will this t5ho work?

[wallj]

So i have a 36g gallon bowfront tank...i bought t8 fixtures and soon learned that it wont work...so im wonderin if i buy a 2 bulb t5ho fixture will it be enough......the one im actually looking at is a Zoo Med AquaSun T-5 HO Double Light Linear Fluorescent Hood
does this look good for my tank?

[sedor]

Depends on what your trying to keep. For zoas and most other softies you should be fine. Anything else, I would go with 4 bulbs. Keep in mind the quality of the fixture plays a big role as well. For instance, a 2 bulb fixture with separate reflectors and fans over the bulbs is going to produce a lot more usable PAR than a cheapo one with 2 bulbs and a half circle reflector overtop.

[wallj]

ok i want to keep pretty much softies...mostly leathers ricordeas, zoas, mushrooms.....are there any other fixtures you would recomend i found that one at a local shop for $54, i want to spend pretty much at most $80 on just the fixture.

[DustinB]

Better to save if you have to and buy a good fixture with enough light for anything. Sure you say you want mostly softies, but you will probably start changing your mind.

If you look around you can find a good used 150w MH setup for less than $200. Find some local reef forums with classifieds, craigslist, ebay, etc...

[wallj]

well im only 15 so if i can get a lighting system that will hold just about any softie i would be happy i can wait till im older and have a full time job to get a bigger tank with all better lighting and stuff:cool:..so what should i get to hold softies (preferbly cheap as possible)

[MCCOOL]

What are the tank deminsions? That light should be adequate for softies/zoas.

[MCCOOL]

Also, changing the bulbs will go a long way. An ATI blue+ and an ATI aquablue special will put out alot more light than most stock bulbs.

[wallj]

the tank is 30.5" wide X 15.5" to front of the bow from center of the back.. this is the light http://www.petco.com/product/111939/Zoo-Med-AquaSun-T-5-HO-Double-Light-Linear-Fluorescent-Hood.aspx?CoreCat=FishFC_Hoods_Lighting......i was wondering it says the 2 bulbs will be 24 watts each I have 2 T8's now that give off 20 each whats the big difference? it says High Output????:confused:

[NYCBOB]

for softies, zoas and shrooms, the two t5 bulbs r good enough. but as stated above, 10 out of 10 people will sooner or later want lps, sps or anemones.

[wallj]

ok thats good, and do you know hats up with the wattage deal....like i know people say like 2-5 why r those about the same as my t8's?

[myblack2jz]

Lately i haven't noticed people really going by the Watts Per Gallon theory. Now a day its all about PAR readings. I have a "standard" glass 29 gallon tank with two (soon to be 4) T5 bulbs running individual reflectors and my softies are very happy. But as EVERYONE says "i'm only looking to keep softies" ya........lol for now. Its no joke when people say this hobby is addictive GOOD LUCK

[wallj]

but having the double fixture would be enough right?

[DustinB]

Probably so, if you go with a good light with individual reflectors.

[wallj]

ok so then where can i find individual reflectors because the ones that come with arent individual ones i think

[DreamMachine]

The T5HO's will work fine. If your water quality is good, you can keep almost anything.

[wallj]

ok today i bought a nova extreme t5 ho double fixture and it has individual reflectors

[wallj]

is this a good fixture?

[Felixc395]

well im only 15 so if i can get a lighting system that will hold just about any softie i would be happy

I hear ya, I'm fifteen too and I'm glad to hear about someone else my age. I started out the same way as you. I had a 37 gallon with softies and pc's. Then upgraded to 4 T5's and that was a little too much for my softies so I think 2 T5's should be good.

Now I'm upgrading to a 60 cube with MH. Caught the sps bug and it wouldn't suprise me if you did too in a few years!

Good luck with your choice and I hope to find more teens here on RC. I wonder how many there are?

[wallj]

ya no kiddin