Magnifica and T5s

[twiggyb]

I was wondering if it would be ok to put one under the ATI dimmable T5s with 10 bulbs. I'd like to put one in my 225 I'm working on. Good or bad idea?

[shabreeson]

possible it might move around ur whole tank. point source (MH) helps keep them in one spot

[twiggyb]

Would a 150w MH suffice along with the t5s or would it have to be stronger?

[garygb]

Twiggy, I am finding after keeping 3 mags under T-5s that they are fine for this species. I've read supposition about mags moving under this type of lighting, but mine haven't one bit. I question whether those who have proffered that suggestion have actually kept a magnifica under T-5s--or perhaps if they have, the T-5s were in some way deficient. ATI are good quality fixtures, and assuming you use good quality bulbs and change the bulbs at the end of the useful life, I expect you should be fine. One caveat, mine are within a foot or less of the bulbs, how deeply they can safely be kept I don't know.

[Winwood]

After seeing Ron Popeil's new system I am quite confident magnificas cannot only be kept under t5's but thrive, just as long as the tank is shallow enough or they have a spot they can climb up close to the lights.

[twiggyb]

Do you have a link to his tank winwood?

[Winwood]

I'll text him and see if he'll post some new pics of his system. But I was just up there yesterday and he had 3 very happy mags in 2 tanks that are 48" in length and 12" in height. Both tanks are lit by 4 bulb t5 fixtures. Interestly enough he told me that he originally he had them under two 175 watt MH's in a similar tank on the same system and he told me they did not look near as good.