T5ho for reef

[Hondatek]

Have been looking at this light since last night . This is my first reef tank and was curious on what this fixture can support. The tank is a standard 45 gallon and it's about 22 inches to the sand bed thanks .
.http://www.aquatraders.com/36-inch-4x39W-T5-Aquarium-Light-Fixture-p/52304.htm

 

[ccCapt]

The thing that makes a T5HO fixture good is individual reflectors for each bulb. It looks like that fixture has 1 reflector. It's probably fine for everything except high light demanding corals like most SPS.

 

[Hondatek]

Ok that makes sense. Would that be ok for soft corals and say like a brain coral that goes on the sandbed? Also If I did get that light and I want to look at live aquaria for corals do I consider that medium or low lighting? thanks

 

[AquaRick]

That light won't support a brain coral. You'd need a better fixture (more bulbs, individual reflectors) to keep it happy. I'd say that fixture would provide low-med lighting.

As Larry mentioned, what makes T5s so strong are the individual reflectors that this unit doesn't have. I would really think about getting a different fixture. You get what you pay for in regards to reef lighting.

 

[Hondatek]

So I'll try to find some with the individual reflectors . Any suggestions ?

 

[AquaRick]

It really comes down to what type of corals you want to have. Also, you don't HAVE to go T5s. LEDs and MHs are other options as well. It's really up to you.

 

[carey]

have you looked at fish need it;lights; food;Sponge ?

Good quality, cheap and a great starter set of lights in my opinion.

 

[Hondatek]

I will look into them for sure. Thanks for the link .

 

[Hondatek]

http://fishneedit.com/3ft4bulbs-with-l34.html

This one doesn't say anything about the reflectors. I'll give them a call on Monday to find out.

 

[Ibrahim]

http://fishneedit.com/3ft4bulbs-with-l34.html

This one doesn't say anything about the reflectors. I'll give them a call on Monday to find out.

All their fixtures have individual reflectors.

 

[Hondatek]

Ok maybe this is the light for me then. Is this still considered medium lighting ?

 

[Hondatek]

I think I'm going to hold off and save up for some LEDs. I think I will eventually go with 2 of the 120 watt that mr x used in his build. I should have no restrictions on corals with them right ?

 

[Ibrahim]

I think I'm going to hold off and save up for some LEDs. I think I will eventually go with 2 of the 120 watt that mr x used in his build. I should have no restrictions on corals with them right ?

Yep then you'll be all set. You can even get one now and hang it in the middle with minimal dark spots on the sides

 

[Hondatek]

It has a center brace so I'll just wait until I can get two.