T5 for 30gal softie reef tank. 18" deep

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by High_hopes, Jul 28, 2012.

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  1. High_hopes

    High_hopes Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2011
    Messages:
    31
    What would be the best/cheapest t5 light for my 30gal reef?
     
    High_hopes, Jul 28, 2012
    High_hopes, Jul 28, 2012
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. Inertiatic

    Inertiatic Bubble Tip Anemone

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2011
    Messages:
    679
    Location:
    Carlsbad, CA
    My very first fixture over a similar tank was a 2 bulb T5 and I had no issues with softies and some LPS on the sand bed. Just use quality bulbs and you should be fine. As far as quality , a lot of reefers seem to love Aquatic Life.
     
    Inertiatic, Jul 28, 2012
    Inertiatic, Jul 28, 2012
    #2
  3. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2012
    Messages:
    2,818
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    You should definitely check out fishneedit.com lights. They're cheap and work great! I have a 2 bulb with one 10000K and one Actinic bulb. I've been able to keep LPS and soft corals at the bottom of the tank and 2 types of Montipora a little more than halfway above the tank, but I'll probably be moving the Monti's to a tank with stronger lighting.

    HTH
     
    Camkha1234, Jul 28, 2012
    Camkha1234, Jul 28, 2012
    #3
  4. 1.0reef

    1.0reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2011
    Messages:
    3,615
    Location:
    Orinda, Bay Area, CA
    2 bulb T5HO with ATI bulbs
     
    1.0reef, Jul 28, 2012
    1.0reef, Jul 28, 2012
    #4