T5s Q&A

I'm in the process of finishing up my first tank and preparing for water and cycle soon. I know I don't need lights during the cycle, but I wanted to go ahead and have all my ducks in a row when the time comes. I have been looking at T5 setups at different places. My tank is 75g, 52"x"21"x18"deep. So, the question: Is a T5 Dual 48" HO 108W 2 Bulb(1x10000K, 1xActinic Blue) fixture enough for my tank, or would I need something like a T5 Quad 48" HO 108W 4 Bulb(2x10000K, 2xActinic Blue) fixture?

 

We need to know your coral plans to say for certain.

Generally the 2 bulb will work for softies and LPS. The 4 bulb should work for SPS and other high light requiring animals. You may want to consider changing the actinic blue to a pure blue bulb like the ATI Blue Plus.

 

Im going to have a FOWLR for a year or so. I do not what corals I want when I decide to go reef.

 

I would get an AquaticLife linkable 2 bulb T5HO in that case. No need for the pure blue bulb until you have coral. No need to turn the lights on unless you are looking at the fish in a FOWLR tank.

 

AquaticLife 6 bulb T5 fixture

i was wondering what is a good bulb combo for this fixture?
i mostly have softies, a few lps, and one big Squamosa clam at the moment, and my tank is a 55g.

 

Are you going to have SPS in the future? If not you only need 2 bulbs on the tank.

For six bulbs and softies 2 ATI Actinic, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Coral Plus. For SPS 3 ATI Blue Plus and and 3 ATI Coral Plus.

 

No sps just whats current in my tank. but currently i have a Aquactinics TX5 on right now but one of the ballasts is broken.
is it okay if i put a giessman midday or a GE 6500k as one of the bulbs?

 

You could but they seem to cause corals to brown, just a warning IME. Reds and greens seemed to diminish for me with a white daylight bulb. I would still say stay with a 50/50 mix of Blue Plus and Coral Plus bulbs. Alternate their placement. For a bluer look start with a Blue Plus.

I alternate a 50/50 mix on my 75 with a Coral Plus in front and the tank has a slight blue look to it with a gentle on the eyes look. The daylight bulb will probably cause a harsh, bright look to the light IME.

 

Looking for advice from the T5 people. Marineland 300 DD SPS tank (72x36x27). ATI 60" 10 bulb powermodule and 4 60" super actinic VHO


Bulbs in order from front to back

Super Actinic VHO
Super Actinic VHO
ATI Blue Plus
Ati Coral Plus
Ati Blue Plus
Ati Purple Plus
Ati Blue Plus
Ati Blue Plus
Ati Coral Plus
Ati Blue Plus
Ati Purple Plus
Ati Blue Plus
Super Actinic VHO
Super Actinic VHO


What do ya'll think?

 

I will be getting my new lights this week. It contains:

48 inch 324 W T5 Aquarium light for Reef With Timer
* Dimensions - 47.50” x 11.50 ” x 3.00”
* Brackets add 2.25" in height
* Supports 6 x 54W high output T5
* Supports 10 x Bluemoon LED
* Supports straight pin lamps
* 324 W total power
* Built-in Timer for automatic light settings
* Black, non corrosive powder coated aluminum housing
* Non-corrosive powder coated aluminum housing
* Highly polished reflector
* Contoured reflector
* Cooling vents / cooling fans
* Includes mounting brackets
* CE Certified

Listing includes:

* 1x 48" T5 324 W high output w/Timer fixture
* 3 x 54W T5 high output lamps 12000K
* 3 x 54W T5 high output lamps Actinic Blue
* 10 x LED

Any suggestions on the order for the bulbs or if I should replace them with a different kind. Also, with this setup would I have any limitations as to what types of corals I will be able to keep. I have a 60 Gallon (48"x13"x24"). I was told 2in10 was the person to bother with these types of questions.