Looking into T5 lighting??? Any Thoughts??

[jkcrumb]

My current lighting consists of a 72" Coralife Lunar Aqualight strip with the stock bulbs. I am looking to get into more Corals and was wondering if my setup would handle T5 bulbs.. If so can anyone recommend what wattage I should go with and should I continue to use the blue lights or replace with all T5's (Currently the unit consists of 2 clear & 2 blue bulbs, it actually look like 8 separate bulbs but each pair is attached by a piece of glass)???? If I make this move will I be able to handle more corals???? Thanks to all in advance!!

 

[jkcrumb]

O yea..........forgot to mention...........125 G.......72"L x 24"H x 18"W........150lb L/R, 3" L/S bed

 

[matt819]

You could get two of the 8 x 39w 36" sunlight supply/aquactinics fixtures and keep anything you wanted. You might even be able to find a 6 foot aquactinics fixture. Or if you have a canopy you can do like I did and get a retrofit kit from ice cap or sls, they're cheaper too. Your best bet might be to go with 36" bulbs and just double them up to make 72". T5 is a great option, and if you get them individually reflected you should be able to keep anything you want...without heat issues or using up too much electricity. I love the color my 4 bulb combo puts out as well, I have:
Front
ATI Blue Plus
UV Lighting Aquasun
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
You'd be able to play with a lot more bulbs and bulb options, you'd add some pure actinics in there, and the blue plus is a great color lamp with excellent par.

 

[jimosburg]

I switched over to t-5s. They still put off heat, but much less than mh. I have a 92 gallon corner tank. Have 2foot 8-bulb fixture and a 3foot 4bulb fixture. Lighting looks and works great

 

[swabearf16]

I'm happy with my Aquatinics Constellation 72". 14 bulbs, all with individual reflectors. The fixture has fans too but no moonlights. I added my own without any trouble.

 

[jkcrumb]

Would I be able to add a single 6' T5 setup in front of or behind my current setup????? The top of my tank is enclosed so I dont have to worry about how it looks....I'de just hate to get rid of the setup i currently have.....I JUST BOUGHT IT 3 MONTHS AGO!!!

 

[xdave]

Here something to consider. If you buy bulbs online, go with the 2 36"ers. Why you ask? 6' bulbs don't ship well. Even if they're insured you still want them when you want them. If you buy them at the lfs, 1 6' is cheaper than 2 36".

 

[swabearf16]

JK,
Do you want me to measure my light setup for you? You'll have to have an open top...or at least, some free air movement for the light kit fixture. It does put out some heat.
This particular fixture uses 14-36" bulbs.
Bear

 

[michaeltx]

go small bulbs dont go for full span of the tank. the longer the bulb the less effective they are. There are some great tanks useing t-5 lighting. our local reef club swears by them and have great tanks to prove it.
the head of the club also has a 125 mixed tank with SPS. LPS, and softies that is gorgeous!!!
Mike