48 WATT OR 96 WATT t-5..

nychris351 · 01/05/2009, 12:35 AM

which is better is necessary for a 54 gal ...right now only fowlr....would to add corals later

IslandCrow · 01/05/2009, 08:31 AM

If you plan on adding corals, I'd just buy the 96 watt setup now and save yourself some money in the long run. Depending on what types of corals you're adding, and exactly what fixture you're talking about, the 96w may not even be enough. If you decide you're going to remain fish only, either would be fine. It would depend entirely upon how bright you'd like your tank to be for viewing your fish.

sassafrass · 01/05/2009, 03:49 PM

96w is power compact ,T-5 is much better

IslandCrow · 01/05/2009, 04:38 PM

I was assuming he was talking about just T5s. I guess 48 & 96w is a little strange for a 54g, since now that I think about it, that would me either 2x24w bulbs (48w) or 4x24w bulbs (96w). Those are 2' bulbs, which would be a bit short on that tank. Care to clarify, nychris351?

Rendos · 01/05/2009, 05:30 PM

They do make 24 watt T5 bulbs. 48 would be a 2 bulb system...96 would be a 4 bulb system.

A 54 gallon corner bowfront would need 24" bulbs as the tank has an odd shape.

01/05/2009, 12:35 AM	#1
nychris351 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: BROOKLYN Posts: 319	48 WATT OR 96 WATT t-5.. which is better is necessary for a 54 gal ...right now only fowlr....would to add corals later

01/05/2009, 08:31 AM	#2
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	If you plan on adding corals, I'd just buy the 96 watt setup now and save yourself some money in the long run. Depending on what types of corals you're adding, and exactly what fixture you're talking about, the 96w may not even be enough. If you decide you're going to remain fish only, either would be fine. It would depend entirely upon how bright you'd like your tank to be for viewing your fish. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

01/05/2009, 04:38 PM	#4
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	I was assuming he was talking about just T5s. I guess 48 & 96w is a little strange for a 54g, since now that I think about it, that would me either 2x24w bulbs (48w) or 4x24w bulbs (96w). Those are 2' bulbs, which would be a bit short on that tank. Care to clarify, nychris351? __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

01/05/2009, 05:30 PM	#5
Rendos Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 5,380	They do make 24 watt T5 bulbs. 48 would be a 2 bulb system...96 would be a 4 bulb system. A 54 gallon corner bowfront would need 24" bulbs as the tank has an odd shape. __________________ Richard Rendos - Founder WTMRAC It can't rain all the time. Current Tank Info: 92 gallon corner bowfront

01/05/2009, 03:49 PM	#3
sassafrass Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: capitola ca Posts: 1,729	96w is power compact ,T-5 is much better