Frag lighting

[SeymourDuncan]

24 inches wide
36 inches long
6 inches deep

150w halide or 4x18w t5ho?

Mixed assortment of corals in mind...mainly zoas. Growth is my goal, color doesn't matter just yet.

 

[Eric B]

Wow that is a shallow tank! I would probably run the T5's as the MH will probably be a double ended bulb and I hate those things.

 

[SeymourDuncan]

What do you have against double ended bulbs haha? T5s are double ended. But yeah, I agree on wattage...now how high should I keep the t5 and with what bulbs? 6700k would be great for growth but could also burn stuff, am I right? Should I aim for more blue?

 

[LOVETHISHOBBY]

I would start higher and then you can always go lower on the fixture. If it were me, maybe start at 18 inches. I prefer ATI bulbs. I do a combo of 2 blue plus, 1 aquablue special, and 1 purple plus.

 

[SeymourDuncan]

Does ATI make 18w bulbs?

 

[SeymourDuncan]

I have to order the bulbs...locally we have those Hagen glo bulbs...which did good on my old tank. But Im over dealing with stuff that isn't as good as what could be used.

 

[LOVETHISHOBBY]

I just checked ATI's website and looks like the smallest is 24W.

 

[SeymourDuncan]

That's what I saw too...ugh. I was hoping I didn't have to go another route. eBay has some cheap brands that are that small but I'm not trying to grow algae haha.

The metal halide has way more options, just way more electricity and it would be so high up the spill off would support tropical fruit trees haha

 

[Saulsa]

4 24w (24 inches long) t5 ati bulbs with the fixture up high would be my best bet if I were you. Or an eBay led fixture like the taotronics fill spectrum dimmable fixture. I have seen good things with those..

 

[SeymourDuncan]

I use reefbreeders on my display tank and love them, but that is a lot of light. It would need dimmed a ton and that just seems like a waste of potential. I also was trying to use the fixture on hand if possible. Another option I have is a 4x55w Hamilton pc ballast, but new bulbs for that beast is as much as a brand new fixture lol.

I'm gonna keep searching for 18w t5s in the meantime. Still have some tweaking to do before I fill the tank anyways.

 

[kes]

I use only 12 blues and 12 whites at 30% output over my frag tank and everything does well

 

[SeymourDuncan]

I would just feel like I wasted money on a light I don't use all the way on. Don't get me wrong...LEDs are my preferred reef lighting. I love them on my display. 6 inches of water though...seems a bit much.

 

[Telefonica007]

True but u can get an led fixture for less that 175. That's not that bad even only running it 40%. U can always use it for another project if needed

 

[SeymourDuncan]

That's true. Logan does custom spectrums at Reefbreeders. Here's my idea
1 channel only 6700k
1 channel 20000k
I can use one channel for the growth period and flip the other one on when its getting closer to selling season. That's if I go LEDs. I have faith in Reefbreeders, so those are the only affordable ones I would get. Why can't I find 18w t5s? Haha

 

[Telefonica007]

Reef radiance has nice stuff at affordable prices. Similar fixtures as reefbreeders. Check them out. They are running specials

 

[SeymourDuncan]

I'll look but I'm really trying to go the t5 route over all others.

 

[PmCarbrey]

I'd just go with a high end 4 bulb 24w T5 fixture. hung at 14-21" you should be fine

 

[Telefonica007]

Something about continuously paying for bulbs stinks. I like t5 but led is more practical. Either will be sharp!

 

[SeymourDuncan]

Dang it You guys! ;) you definitely talked me OUT of these t5s. Gotta sell em now.
Now I guess I'll be looking into the next size up and get back with some ideas :) definitively would love ATI

 

[bct15]

I prefer a 150w halide and two three foot t5s (ATI blue +)

If you are going t5 I'd go with six 3ft t5s

3 blue +, 2 coral +, 1 aqua blue special
Bulb replacement is going to be expensive though.

You could just build a DIY light if the frag tank isn't being displayed.