special
KZ fiji purple
2 ATI Blue +
KZ fiji purple
aquable special
ati blue +

 

[Johnny C]

If you want to maintain Soft Corals & LPS without bleaching, go with a six-bulb (i.e. Tek). I speak from experience...

 

[HOBrien]

Thank you all. I went with a 48" 6bulb fixture.