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capschamp
12-26-2011, 03:40 PM
I've been reading up on t5 lighting to use on a 72 bowfront i'm in process of assembling. In the past i've always used metal halide over my reef, but their are some very reasonably priced t5 fixtures on ebay, thinking about an 8 bulb fixture that would have over 400 watts. It would come with 6500k bulbs but i'd switch those out with varying 10-20k bulbs. Anyone have success with t5's, and do you think it would work over my 72? Its 23" deep and i'm primarily interested in sps. The last time i kept sps was in a 40 under a 400 watt metal halide, and their growth was phenomenal. But the setup was a pure hillbilly rig and my wife hated the aesthetics outside the tank. Interested in hearing your experiences. Thanks in advance!

RkyRickstr
12-26-2011, 04:15 PM
Absolutely, and given that the tank is 18" wide then even a six bulb fixture would work. Just make sure its a high output fixtures with
54w bulbs.

I ran a nova with six bulbs on a 75 for two years.. growth was excellent.. most of the people in my local club run t5s with great results.

capschamp
12-26-2011, 05:19 PM
awesome rky. that's what i was hoping to hear. Thanks!

capschamp
12-30-2011, 07:01 PM
this is the fixture i'd like to get, but I'd put all 12000k bulbs in it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300635574049?ss ... 1423.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/300635574049?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)
Think it would work? I've been reading a bunch and i've read it depends on the reflectors, since this isnt a "name brand" reef light I'm wondering what you think.

capschamp
12-30-2011, 07:11 PM
or this 8 bulb set up, again, replacing all with 10000k-20000k bulbs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/48-4-ft-T5-Ligh ... 3cbe227e9e (http://www.ebay.com/itm/48-4-ft-T5-Lighting-Aquarium-Light-Hood-Marine-Reef-Coral-432W-8-Bulbs-Timer-/260887969438?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cbe227e9e)