Aquatic Life T5 fixture for 78" (L) x 24" (H) x 30" (W)

SAMS · Jan 10, 2020

I am currently running 3 x Radion G3 Pro (with wide angle lenses) on my tank, however I am possibly considering adding an Aquatic life T5 fixture onto it, when I move in about 18 months time.
The largest model that they do is the 80W model that is 61" in length, this would give the tank a 17" area without any light from the T5's.
I presume that this is not ideal.

AquaticLife T5HO Hybrid

www.aquariumcomputer.com

Jimbo662 · Jan 10, 2020

They don't make T5 bulbs larger than that. A local guy ended up putting two 36" fixtures over his tank.

SAMS · Jan 10, 2020

Thanks for explaining it.
My only experience of T5's was on my first tank (Red Sea Max C 250).

Would 2 x 36" fixtures on my 78" tank be ok?

joey123 · Jan 10, 2020

Not to derail this, but if you end up going this way,I have a NIB aquatic life hybrid hanging kit that I am not using that I'd be happy to unload. FWIW I'm running a 61" set up on a 72" tank. 6" either side is not really noticable unless you're trying to grow something in the top corners, plus you can shift your LEDs over to the edges of the fixture.

piranhaman00 · Jan 10, 2020

I run the 61" on a 72" tank as well and its not noticeable at all. I realize you have a few more inches but I dont think it will be a huge deal, just low light corals there, or going with two 36" fixtures.

SAMS · Jan 10, 2020

joey123 said:
Not to derail this, but if you end up going this way,I have a NIB aquatic life hybrid hanging kit that I am not using that I'd be happy to unload. FWIW I'm running a 61" set up on a 72" tank. 6" either side is not really noticable unless you're trying to grow something in the top corners, plus you can shift your LEDs over to the edges of the fixture.

Unfortunately, you're based in the US mate so the shipping cost to the UK and the plug & voltage differences will be a pain.
But thankyou anyway

Jimbo662 · Jan 10, 2020

The 61" would probably be best. Not many people have corals near the ends of the tank so you don't need high light there. Also going with two small fixtures means you'll have more power cords. Each fixture how two cords, front set and back set of lights.

James MacFarlane · Jan 10, 2020

I have a 61 inch over a 72 inch tank and its fine.

As an aside, pairing T5 with your radions will be the best reefing decision you've ever made. I was shocked at the difference it made for my SPS in a 72 hour period.

Makers Marc · Jan 28, 2020

Can any of yall with the 61" hybrid post pics? Did yall mod it with the end caps and to make the cords both go towards the back?

piranhaman00 · Jan 29, 2020

I run the cords of each end. I have to run the hydra cords as well so each side is fine for me. I dont think it looks bad at all personally.

Jimbo662 · Jan 29, 2020

Makers Marc said:
Can any of yall with the 61" hybrid post pics? Did yall mod it with the end caps and to make the cords both go towards the back?

They sell an end cap that has an upper and lower channel to run the cords to the back. Makes it look very clean. I can take a pic when I get home tonight.