T5 lights

FlChris · Dec 20, 2020

Good morning all,

I am new to reef2reef forums. I had a question about some t5 lights I got free from my neighbor. She gave me her son brand new in the box AQUATICLIFE EXPANDABLE 30 " DUAL LAMP T5 HO LIGHT FIXTURE which works. Will these t5 light fixtures work for a 20 gallon long with sps, lps and zoas? ( bulbs Coral+ & Actinic)

Thank you for ur input
Chris

Ron Reefman · Dec 20, 2020

First, allow me to say, "Welcome to R2R." #Welcome

I'll assume your 20g long is 12" deep?

Then yes, the t5 bulbs should be enough even for sps. And t5 bulbs should be replaced every 12 to 18 months. They will still be bright, but the spectrum changes over time. Corals will end up less happy and algae will like them better.

Good luck and always ask questions. That's a big part of what we are all here for... to help.

FlChris · Dec 20, 2020

Ron,

Yes it 20 gallon long and wasn't sure because it a two bulb system.

Thank you again

Jet915 · Dec 20, 2020

2 bulbs probably isnt sufficient for sps, would need atleast 4 bulbs or led supplement.

TankCandy · Dec 20, 2020

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!

Ron Reefman · Dec 20, 2020

FlChris said:
Ron,

Yes it 20 gallon long and wasn't sure because it a two bulb system.

Thank you again

You really think it needs 4 bulbs in a tank that is only 12" deep? It's practically a frag tank.
People grow sps in tanks like this with Current Orbit leds using 0.3 watt leds.

sfin52 · Dec 20, 2020

Ron Reefman said:
You really think it needs 4 bulbs in a tank that is only 12" deep? It's practically a frag tank.
People grow sps in tanks like this with Current Orbit leds using 0.3 watt leds.

I agree. I have a 4 bulb fixture on my 90 I get 125 par on the sand. 2 should be fine

@FlChris

FlChris · Dec 20, 2020

Thank you for all the information. The lights were free and thought it be a upgrade from the black box lights I have

Ron Reefman · Dec 20, 2020

What brand of black box lights do you have. Most of them, at least the more recent ones, are very good for coral. May be even better than the t5's.

FlChris · Dec 21, 2020

I got two aqua knights v2 for the 20 gallon long. The setting are RB100% B100% W50% about 6inch off the water. I have seen some coral growth but very little