130 gallon lighting

[JSpen]

For my 130 gallon tank I'm planning to go LPS heavy with a few easy SPS in the tank but definitely LPS heavy. Im planning on using a T5 set up, what would you guys suggest for the amount of wattage my lighting should be putting out for my tank? Thanks all!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

You’ll want four to six tubes.

Wattage per gallon was kind of an odd rule of thumb.

With a four tube you’ll want it close to the water. Tank mounted.
A Six tube can be mounted higher.

Naturally the better the brand the better the output and tube longevity.

 

[JSpen]

You’ll want four to six tubes.

Wattage per gallon was kind of an odd rule of thumb.

With a four tube you’ll want it close to the water. Tank mounted.
A Six tube can be mounted higher.

Naturally the better the brand the better the output and tube longevity.

I know this isn't the best option but I'm looking at a 6 tube agrobrite t5 set up off amazon its 4ft long for my 6ft long tank. Will that be a workable option? I just can't fathom spending $500 right now on lighting even though I know its the best choice.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I know this isn't the best option but I'm looking at a 6 tube agrobrite t5 set up off amazon its 4ft long for my 6ft long tank. Will that be a workable option? I just can't fathom spending $500 right now on lighting even though I know its the best choice.

I hear ya. It’s why so many opt for leds now. Black boxes in particular.


That one will work kinda , but the tubes leave a LOT to be desired.

Here’s a very good current thread that’ll help.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/budget-t5-options.372500/#post-4569887

 

[JSpen]

I hear ya. It’s why so many opt for leds now. Black boxes in particular.


That one will work kinda , but the tubes leave a LOT to be desired.

Here’s a very good current thread that’ll help.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/budget-t5-options.372500/#post-4569887

If I pair the agrobrite with Ati bulbs do you think that will be sufficient?

 

[Jesterrace]

I know this isn't the best option but I'm looking at a 6 tube agrobrite t5 set up off amazon its 4ft long for my 6ft long tank. Will that be a workable option? I just can't fathom spending $500 right now on lighting even though I know its the best choice.

My recommendation would be to hold off on the corals (or just do very simple/easy to grow ones for the time being) for now while you save up some cash and get a cheap 6 foot LED for a FOWLR setup. Then, when the time is right you can upgrade to the higher end light and you will likely be able to resell the cheap LED for close to what you paid for it. It's a better plan than spending a couple hundred on a cheap T5 that is inadequate for what you want (and your tank) and will send you broke on bulb replacements.

https://www.amazon.com/Beamswork-Ti...64616&sr=8-1&keywords=6+foot+LED+for+aquarium

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

If I pair the agrobrite with Ati bulbs do you think that will be sufficient?

Oh yes. Many do it.

You’ll probably be able to grow anything except a maxima clam on the sand.

 

[JSpen]

Oh yes. Many do it.

You’ll probably be able to grow anything except a maxima clam on the sand.

Any suggestions on what ATI bulbs to use Im really leaning towards the actinic with Aqua Blue special?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Any suggestions on what ATI bulbs to use Im really leaning towards the actinic with Aqua Blue special?

It’s really more about visual preference honestly. Check the google and youbtube on ati and geaissman. You can see the differences.
Your basically mixing color. I’d start with a couple coral plus as a base , and then add from there.
More greenish the aqua blue , more traditional look the blue plus.