T5 Lighting

[reefermadness]

Hey all it has been awhile since my last post. I've been on this forum more local and I am finding you guys are way better for advice. I am looking at a T5 unit with 8X54w HO. I want to eventually have anemones and clams. Do I have to have Halide? I know some can do just fine with moderate light but I'm the kind that likes to do it right the first time around. I am not as attached to the clams as I am the LPS and Anemones. Also should I use a 50/50 bulb ratio of actinics vs. white ?

 

[melosu58]

What size tank?

 

[reefermadness]

Dang Melosu58 are you always online? I thing you have answered all my questions. LOL
It's a 90gal 48X18X24. The unit I am looking at is 48" long.

 

[melosu58]

On Labor day I ruptured my achilles tendon and have nowhere to go till Jan. Just had the cast taken off last week and have to wear a boot now till Dec.. Nowhere to go but this computer. Sorry LOL
I imagine you`ll be OK on the anenomie. That will give you about 5 WPG and the T5`s have more intensity than the PC`s and VHO`s. I know you say you want to do it right the first time. MH`s will definitely do the job but those will be OK for anenomie. I`m not sure about the clam as I`ve never had one. I dont have enough light. I have VHO`s and only low-moderate lighting. Have a good one

 

[reefermadness]

Yeah I get it I had knee surgery this year and had to go through a similar recovery. Sorry to hear you have to go through such a tough situation. For give me for saying your loss is my gain LOL. you have been awesome. What did you think of the 50/05 question. I doubt you get this until tomorrow But I still love your advice.

 

[Wood_Dog]

I would think 8 x 54 watt t5s would be enough light for anything. I have seen a bigger tank than yours with SPS and clams etc run on only 4 X 54 watt T5s and it is awesome.

 

[melosu58]

I use a super actinic and 50/50 VHO bulb. It kind of gives a little blue look but yes I like them for the LPS and other moderate light corals. Here is my tank that I`ve been using same light spectrum for 9 yrs now.

Keep in mind you will have better lighting with that T5

 

[reefermadness]

Yep I love your tank and have seen quite a few times. That would certainly be what I would like to shoot for. When you say you have 1 50/50 bulb , hoe does that compute to my 8x T5's?

 

[melosu58]

Lighting is a touchy subject. I try to keep it simple. With the T5 you`ll have about 5 watts per gallon with alot more intensity then my VHO`s. I only have 3 watts per gallon. Your lighting will be much brighter than mine. It should be a good addition to your tank.

 

[spence0416]

If you are going to buy T5 lights try to get them with individual reflectors. This increases the intensity (par) quite a bit. Check out the Tek5 lights from reefgeek.com. Those would definitely allow you to keep anything.