120 Gallon Lighting Input

[aquatica-tech]

Well im going to be aquiring a 120 gallon fish tank and im going to have it as a FOWLR right now but going to be converting it to a Reef after a few years of having it. Would a 6x54 or 8x54 T-5 HO lighting be good enough ?

 

[michaeltx]

if they have individual reflectors the 8 bulb would probbly work I assume this is 4 on each side of the tank?
Mike

 

[aquatica-tech]

IDK what you mean by four on each side but I would like to get the Current USA T-5s for the 120 but i see that all they have is lights for a 48" in lenght tank

 

[mr_x]

yes. 8 in a row, with individual reflectors...i think that would be a good choice.

 

[aquatica-tech]

Problem is that the fish tank is 60" inches in lenght and the lights come up to 48" inches thats the big problem im having

 

[michaeltx]

look at the 30 inch fixtures you may have to go 2-2 bulb fixtures on each side of the tank. each fixture would cover half the tank and with 2 fixtures on each side would give you the light that you need.
mike

 

[aquatica-tech]

With this lighting you think I can keep some clams and maybe some hard corals like Monti Caps ?

 

[michaeltx]

clams are still up in the air I know a couple people in this area that are testing to see if the higher light clams can handle it. there are a few thats on the lower light demanding side just not sure which ones.
I will post a pic of a 125 with a similar light setup all t-5 with 6 bulbs on each side in just a minute for you to look at.
Mike

 

[michaeltx]

here ya go
mike

 

[aquatica-tech]

Um you think the 8x54 lights that are 48" be good cause the 30 inch lights are only 2x24 and if I get two of those on each side i dont think thatll do, or would it

 

[michaeltx]

you can orverlap the light on the top with out any ill effects in fact you would get some areas of the tank that have a higher light area for more light demanding corals. if I understand you right LOL
Mike

 

[aquatica-tech]

Im just saying will a light fixture with 2x24 watts of light on each side with two fixtures on each side be better than one whole light fixture that 48" inches with 8x54 watts on a tank that is 60" long

 

[michaeltx]

aww ok you can go that way t-5s from my understanding are stronger the shorter they are but if you can find a fixture that is 60 then yeah it will work just be prepared when you order bulbs to pay a premium for extra long bulbs.
Mike

 

[aquatica-tech]

Just wondering what will me my best bet cause i dont want to go for Metal Halide cause im having a big issue with heat in my house and the tank raising temperature so i wanted to go for T-5s cause there not as hot. So the short bulb 2x24 T-5 Fixtures are better than the big long one? And two of the 2x24 on each side is what i should do if im heading that way with the smaller ones ?

 

[michaeltx]

let me check something right quick

 

[aquatica-tech]

So I get 2 of these
30 inch Current USA Nova Extreme 2x24 watt T5 HO 10K/460nm
on each side of the tank

 

[michaeltx]

ok if I had to choose between 2x24 one on each side or one 8x54 60 inch I would go with the 60. the bulbs will cost more but you would end up better than the a lower set on the other fixture .
Mike

 

[aquatica-tech]

LOL but the fixture is 48 inch there is no 60" T-5 light fixtures from what i looked for

 

[aquatica-tech]

Here are the options from were im seeing it at
2 2x24 T-5 Lights on each side
OR
1 48" 6x54 or 8x54 T-5 Lighting
or am I searching wrong cause i cant find one whole 60" T-5 lighting fixtures

 

[michaeltx]

let me look and see they may not make them a full 60 but one hood that spans the 60 inches with a split light bulb scheme inside the fixture
Mike