What fixtures for 9' frag tank?

[raz0945]

Hal is working on a 9' frag tank stand and we are trying to come up with lights that will cover the whole nine feet. I would prefer T-5's, probably want 6 bulbs. I can't afford $1500+ that I'm seeing on some sites. What comes to your mind or something you have seen somewhere else? Holley

Also how deep is your frag tank?

 

[tater]

I'd just get a couple 4' t5's. Find some used ones I'm sure you'd be under $500 total. Or 3 well placed 400w halides.

 

[jdavid]

Keeping the tank shallow 12" or so would allow you to hang the lights higher for more spread. I'd probably go with halides just for coverage. Plus with the lights up high you have room to work!

 

[jead85]

coralvue has some t5 lighting on clearance

 

[raz0945]

tater;987759 wrote: I'd just get a couple 4' t5's. Find some used ones I'm sure you'd be under $500 total. Or 3 well placed 400w halides.

Thanks for replying! I have the 6 bulb now (2 40g)and I think for the 24" width of the new tanks the 6 would give better coverage, especially for acros. I would love to have the MH, so far with 5 tanks in the den I have only used the ceiling fan to cool off the tanks. With 3 more MH that might change! Holley

 

[marquiseo]

You can do the DIY T5 kits or go the ebay route for something like

 

[raz0945]

JDavid;987763 wrote: Keeping the tank shallow 12" or so would allow you to hang the lights higher for more spread. I'd probably go with halides just for coverage. Plus with the lights up high you have room to work!

Thanks for replying! We are considering going 10"-12" high on the acrylic tanks, the stand is 36" (I'm on the short side), I wanted tanks I didn't need a ladder to work in. (I have a 40b over a 20l)
I like the idea of being able to have the light higher so it's easier to work! Holley

 

[raz0945]

jead85;987768 wrote: coralvue has some t5 lighting on clearance

Thank You, I will check them out! Holley:yes:

 

[tonymission]

If you go the MH route the 400w on a 12" tank would need to be like 26-30" above the water and even that would be around 400-500par. 250w would be better but the t5 route will still get the job done with nice color.

 

[raz0945]

MarquiseO;987778 wrote: You can do the DIY T5 kits or go the ebay route for something like http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUN-BLAZE-T5-HO-4ft-4-LAMP-W-BULBS-FLUORESCENT-LIGHT-/200522575508?_trksid=p2054897.l5664">Sun Blaze T5 HO 4ft 4 Lamp w Bulbs Fluorescent Light | eBay</a>[/QUOTE]

Thanks for replying! I have seen these and I was wondering about if they were meant for growing coral, if the reflectors are good enought. If you have them please let me know how they work for you, great price! Holley:)

 

[raz0945]

tonymission;987783 wrote: If you go the MH route the 400w on a 12" tank would need to be like 26-30" above the water and even that would be around 400-500par. 250w would be better but the t5 route will still get the job done with nice color.

Thanks Tony, I love my t5s, I have 250w MH and t5s on my 125g and they are great on that tank, it is 21" deep. :yes: