question from the newbie

Hello people,

Please advise the right bulb for the T5 fixture. How many lamps do I need to light 60 gallon tank? I bought this tank recently. I have never kept the fish before, but I think that I can recondition it for the tank. What is the optimal lumens number? thanks

 

I would say at least 4 and if you need higher light for hard corals, then 6 - I don't know about lumens but I like ATI bulbs coral plus, blue plus, and purple is a great combination - how many of each depends on the number of bulbs you go for

 

http://www.atinorthamerica.com/faq.php

I'd say 6 or 8 bulb that way if you decide one day you want some more demanding corals or clams, you already have the lights for them.

 

A 4 bulb fixture ( with individual reflectors)should be plenty for any type of coral or invert as long as its not a cube tank.Is this going to be a Reef tank or fish only?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578 3733 13822 23758&pcatid=23758

 

I checked the lamps in my garage, I have these
https://www.mrosupply.com/lighting/ballasts/fluorescent-ballasts/1854543_flft58w865_fulham-lighting/
Can it be applied for the fish tank? Maybe later I will add the corals.

 

That spectrum will promote nuisance algae growth.

 

Yeah, if you are going T5's, get the proper bulbs and do not use them for more than 1 year.