Is this enough light?

[juanro]

So I'm in the process of setting up a new aquarium, thinking if getting either a 30 or 20 gal long tank.
So my question would be if a light fixture I'm planning to get would be enough for either of this tanks.
The fixture has 4 T5 tubes, 2 10k and 2 Actinic Blue.
So far the only corals that are going into this tank would be the mushrooms that I have in my 30 tall, and further down I would like more corals that need very good lightning.

 

[meowzer]

I have a 4 bulb T5HO unit on my 29G and I keep sps, lps, shrooms, zoas etc OHHH and a maxima clam
so I think you would be fine with a 4 bulb unit
I did change my bulbs to ATI though after a while

 

[nikesb]

what brand? the reflectors have alot to do with t5, so it would really depend on the fixture

 

[juanro]

I'm not sure about the rules, is it okay to post a link to it?
Just asking since on some forums its against the rules.

 

[meowzer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Juanro http:///forum/thread/384875/is-this-enough-light#post_3373252
I'm not sure about the rules, is it okay to post a link to it?
Just asking since on some forums its against the rules.
It is also against the rules here, BUT you can post the make and model and a picture...
Mine is a sundial T5HO....and I am very happy with it

 

[juanro]

Odyssea 20" 72W (4x 18W) T5 HO Light Fixture Extendable Series

• 
  Supports 4x 18W T5 High Output lamps
• 
  Supports 4x Bluemoon LED
• 
  Quick disconnect ballast
• 
  Individual power cords for each function
  Non-corrosive powder coated aluminum housing
  Reflector
  Acrylic splash guard
  CE Certified

 

[nikesb]

well with that fixture ull be able to do most lps and all softies. as for sps and clams, not a chance.
if you're doing a 20 long which is 30" long, that light would be too small to cover the ends, let alone put out enough light at the ends to grow corals. you will also be limited in bulb choices becauses Odyssea bulbs are pure crap to begin with, and you'll only be left with UVL as your choice for other bulbs.
as for odyssea, you can see the reflector is just a flat sheet of aluminum, not even contoured reflectors. according to par readings, these fixture would probably put out less than 25% of par than you would get with quality fixtures.
since you're looking at nano sized tanks and you're not looking at more than 12" of height, look into current nova extreme fixtures, they have contoured light reflectors that is way more than anything from odyssea will put out. if you want to get a nicer fixture, id look into TEK fixtures. better to spend the money for the better things than spend on this and end up spending more later on. if you cant afford it right now, i suggest you save up for it. it would highly be beneficial down the road.

 

[juanro]

This is exactly why I come to this forum, a friend of a friends bought this and said it was the one of the best out there, plus its cheap. Thought about buying this since its pretty cheap and its from one of the few sites I've found that ships to Puerto Rico.
Nova and TEK dont limit my choices of bulbs, right?
I was also told that I could make a canopy and install a light fixture from home depot to it, would this be a good option?

 

[nikesb]

tek uses only standard sizes while current usa use standard sizes too plus the 20" bulbs. i would stray away from anything not a standard size that way you can use bulbs from ATI and Korallen Zucht. The light fixtures from home depot are not T5-HO fixtures, so no, that wouldnt be a good option.

 

[deejeff442]

i am a big metal halide person.look into a 150 watt system .the shimmer of the metal halide in the water just cannot be duplicated by t5

 

[gemmy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by deejeff442 http:///forum/thread/384875/is-this-enough-light#post_3373416
i am a big metal halide person.look into a 150 watt system .the shimmer of the metal halide in the water just cannot be duplicated by t5
That is so true! I feel metal halides are well worth the money.

 

[blackjacktang]

i got a 4 bulb 4x24w T5 w/ 4 Moon light LEDs for $190

 

[meowzer]

OK...apparently I can NOT quote anything
BUT....I have T5's MH's fluorescent etc.....I think with the right T5 combo...they look great.....yes....even as good as MH

 

[nikesb]

if you want shimmer, do t5's with an led strip.

 

[1guydude]

ive got an oddsea light 24" 96 w yes the bulbs r crap....this said i plan to replace the bulbs come the six month mark w/ coralife bulbs just because they r the same watts and those r the best i can find at any LFS....

 

[nikesb]

dont waste your money on coralife bulbs either. order online and get ATI or Korallen Zucht

 

[1guydude]

they have to be same 24 watt though huh? korallin zucht wat is that german bulbs shipping would be $$$$

 

[meowzer]

NOOOOO you can get them here.....and a lot of time you can find shipping deals

 

[nikesb]

meowzer is it wrong to reference another store even if they dont carry the bulbs in question?

 

[meowzer]

It depends....if they carry some of the same stuff swf does, I would say yes......I reference airwaterice all the time.....I have not been beheaded yet...LOL
I have seen premium aquatics referenced as well as BRS....so ...if in doubt PM....