Lighting

[Mr_Cool]

I'm wondering if I really need to get some t-5 lighting. Right now, I have only 1 normal output 40 watt strip light on my tank. It's covering the middle section of the 8 foot long tank, but there's still 2 feet on each end that it not lit. I was planning on getting 2 different 2 bulb t-5 retrofits and putting one on each side. But now, I'm thinking I can go with some cheap t-8 shoplights.

I have two bubble tip anemones in there, and they are now keeping bubbles on their tips. (Go figure! ) They didn't used to do this under the 250w MH. I also have a 5-6 inch teardrop maxima that is fully open and happy. It is sitting at the very edge of the light strip.

I know I can get t-8 actinic bulbs, and other spectra as well, for about the same price as t-5 bulbs. And, I could get them locally, too. What do y'all think?

[Mr_Cool]

I forgot to mention, the tank is only about 13 inches deep from the sandbed to the water line. I'm not really planning on doing SPS corals, either. But, I can alway upgrade the lights if I change my mind later.

[Ram_Puppy]

personally, I would go w/ the T-5s.

they have a longer spectral life capacity than a T8 (which is Normal output), put out more light, and while you may have to stagger them, a generally a better source of light.

you may not have run into problems w/ the bubbletips under that dim amount of light yet, but you probably will. I doubt your maxima is really happy under that light as well, it's fully open to get as much light as it can.

Normal Output tubes simply can not supply the amount of light needed for a reef tank. planted aquariums? Yes, Reeftank - no.

Get the T-5s.

[Ram_Puppy]

oh, and as far as it only being 13 inches... i would still do the T-5s.. mainly because I don't think you could ever pack enough T-8s in the same amount of space to equal what you need.

I could be wrong though.