65 gallon lighting question?

Mr Neon · 06/09/2012, 08:47 AM

I'm upgrading to a 65 gallon 36 x 18 x 24 from a 40 breeder. Most of my parts can be used but for lighting, I would like to see what others think might work being that I am going from an 17" deep tank to a 24" deep.

I have 4x39wat T5 all ATI bulbs now. Just a cheap Ebay fixture I had for a year and it has done fine. But feel I need better of course. I would like something still with T-5 and I plan on retro fitting an LED bar or two for shimmer. MH are out, ran those before on another tank. I have limited room for the light due to the fact that the tank is built into a wall under stairs. I may have at most 10 to 12" of room to hang the light above the tank. I will be using a low iron glass canopy for securing fish that may or may not jump.

Mostly a mix of fish and easy corals, I don't want the stonies or other difficult corals. I may put a clam or two in some day so I just want to be prepared.

Would a 4 light or 6 light T5 be fine or is the one with more bulbs per say used for difficult corals that need more light. LEDs are out at this time until I see what AI does with the Vega if they every do anything, plus the cost of better LED's in comparison to T5 replacements each year seems a long run to the break even point to justify them right now.

06/09/2012, 08:47 AM	#1
Mr Neon Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 323	65 gallon lighting question? I'm upgrading to a 65 gallon 36 x 18 x 24 from a 40 breeder. Most of my parts can be used but for lighting, I would like to see what others think might work being that I am going from an 17" deep tank to a 24" deep. I have 4x39wat T5 all ATI bulbs now. Just a cheap Ebay fixture I had for a year and it has done fine. But feel I need better of course. I would like something still with T-5 and I plan on retro fitting an LED bar or two for shimmer. MH are out, ran those before on another tank. I have limited room for the light due to the fact that the tank is built into a wall under stairs. I may have at most 10 to 12" of room to hang the light above the tank. I will be using a low iron glass canopy for securing fish that may or may not jump. Mostly a mix of fish and easy corals, I don't want the stonies or other difficult corals. I may put a clam or two in some day so I just want to be prepared. Would a 4 light or 6 light T5 be fine or is the one with more bulbs per say used for difficult corals that need more light. LEDs are out at this time until I see what AI does with the Vega if they every do anything, plus the cost of better LED's in comparison to T5 replacements each year seems a long run to the break even point to justify them right now.