t5 ?

I,m looking in to getting a new t5 fixture and cant make up my mind, so many out there so was wondring if anyone had any suggestions. i have a 135 gallon and and whant to keep a mixed reef mostly soffties, zoa, and a few lps. Mostly Im not sure how big to go. 4 bulb? 6 bulb? Thanks for your input

 

Is your tank a 135 Tall? If so, that's a 4 foot tank.

I would pay a little bit extra for a 6 bulb. Look for a model that allows you to turn on and off at least half of the bulbs. The reason I say this is that while you might not be interested in clams, SPS, and other more light-demanding animals, going 6 bulb gives you that option in the future without having to replace the whole fixture.

If you have a 135 Long (6 foot long), I would probably do MH pendants.

 

At least 4 bulb for that size tank, so a search on Google or Amazon, find one that you like that is in your price range and then research that brand for longetivity, safety, recalls/replacement etc. Craigslist is also a great resource for used/new equipment if you would like to go that route.

Another option is go to your LFS and talk to some of the people there, you would be amazed what you can learn just by going in there and talking with some of the people there.

I just have to ask, shy t-5's? For what you are wanting to keep you could also go the LED route. Some of the new technology for LED's is amazing! I just picked up a PAR-38 LED bulb for my refugium, it is brighter than the CF bulb that was in there before, uses less power, lasts 50,000 hours and it is dimmable with a remote control for $50! Take a look at Marinedepot.com and read about some of their lighting to help you make an educated decision! Kudos to the Zoo's, they are my favorite!

 

+1

If you're just starting a tank that size, LED might be the way to go. You're looking at a lot of money just in annual bulb replacements with T5.

 

I would also suggest LED if you are starting out the tank. We need to know the dimensions of the tank to give you a better suggestion. Kurt's is a great suggestion in case the SPS bug bites. You option on a 6 foot tank would be 2 4 or 6 bulb fixtures or a 6 foot fixture with 8 or 12 bulbs.

 

tank is a 135 tall 48x18x36 was looking at led as well but the upfront price is alot more

 

The plus side is with a 4 bulb fixture you are looking at around $100 a year in bulb replacements. That was one of my deciding factors for changing to LED. That being said, T5 lights is pretty neat.

 

I would get a 4 or 6 bulb ATI Sunpower. You may not be able to keep coral on the sand depending on how deep the sand bed is. The light is supposed to be good to 30" in depth.

 

If your going T5's, I agree, look into the ATI sunpowers, and get a 6 bulb fixture.Very nice fixtures and very bright,

 

6 lamps min either ati sunpower or tec if you go t5 radions if you go led