T5 lighting question

[RayAllen]

Im thinking of selling my MH and going T5. My question is how many bulbs of t5 HO bulbs would I need. The tank is 24" long and 18" front to back, but it is a inwall so really its more like 15" front to back. Would a 24" 4 bulb fixture do the trick. In the tank I have shrooms, yumas, frogspawn, hammer, a clam and a couple others.

[ErikH]

I would do 6, that's what I have on my 24X24x20. Even with six the back is underlit more than I like...

Edit: I have one of the 24" current sundial fixtures and a dual current fixture. The sundial fixture has two built in timers, three switches, LEDs and only needs one power cord since the timers are built in. It is a sweet little fixture. I have zoas on the sand growing....

[coraline79]

I agree, I have 4 x 36" and my depth(front to back) is only 12". Basically 2 per every 6". If you get retro with single reflectors, you can direct your light if you like as well.

[ErikH]

Yeah, as stated above, you could do it the right way, especially since your tank is an inwall. Then all you need is that profilux controller that Lonestar has on his elos! :D

[Bill S]

OK... Why are you thinking of changing? You'll miss the shimmer...

[FireWater]

Ray, if you go with a retro set up you should be able to fit 6 with no problem. Ice Cap slr reflectors are around 2" wide each - and they are still one of the best on the market for T-5's. Yes, you don't get the same shimmer as with halides. I've never ran halides so I can't say that I miss it. I have been around several tanks that run halides and I know my tank runs immensely cooler - not just the tank, but the area around my tank also. You can try the T-5 thread over on ReefCentral - There were around 40 pages on just T-5 lighting last time I looked.

[RayAllen]

OK... Why are you thinking of changing? You'll miss the shimmer...

Really dont need 250watts of MH for my softies and it creates a lot of heat in the closet its in. I like the color options on T5s and it would run much cooler.

[Mr_Cool]

How tall is the tank? I think that should be a consideration as well. I have all t-5's and only 3 rows front to back. It's pretty bright, but then again, I only have softies and my tank is only 16" tall. (With the sand, it makes it only 14" and the lights are about 4" above the water.)

I've been told I could probably keep some less demanding sps in there with that lighting. I had a clam for a while. He did just fine in there. I just wasn't as thrilled about him anymore, so I got rid of it.

I bet 4 rows would be good for you. Of course, 6 would be better.