How many T-5s should i get?

[PJsStuff]

Im getting another frag tank that im going to use just for shrooms and Rics. Its going to be 48x16x6tall I want to use T5's over it but im not sure how many i need. How many T5's would i need?

[PJsStuff]

Hello

[dsn112]

If your just going to put shrooms and rics, I would say 4 with individual reflectors would be fine. If you get a fixture like the original nova extreme, go with 6 bulbs. Individual reflectors make the world of a difference.

[PJsStuff]

OK thanks. Im never sure what to do about lighting. What would be some good bulbs? Iv never had T5's before.

[silverwolf72]

For good growth go with AquaSuns or GE bulbs more white

[PJsStuff]

OK i got 4 T5 Bulbs. How high should i have them above the tank? THe tank is only 6" deep and after sand prob only about 5" deep.

[twon8]

had i seen this before i would have told you two would be fine. im running two overdriven on a 55 and zoas grow at the bottom. in a tank that shallow you might burn lower light corals. i'd run a ablueplus and an aquablue or aquasun.

[DanInSD]

You should have them much closer than you would halides. I'd put them as close to the water as you can, and still access the frags. Or, even better, put them about 6" off of the surface, and put them on a pulley system so you can raise them out of the way if you want to play with the frags.

Dan

[PJsStuff]

I got 3 Midday sun bulbs and one Pure Antic bulb. So i only really need two bulbs? There the 39W bulbs. I plan on putting them on a Pully system i just wasn't sure how high they should be since the tank is so shallow. Ill be growing Ric's and Shrooms in this tank mainly. I plan on putting another one above it eventually.(click the red hosue to see some pics of the setup)

So should i use two bulbs or four???? Im goign to set them up tonight so i need to know lol.

[Rickyrooz1]

6" isn't a very deep tank but if you spread the reflectors out to evenly cover the 16" width I think four bulbs should be fine.

[SimilanRocks]

2 bulbs will be fine. You can put as high as you would do with MH. T5 outputs more than you think.

[PJsStuff]

Good grief. Some say 4 bulbs and some say 2 bulbs.. Ugh.,....

[Rickyrooz1]

Just try it out. If two isn't good enough at the two other T-5's to make it four bulbs.

[sjm817]

6" deep with shrooms? 2 are overkill.

[flyguy7150]

two with individual reflectors is definitely enough. It'll probably be even enough for sps if you have the right bulbs and keep them close enough to the water, and have the sps right under it. But for rics and shrooms, 2 bulbs 5-6" above the water is fine. That way you can still have some space to reach in and get good coverage.

[PJsStuff]

OK ill try two bulbs for now. That will save me some money when i add the second tank then i can use the other two for it. Should i use one midaysun bulb and one pure antic or two miday sun bulbs? Going for more growth than anything here.

[PJsStuff]

Here is a pic of the progress sofar. Just finished the plumbing.

The future tank will go on the shelf above it and ill just have it drain into the lower frag tank probably. Would be easier than running another drain to the sump.

http://www.saltcritters.com/newfrag.jpg

[SimilanRocks]

PJ, that's neat set up.

I was going to say 1 bulb will do for softies. But you have 16" wide 1 bulb wouldn't cover all area unless you place it high. Even with 2 bulbs next to each other you still need to place it high. The individual reflector does not spread the light much.

I'd go with a retro tho, so I could seperate them at 8"-10" apart to cover all the tank.

People that say 4 bulbs may think that 2 bulbs wouldn't cover all the tank. Just my thought...

[PJsStuff]

I got the 4 bulb Retro kit from Reefgeek.com Great Place. I was impressed on how well the item was packed. Ill try two bulbs for now and see what happens.

[Rickyrooz1]

Did you build the tank yourself or did you buy it somewhere?

[PJsStuff]

I got it from glass cages. Not the greatest looking tank in the world but for the price i can't complain. There are alot of bubbles in the seams but thats how my other frag tank is (also from them) and its been holding water for abuot a year so im not to worried. I wouldn't trust them to build my display tank tho.

[PJsStuff]

Got the lights in. Used the two midday bulbs. Tried to use one midday and one antic but it jsut wasn't that bright.
http://www.saltcritters.com/fraglight.jpg <BR>
http://www.saltcritters.com/fraglight1.jpg <BR>

I just mounted the lights to the bottom of the shelf instead of making a pully system. its about 7" from the top of the water to the bottom of the bulb. Should that be low enough?