Which T5 Fixture and how many bulbs?

[butts182]

I upgraded to a 40b and might get a T5 fixture. The question is which one and 4 or 6 bulbs? Tank is sps dominated with lots of chalice frags and acans in the sand up front. I was looking at ATI but they are pretty expensive. I'm not opposed to spending the money, just want to get the right one the first time. I would probably run a combo with some or all of the following: blue+, aquablue special, fiji pink and actinic bulbs.

 

[fab1971]

You got the bulb combo down. I think the 6 bulb would be a better. Gives you more choices when it comes to bulbs.

 

[divewsharks]

are you planning to upgrade anytime soon? if not the 4 bulb will work. I would also swap actinic for another B+. Additionally an alternative to the Fiji Purple is the newer ATI Purple+.

-rob

 

[clowns101]

The 4 bulb would be a nice light for you.Tec makes a nice 4 bulb and they are good lights,and have a good price.A 6 bulb is a good one also as if you ever upgrade,you would not need to buy a new light if it fits the length of the new tank.

I would go with:

Blue +
Fiji Purple
Daylight
Blue+

I like to run a 14k look for all SPS,that should be close to it.

6 bulb would be like

Blue+
AquaBlue
Fuji Purple
6500k Daylight(Or blue+)
AquaBlue
Blue+

I think those are both good!

 

[milkman]

The problem is if you upgrade, you will probably not have a 36" tank, so the fixture is not transferable.

I would get one of the Evolution LED fixtures from Reef Koi and spend about the same price as a 4 bulb TEK.

I don't own one, but the reviews have been very positive.

 

[Dylan]

I would go with a 6 bulb tek rather than a 4 bulb ati. I would run a blue+ rather than a daylight, but that is personal preference. On my 8 bulb tek elite I have 6 Blue plus, one aquablue special, and one fiji purple. The color of the Blue+ is AMAZING, I am thinking about switching my only aquablue special to a blue+.

 

[butts182]

anyone else want to put in their 2 cents?

 

[solitude127]

One of the downfalls of an ATI fixture is that you have to hang the fixture somehow, there is no way to stand it on the tank. If you're willing to hang it somehow, I'd would definitely go with the ATI. They're quality fixtures. I have both the PM and SP. Your 40B is going to be 36" wide, would you go with a 36" fixture or a 24" fixture?

 

[butts182]

One of the downfalls of an ATI fixture is that you have to hang the fixture somehow, there is no way to stand it on the tank. If you're willing to hang it somehow, I'd would definitely go with the ATI. They're quality fixtures. I have both the PM and SP. Your 40B is going to be 36" wide, would you go with a 36" fixture or a 24" fixture?

I would go with a 36" fixture since the $ saved by going with a 24" fixture is not much.

 

[Pizzapro83]

I have a icecap t5 fixture with the led tubes. I cannot explain how nice the colors are. It really brings out the colors of your chalices.

 

[_Alex_]

Icecap has some nice fixtures and diy stuff

A 660 you could run 5x 36" bulbs

 

[divewsharks]

The problem is if you upgrade, you will probably not have a 36" tank, so the fixture is not transferable.

I would get one of the Evolution LED fixtures from Reef Koi and spend about the same price as a 4 bulb TEK.

I don't own one, but the reviews have been very positive.

Sure it is. there is no requirement that says you light fixture must match tank length. What it offers is 6" on either side of the fixture on a 48" tank where light is lower which is great for lower light critters like chalice and othe LPS.

 

[ronnie]

A 660 will only run 16 feet of bulbs, along with only 4 total.

I've got an Aquactinics TX5 fixture - it is a happy medium between 4 and 6 bulbs - it has 5 bulbs :D

I'm running 3 x aquablues and 2 x blue + - might switch out one aquablue for another blue plus. I'm still working on my 40B frag tank - which this light will be going over.

 

[solitude127]

I would go with a 36" fixture since the $ saved by going with a 24" fixture is not much.

If you could swing it, I'd get a ATI SunPower. It's probably the highest output of PAR of the T5 fixtures.

 

[NanoNano]

I run

Blue+
Fiji Purp
UVL SuperActinic
Blue+

Love it.

 

[_Alex_]

A 660 will only run 16 feet of bulbs, along with only 4 total.

I've got an Aquactinics TX5 fixture - it is a happy medium between 4 and 6 bulbs - it has 5 bulbs :D

I'm running 3 x aquablues and 2 x blue + - might switch out one aquablue for another blue plus. I'm still working on my 40B frag tank - which this light will be going over.

36"x5 is only 15ft?

But if only run 4 bulbs guess thats problem, but 4 overdrive bulbs wouldnt be bad

 

[ronnie]

36"x5 is only 15ft?

read the next part of the sentence.