T5 lighting

[k4ndyk1ng]

how many t5 tubes for a heavy sps reef?
thanks

 

[Froggy]

Depends on the size of the tank. Width and depth play a role. Generally 1 bulb for every 3" of tank width is recommended. So a 24" wide tank would use 8 bulbs, and 18" would need 6 etc.

The length of the bulbs is personal preference and depends on the fixture used. Many people use shorter length fixtures on a longer tank when using a high quality T5 fixture to allow some intensity dropoff on the ends for less light demanding corals.

Joe

 

[k4ndyk1ng]

Depends on the size of the tank. Width and depth play a role. Generally 1 bulb for every 3" of tank width is recommended. So a 24" wide tank would use 8 bulbs, and 18" would need 6 etc.

The length of the bulbs is personal preference and depends on the fixture used. Many people use shorter length fixtures on a longer tank when using a high quality T5 fixture to allow some intensity dropoff on the ends for less light demanding corals.

Joe

Ok thanks yer the tank is 12" wide so 4 tube, but would I still be better of getting a 6 tube fixture

 

[Froggy]

Ok thanks yer the tank is 12" wide so 4 tube, but would I still be better of getting a 6 tube fixture

A quality 4 bulb fixture with individual reflectors for each bulb will be fine. You could look at 6 bulb fixtures and see what the width of the fixture is. More bulbs would give you more color tailoring options but may also give you more light spill around the tank. More bulbs is really more for light spread than more intensity. The PAR under the bulbs is the same. Why light the floor instead of the tank IMO.

Joe

 

[k4ndyk1ng]

A quality 4 bulb fixture with individual reflectors for each bulb will be fine. You could look at 6 bulb fixtures and see what the width of the fixture is. More bulbs would give you more color tailoring options but may also give you more light spill around the tank. More bulbs is really more for light spread than more intensity. The PAR under the bulbs is the same. Why light the floor instead of the tank IMO.

Joe

ok thanks, the 6 tube fixture is 11" wide and the tank is 12" wide so if i get 4 tube fixture it will be 8" wide so less light spill,
ok thanks joe

 

[Froggy]

ok thanks, the 6 tube fixture is 11" wide and the tank is 12" wide so if i get 4 tube fixture it will be 8" wide so less light spill,
ok thanks joe

What fixture are you looking at? Some reflector designs focus the light more and some spread a bit more. With those dementions I would probably go ahead and get a 6 bulb unit. That way it will still be usable with a tank size upgrade also.

Joe

 

[dixiedog]

You don't need six tubes over a 12" wide tank. Waste of money.

 

[Froggy]

You don't need six tubes over a 12" wide tank. Waste of money.

You are probably right but.......So much more you can do as far as color mixing with 6 tubes and if there is an inkling of an tank upgrade in the future it is no longer a waste. 4 bulbs will work just fine though.

Joe