[adviner]

With my 95 gal tank. I would like to have a lighting system that can support corals. I have finally decided to go with t5ho from my analysis. My question is should i get a 4 bulb or 8 bulb lighting system? I dont have any corals in my tank yet, but will add it soon. Any thoughts? Any good brands out their?


THanks

[adviner]

Any opinions on the Tex lights?
Sunlight Supply Tek Light High Output Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures?

Also with 4 or 8 bulbs what is a good options when it comes to types of bulbs and how many of each. Ex. 2 actinic, 2 day or 3 actinic 3 day & 2 something else.

Thanks

[map95003]

What type of corals r u planning to keep?...that will help determine how much light/bulbs and combination you need...also how deep is your tank?

For the most part, the combination of bulbs all depends on your preference of color...lots of reefers like the bluer look but it's all up to you....you might have to try a few different bulb combination to find the one you like.

[adviner]

i'm not sure what type, but would like to buy only one light to hopefully cover my needs. My tank is 34 inches deep. Would and 8 bulb t5 be over kill or should i just get a 6 or 4?

Thanks

[pogodzib]

IMO, 4 bulb T5HO units are too weak for most corals beyond softies. 6-8 bulb units are better for most other corals, although 8 bulbs can be excessive depending on what corals are being kept and the height of the tank.

Tek units are probably the second best units available. Aquatinics are the best.

As far as what bulbs to get, that depends on what corals you are keeping, how many bulbs are over your tank, and your preferences. The bluer bulbs are typically preferred over SPS tanks, although grow is slowed. Many people with softy or LPS tanks prefer a more white look with actinic bulbs to get some pop out of their colors. The whiter look typically has a better spectrum for getting the reds out better. Once you figure out what unit you are getting and how many bulbs you'll have, then we can help you figure out a good starting bulb combo for your tank.

[map95003]

I 2nd what Brian said above. With a 34 inch deep tank you probably wouldn't be able to keep anything other than soft corals (and anything that does not require much light) at the bottom. If you're planning on keeping mixed corals (SPS, LPS and soft) I would recommend 6-8 bulbs, TEK makes one of the best T5 fixtures out there, as Brian mentioned most T5 reefers might say the Aquatinics are the best. Some might even recommend you look into halides for a tank that deep. Keep in mind that if you go with halides, you might run into heat issues and might have to invest in a chiller.

[adviner]

It was my mistake when i typed how tall my tank is. its not 34 its 24. Would a 24 tall tank and a 6 bulk T5 give me the ability to have a wider range of corals?

[pogodzib]

A good 6 bulb T5HO unit (like a Aquatinic or Tek) over a 24" high tank will give you the ability to keep most corals. IMO, 8 bulbs would be much better if the tank is a SPS dominated tank. However, 8 bulbs over the tank would be overkill if you will be keeping primarily soft corals. In fact, it could provide too much light and harm your corals.