T5ho?

[barry37]

I currently have a 110 gal. tank that I would like to upgrade the lighting in. Tank dimensions are 48'' long, 18''wide and about 31'' deep. Are there any t5 fixtures out there that can provide enough light to the bottom,so I could keep clams,etc on the bottom, or do I have to stick with metal halides. I am currently using an outer orbit fixture with (2) 150 watt bulbs in need of replacement. I am thinking if I have to stick with metal halides, I should move up to 250 watt bulbs, maybe that will increase my success with high light corals. Thank you very much in advance.
P.S. Water parameters are all normal, tank has been up and running 3yrs

 

[hammerhed7]

Hey Barry, I would think an 8 bulb would be more than enough depending on the reflectors. I am in the process of setting up a tank of the same dimensions, how is the 150 X 2 look on the tank? I was going to get one for my 110. I was thinking of going with the 2 x 250 but I dont know if that would cause temperature issues. Any issues with the 150's?

 

[nycbob]

31 inches isnt too deep for t5s. u will hv to be careful with placement of corals. i hv my derasa under t5 about 27 inches away. just make sure ur t5 has good individual reflectors.

 

[barry37]

The 150's look good but I have always had problems with corals that need light. I don't think the 150's have enough penetration to support things like clams, with a bottom placement. I would really like to try T-5s, maybe a tek fixture. Still undecided. But if metal halide is the way to go I will definitely upgrade to 250's