t5 question

[davanti]

ok, still trying to figure out the lighting thing. I have a 55gal tank I want to have some corals. From what I have read on the posts I need 5-7 watts per gallon, so 275 to 385 watts. Which means I could use 6 54watt t5s. The problem is the individual reflectors are 2.75 inches wide. making it 16.5 inches wide and my canopy is 12 inches wide. So my question is would it be better to have 4 t5s at 216 watts w/ individual reflectors or 6 t5s at 324 watts w/ no individual reflectors. Sorry for the long winded question. I need your help.
thanks.

 

[kevin34]

What are the dimensions of the tank?

 

[davanti]

48" wide, 21" deep, 12.5" thick

 

[05xrunner]

I sound like a spokesperson for them
the 48" Hello lights 4bulb individual reflectors..comes with bulbs. like $280 you will be able to keep anything u want

 

[chilwil84]

4 bulbs with the individual reflectors and make sure you have a fan or two to keep the bulbs as cool as possible because heat dramatically effects there effectiveness

 

[05xrunner]

over cooling also will affect PAR...so dont over do it..T5Ho gotta reach a certain temp to be efficient

 

[davanti]

so 4 bulbs are all i need.

 

[05xrunner]

yea for a 55. You will be good to go

 

[05xrunner]

there is also the Aquatinics T5 setup 5bulb 48" and only 9" wide..its about $460 with bulbs but they supposedly have the best reflectors and it has a built in fan.

 

[wangotango]

Originally Posted by 05xrunner
there is also the Aquatinics T5 setup 5bulb 48" and only 9" wide..its about $460 with bulbs but they supposedly have the best reflectors and it has a built in fan.
definately the way to go, its well worth the price

im running the 48" TX5 fixture on my 55.
-Justin

 

[steve24]

i have the Aquatinics T5 5-54w bulbs on my 55and love them