T5's ..... I'm a bit confused

[sssnake]

On both my tanks I'm running Aqualight T-5s from Coralife (being double linear strips). Each housing contains 2 bulbs (daylight & blue actinic).

TANK 1:
My main tank (120 gal) 24' deep is a FOWLR I am running 2 of these units, so:

2 x 28W 10,000K daylight T5 flourescent bulbs
2 x 28W True Actinic 03 Blue T5 flourescent bulbs

TANK 2:
My mini-tank (20 gal) 16" deep is to be a mini-reef. I am planning to put some soft corals and one or two anemones (for my clowns) and have following:

2 x 14W 10,000K daylight T5 flourescent bulbs
2 x 14W True Actinic 03 Blue T5 flourescent bulbs

If the general rule of 5-6 watts per gallon is to be followed then I am severely deficient in terms of adequate lighting for both tanks especially the mini-reef which will house some corals. Yet when the lights are on both tanks look very vibrant in terms of lighting, especially the mini tank which I can honestly say is very bright. It puts my main tank to shame.

Given the wattage and so on above, am I OK (especially for the mini tank) or did I make a stupid decision when purchasing the lights?

I'll try and post some pics over the next day or so of my 20 gallon.

Thanks in advance all.

[Brandon1023]

The WPG rule is starting to sink. The reason is that every different light puts out a different intensity and water penetration capability. I think the WPG rule can probably be applied to PCs, but that's about it. T5s are the second most powerful light, second only to MHs of course. It sounds to me like you have enough light over your 20gal for what you want to keep. As for your FO tank, lighting is not as important. You are not trying to keep corals alive or anything, just some beneficial algae. To me you are on the right track.

[jacksandgo]

For what you're wanting to keep, I think you'll be fine. You may need to put the anemone(s) up a bit higher in the tank..say start it in the middle depth, but it should be fine. You'll know pretty quick if it's unhappy at that height by how it's looking, so adjust accordingly.

T5s are nice for sure, so good job on going that route. Unfortunately for me (and my wallet), I'm addicted to metal halides.

[hyosafi]

I was about to post a new thread but then I found this pretty recent one and thought I'd add to it. I'm starting a new 100 gallon saltwater tank. I plan on having fish and soft corals.

My question was the same as ssnake's. I'm getting a 100 g tank and the place where I bought it recommended 2 TEK T5s, one blue, one white. I believe they are about 54 watts each. Do you guys think this is adequate for soft corals? The tank is pretty standard, 5' long, i think that makes it 24" deep?

I'm wondering if I should upgrade to 4 T5s. They are 48" long.

OH, and can someone PLEASE tell me the difference between regular T5s and T5-HOs? I've read upto page 12 of the lighting forums and can't find a mention of the difference between the two.

Thanks for the help.

[Malachi]

Make sure they are T5 HO, for the corals.

[Diver_1298]

I would go with 4 of the 54 watt T5 HO's. Two of them will not be enough light for soft corals.
The HO lights put out more light than the regular T5's.
How much more information do you need? same size bulbs 48" HO's are 54 watt regular t5's are 28 watts.

Jim