Lighting for 75gal deep.

[mbnum2]

36 inch Nova Extreme 2x39 watt T5 HO 10K/460nm
Is this lighting enough to keep corals in a 75 gal? 36x24x18. Or is the tank too deep? Would two of these units be better
I posted this in the lighting forums but with no luck.

 

[patandlace]

Two would be better but I think you would still be limited on what you could keep in there. I would go with something stronger.

 

[kevin j]

i agree i would go with 46.5 inch vho's or m.h. You would be able to keep very little.
kevin

 

[dragonzim]

At only 39 watts you are going to want at least 6 or more bulbs over that size tank. Even then you may be limited to only softies and LPS. Not sure if that is enough light for SPS or clams.

 

[mbnum2]

What about adding a few VHO's with one of the fixtures?

 

[wangotango]

You're going to want at least 6 bulbs IMO if you want to keep coral with no restrictions. I would probably be easier and more economical just to buy a 6-bulb fixture like the TEK and be done with it.
-Justin

 

[nycbob]

get the t5 6x54w, and u can keep whatever u want.

 

[mbnum2]

Well money is a restriction, and Im trying to figure out the best way to get it done without spending 400-500 bucks.

 

[mbnum2]

So If I have the T5 unit (above) and two VHO bulbs, will this be enough?

 

[mmm33732]

do you already have the fixture or are you looking into buying it?

 

[usefulidiot213]

2 39watt T5 bulbs wont be enough to keep corals healthy.. Unfortunately if you want to keep corals. Lighting is something you need to spend money on. It's much to important, and it's way better to get something good now. Then having to waste money on something that wont do the job. Watch a bunch of things suffer and die because of it. Then spend the money that you should have spent the first time on what you need later...

 

[mbnum2]

Originally Posted by mmm33732
do you already have the fixture or are you looking into buying it?
yeah I have the VHO fixture. And already bought the T5 unit...so I am looking to see if I add the VHO bulbs with the T5 if it will be enough?

 

[mbnum2]

bump...

 

[wangotango]

Softies and most LPS, but thats just about it. You probably should have searched into your options before you bought a new system.
-Justin

 

[mbnum2]

Originally Posted by WangoTango
Softies and most LPS, but thats just about it. You probably should have searched into your options before you bought a new system.
-Justin
LFS told me I would be fine with the t5's.....

, guess thats what i get.