Size up or down for t5 hybrid?

[Kiiyo]

Currently running an ap9x on my 30x24 tank and wanting to upgrade to a t5 hybrid setup. Should I go with a 24" or 36" fixture?

 

[tbrown]

I'd go with a 24" for looks personally, but I'd consider adding an extra bulb (or 2) to increase the light output since it will be lower wattage overall.

If you're not concerned with the light hanging over the edge of the tank and extra 3" per side, the 36" will work but you'll likely have extra light spill from.the additional length.

 

[Kiiyo]

I'd go with a 24" for looks personally, but I'd consider adding an extra bulb (or 2) to increase the light output since it will be lower wattage overall.

If you're not concerned with the light hanging over the edge of the tank and extra 3" per side, the 36" will work but you'll likely have extra light spill from.the additional length.

Yeah that's what I figured, the 36 would give more coverage but idk how I feel about 3 inches on either side just spilling over.

The fixture is 4 bulbs, what do you mean by adding a bulb or 2?

 

[tbrown]

Yeah that's what I figured, the 36 would give more coverage but idk how I feel about 3 inches on either side just spilling over.

The fixture is 4 bulbs, what do you mean by adding a bulb or 2?

Are you going full T5 or adding the T5s to your existing for supplemental lighting. If you're going full T5, the difference in watts between a 36" and a 24" would make me consider adding an extra 2 bulbs - going with a 5 or 6 bulb instead of a 4 bulb.

 

[rtparty]

24”. It will look off with a 36” fixture over a 30” tank

 

[Kiiyo]

Are you going full T5 or adding the T5s to your existing for supplemental lighting. If you're going full T5, the difference in watts between a 36" and a 24" would make me consider adding an extra 2 bulbs - going with a 5 or 6 bulb instead of a 4 bulb.

I was planning to supplement my kessil. Ahh I see what you're saying about the bulbs now.