T5 lighting watts

izzie · 01/13/2007, 09:25 PM

How many watts of HO T5 lighting would i need on my 55g. Im currently running 2 175 watt MH. Im looking to go T5 due to heating issues. I keep SPS and also will be keeping a clam right away. Was just wondering how many watts im looking to get for that. Thanks.
Izzie

antony1103 · 01/13/2007, 09:26 PM

I would go with at least 4 48 inch T5s on a 55 gallon. 6-8 would be your best be though.

Amphiprion · 01/13/2007, 10:25 PM

You wouldn't really be able to fit that many tubes with individual reflectors on a 55 gallon. A 4-5 tube fixture would be fine, especially if the tubes are overdriven.

izzie · 01/13/2007, 10:51 PM

there 54 watts each

izzie · 01/14/2007, 10:50 AM

So i have one saying 6-8 and another saying 4. What one is it. Anyone please? 4 would be 232 watts. I would be going 2 actinic and 2 10,000k if i went 4. Would that be enough ro would 3 and 3 be better. Thanks.
Izzie

Navyblue · 01/14/2007, 11:02 AM

IMO 6-8 tubes is good enough for 2' deep tank, I'd go for 4-6 tubes.

I'd personally go with
- 1 6500K
- 1 10000K
- 1 14000/20000K
- 1 actinic

kass03 · 01/14/2007, 03:29 PM

The more the better. I have 6 on my 55 and have kept a crocea clam for about 1 1/2 yrs with them.
I don't have the individual reflectors just one big reflector but IMO think the individual are overated.
The more bulbs you have the more options you have. They make alot of different T5 bulbs.
So I would go 6-8. Better to have to much than not enough.

kass

01/13/2007, 09:25 PM	#1
izzie Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Regina Sk Canada Posts: 209	T5 lighting watts How many watts of HO T5 lighting would i need on my 55g. Im currently running 2 175 watt MH. Im looking to go T5 due to heating issues. I keep SPS and also will be keeping a clam right away. Was just wondering how many watts im looking to get for that. Thanks. Izzie

01/13/2007, 09:26 PM	#2
antony1103 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 628	I would go with at least 4 48 inch T5s on a 55 gallon. 6-8 would be your best be though. __________________ Anthony Current Tank Info: I help with Penn State's 125 and 500 gallon reef aquariums.

01/13/2007, 10:25 PM	#3
Amphiprion Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 6,611	You wouldn't really be able to fit that many tubes with individual reflectors on a 55 gallon. A 4-5 tube fixture would be fine, especially if the tubes are overdriven. __________________ You've done it now, haven't you? Current Tank Info: 40g breeder patch reef w/ seagrass; 2-250w XM 10K; Vortech MP40wES & MP10wES; BM Curve 7 skimmer; carbon & occasional GFO

01/13/2007, 10:51 PM	#4
izzie Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Regina Sk Canada Posts: 209	there 54 watts each

01/14/2007, 10:50 AM	#5
izzie Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Regina Sk Canada Posts: 209	So i have one saying 6-8 and another saying 4. What one is it. Anyone please? 4 would be 232 watts. I would be going 2 actinic and 2 10,000k if i went 4. Would that be enough ro would 3 and 3 be better. Thanks. Izzie

01/14/2007, 11:02 AM	#6
Navyblue Low maintenance first Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,790	IMO 6-8 tubes is good enough for 2' deep tank, I'd go for 4-6 tubes. I'd personally go with - 1 6500K - 1 10000K - 1 14000/20000K - 1 actinic

01/14/2007, 03:29 PM	#7
kass03 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Kaukauna, Wi Posts: 2,937	The more the better. I have 6 on my 55 and have kept a crocea clam for about 1 1/2 yrs with them. I don't have the individual reflectors just one big reflector but IMO think the individual are overated. The more bulbs you have the more options you have. They make alot of different T5 bulbs. So I would go 6-8. Better to have to much than not enough. kass