WTB T5 light fixture brand and bulb

[bobkill]

Why hello everyone - as the title is implies I am going to up grade on my lighting - I want a fixture (not retro kit)with 4 to 6 t5 and led built in

I am basically down to Aquaticlife 4 bulb maybe 6 bulb vs Fennix

Basically I am worried that the 6 bulb would be to wide ( fixture 13.9 in and top of tank is 13 in , I think the legs bend in) - I have a 55 g so it would be the 48 in- so if I use the legs that comes with it I am worried it will blast the living room light so that brings me back to the 4 bulb -Also I can't find high how up it will be on the stand and I have a hang on refg and empower 400 filter that stands up 3 inch so will the legs make the fixture tall enough to fit over? http://www.aquacave.com/aquatic-life-48-4-lampbr-4-x-54w-t5-ho-light-brfixture-3310.html
http://www.aquacave.com/aquatic-life-48-6-lampbr-6-x-54w-t5-ho-light-brfixture-3315.html
Vrs Finnex 4 bulb with 21 led but it has 3 power cords :/ http://www.aquacave.com/finnex-48-ledt5-combo-br-aluminum-light-fixturebr-4-x-t5--21-x-led-2552.html
I pretty sure I have the positives on it - 1 power cord and a programable light controller and 4 led
Vrs

 

[lauremf2002]

I really dont think you need 6 bulbs over a 55g. Im afraid the heat would be horrendous and you would fry everything in it. I have a 90g and it only has 4 t5 bulbs over it. Its been more than enough light for my sps. I really cant say which brand is better as I have never used either.

 

[bobkill]

The 6 bulb would safe me from buying a new fixture when I upgrade to a 150 next summer - but yeah I feel you on the heat 'it says' cool to touch butttt idk - hoping someone knew what's up between the brands! But thanks for your input it's exciting to pick equipment

 

[bobkill]

And I have been reading that 7-10 w/g is the best for sps - with that 6 bulb I would be 6.3 or so ! Any thoughts?

 

[cody6766]

Watts per gallon is pretty much out the window in this world. You can burn LEDs over the tank and have more than enough light with a very low WPG ratio. On the other hand, the same results can be had with a 400w MH and 100w of T5 or VHO supplimentation. T5s tend to fall into the middle of that spread. Sometimes you have the same total wattage over the tank as a similar MH set up, sometimes less. Just make sure the fixture has individual reflectors and you have enough bulbs to cover the tank and you'll be set. I'd go either 4 or 6 over a 55g. I'd probably opt for 6 bulbs because you're likely to upgrade sometime down the road.

 

[bobkill]

Thanks for the info Cody- then which brand would ou go with and why - finned or aquatic life

 

[FILTERDAQUATICS]

I have had a couple of experiences with this light. I really like the fact that it has 3 swithches for the T5's (1 for every 2 bulbs) and a dimmable switch for the LEDs plus the legs are really tall to help with clearance.

http://www.aquacave.com/coralvue-6-...wer-1-watt-leds-brhanging-kit--legs-3030.html

 

[cody6766]

I've never used any of those, so I really can't comment. I have a 6 bulb TEK fixture over my tank and I really like it. I was tossing around TEK and ATI when I bought mine. I went TEK for the price, despite ATI's higher quality and output.

 

[cjilge]

I would go 6 bulb for sure IMHO. I had 8 on my 65gl and you saw it before i tore it down. I'm with cody I like the tek and ati fixtures but havent had any experience with the ones you are looking at. I have run a current and it was ok, not great but it put out plenty of light.