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03/11/2010, 06:41 PM
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#1 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 671
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t-5 lighting question
Ok i have a nova extreame 2 bulb (24 watt each)
Our tank is 30" long thats the only one that would fit it. They have a 36" thats 78 watts. Would it look stupid having it over hang the tank 3 inches? Would it reduce the effectivness? If i get it would i be able to keep moderet light requiring corals in our 29 high? |
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03/11/2010, 07:10 PM
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#2 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 27
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I have an extreme pro 6 bulb 36" over my 56gal 30" wide tank. Original plan was to use extra length to go over HOB refugium mounted on the side but it wont fit w/o some mods which I have not felt like doing yet. Looks fine if centered, up to you if you like it or not.
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03/11/2010, 07:36 PM
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#3 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 671
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Does the watage go down with the 6inches hanging over?
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03/11/2010, 07:53 PM
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#4 |
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EMT-B
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 879
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I ran the 36" Nova on a 30 long, nothing grew. Even switched stock bulbs for Geissmann and UVL. You could get a 30" pc fixture and keep some softies I would think. Aquatraders has some cheap pc fixtures.
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I see your Schwartz is as big as mine. Current Tank Info: 20 long |
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03/11/2010, 08:11 PM
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#5 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 27
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Wattage isnt affected, just some wasted light, actual bulbs aren't 36".They do make 30" 2x65w pc lights which i have on a 20long. Since you already have the light, aquascape so that corals are up high in the tank and see how they do. At worst, you wont see growth like rustyjames experienced and then you know you need more. If your set on corals requiring moderate light, you're probably going to need more but I would try it and use the time to find a nice deal on some used lights.
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03/11/2010, 08:23 PM
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#6 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 671
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Im going to get it tomorrow. Right now i have the 30 inch 48 total watts out of it.
Didnt know how the light would fit on a tank the legs are adjustable. So the 36 inch will work. Just want more bang for my buck. The light is 79 bucks |
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03/11/2010, 08:55 PM
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#7 |
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EMT-B
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 879
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Legs are adjustable so if will fit. What are you wanting to keep in the tank? Any coral?
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I see your Schwartz is as big as mine. Current Tank Info: 20 long |
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03/11/2010, 09:06 PM
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#8 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 550
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Current USA makes a 30" Sundial T5 fixture with 4 bulbs. I had one over my 56 gallon tank, and was happy with it. It has built-in timers and moonlights. I kept LPS, leathers and more, and my tank was 24" tall.
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03/11/2010, 09:16 PM
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#9 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Posts: 883
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i think there are 2 kinds of T5 fixtures, ones that are normal output and ones that are high output. obviously the high outputs are better and also whether they have individual reflectors or not also matters.
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03/11/2010, 09:19 PM
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#10 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Seaside Park, NJ
Posts: 2,138
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if you're trying to get the ABSOLUTE MOST out of the lighting you can afford, save up longer and get a 4-bulb. NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, you will not be happy with a 2-bulb, this I can almost guarantee. Believe me, save the dough and buy a 4-bulb.
PS, the actual par gain from 36" bulbs over a 30" tank, vs. 24" staggered bulbs over a 30" tank will be MINIMAL. They will all be under-powered, and you will gain very, VERY little. You will EASILY more than double your light by doubling your bulbs to a 4-bulb fixture.
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Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank |
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03/11/2010, 09:26 PM
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#11 |
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EMT-B
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 879
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NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, you will not be happy with a 2-bulb, this I can almost guarantee. Believe me, save the dough and buy a 4-bulb.
Amen, brother.
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I see your Schwartz is as big as mine. Current Tank Info: 20 long |
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03/11/2010, 09:29 PM
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#12 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 671
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Oh sorry the light would be a T-5 HO SLR.
Our LR comes home tomorrow so i cant wait and save up. Should i get the bigger light or stay with the 24 watt slr that i have |
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03/11/2010, 09:31 PM
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#13 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 550
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Live rock doesn't need much light, if that's what you're worried about. I agree with Chiefsurfer. If you buy a 2-bulb fixture, you'll be looking to buy a 4-bulb within a short time. Stay with what you have until you can afford a 4-bulb fixture.
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03/12/2010, 05:05 AM
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#14 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Seaside Park, NJ
Posts: 2,138
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^Agree. There is a good chance that you will not need ANY light on that rock for 6 weeks, so no need to rush with the light. And even at 6 weeks you will not NEED light until you put corals inside the tank.
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Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank |
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