How much light for my tank?

Trav81 · 02/10/2009, 02:49 AM

Currently I have dual 65 watt PC's on my 29g. My Zoa's see to not be getting enough light. THey are "stretching toward the light". Thinking of getting t-5's.

Wondering if 4 , 24 watt bulbs would be plenty?or do I need 6 bulb fixture?

I have Zoas, Paly's, mushrooms.

Also what about adding a RBTA with the T-5's. Would it have enough with 4, 24 watt bulbs?

Thanks

JohnnyBassMan · 02/10/2009, 03:04 AM

T5 have a better spec then PC's, on my 29g and my refg I am running T5. 4 x 24w T5 gives you 96w total, that is 3.3w per gall. If you added 6 x 24w T5 that will give you 144w total or 5w per gall. 6 is better then 4.

Johnny C · 02/10/2009, 03:09 AM

IMO, a 4-6 bulb t5 would/could sustain most corals in your tank...

I've been using one of these for a few months and for the price am DEFINATLY satisfied! GL

divewsharks · 02/10/2009, 03:29 AM

a 4 bulb fixture will be enough for a 29, as long as it has good reflectors and you use quality bulbs. not all T5 gear is created equal.
The #watts given is not really important, its about how intense the light given off and how efficiently they do it and how well it penetrates the water and to what depth it is still effective. CF's are the least effective (of those commonly found in reef aquaria).

divewsharks · 02/10/2009, 04:23 AM

double post...

KRASHPD · 02/10/2009, 06:09 AM

Are you using a fixture or have the lights in a canopy? I would check out the retros on Reefgeek if using a canopy with 4-6 bulbs 24w T5s on Icecap Ballasts. If using a fixture, check out the new 24" ATI Sunpower, Tek T5's, or even the Nova Extreme Pro T5s.

02/10/2009, 02:49 AM	#1
Trav81 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: missouri Posts: 68	How much light for my tank? Currently I have dual 65 watt PC's on my 29g. My Zoa's see to not be getting enough light. THey are "stretching toward the light". Thinking of getting t-5's. Wondering if 4 , 24 watt bulbs would be plenty?or do I need 6 bulb fixture? I have Zoas, Paly's, mushrooms. Also what about adding a RBTA with the T-5's. Would it have enough with 4, 24 watt bulbs? Thanks

02/10/2009, 03:09 AM	#3
Johnny C Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 4,140	IMO, a 4-6 bulb t5 would/could sustain most corals in your tank... I've been using one of these for a few months and for the price am DEFINATLY satisfied! GL __________________ "...the sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever" -Jacques Cousteau

02/10/2009, 06:09 AM	#6
KRASHPD Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 1,185	Are you using a fixture or have the lights in a canopy? I would check out the retros on Reefgeek if using a canopy with 4-6 bulbs 24w T5s on Icecap Ballasts. If using a fixture, check out the new 24" ATI Sunpower, Tek T5's, or even the Nova Extreme Pro T5s. __________________ "Only when the tide goes out do you discover who's been swimming naked" - Warren Buffet

02/10/2009, 03:04 AM	#2
JohnnyBassMan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 244	T5 have a better spec then PC's, on my 29g and my refg I am running T5. 4 x 24w T5 gives you 96w total, that is 3.3w per gall. If you added 6 x 24w T5 that will give you 144w total or 5w per gall. 6 is better then 4.

02/10/2009, 03:29 AM	#4
divewsharks Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,905	a 4 bulb fixture will be enough for a 29, as long as it has good reflectors and you use quality bulbs. not all T5 gear is created equal. The #watts given is not really important, its about how intense the light given off and how efficiently they do it and how well it penetrates the water and to what depth it is still effective. CF's are the least effective (of those commonly found in reef aquaria).

02/10/2009, 04:23 AM	#5
divewsharks Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,905	double post...