What do you think about this T5 Light?

pensky

Member
I have a 29gal FOWLR and I have a pink tip anemone. I would also like to start working with some begginer corals and mushrooms. Would this light I found on the aution site be suitable for my needs? does anyone use this light? and suggestion I don't have much $$?
My 29gal tank is 30" wide so should I get 30" lights or just go with 24"?
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
30" AQUALIGHT T-5 - DOUBLE LINEAR STRIP
Product Information: Aqualight T-5 Series - Double Linear Strip 18 watt 10,000K daylight and 18 watt true actinic 03 blue T-5 fluorescent lamps On/off switch and built-in ballasts Sleek, designer-black aluminum housing Highly-polished reflector Acrylic lens cover Adjustable width tank mounts Ideal for Saltwater and Reef Aquariums
$36.54 + $14.00 shipping (good price I assume)
If anyone else has a better suggestion for reasonably the same price I'm all ears?? :help:
 

thegrog

Active Member
Well, two things.
First is that is a good fixture.
Second is that it is not the fixture you need. It has nowhere near enough power to house anemones and most corals. Only 18 watts of 10,000K and an actinic gets you nowhere near where you need to be. That light would only be good for a FOWLR.
For your 30 gallon tank, to successfully keep anemones, you would need IT LEAST 120 watts of lighting. 150-175 being better. To keep low-light demanding corals, you would need 80-100 watts.
My suggestion is a single 150w HQI MH or a 175W mogul pendant with a 20,000K bulb. That will look good, stay cooler and your anemone and corals will thrive.
Not to get on my soapbox here but....if you can't afford to shell out the $$ for sufficient lighting to keep the creatures in your tank very soon, then I suggest returing them until your system is equipped to handle them.
 
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