A Question About Lighting

[WayneVT08]

but if you do, then don't worry about reading this since the same question on my journal on page two.

Also have another question for you reefers.

I bought a lighting fixture today, second hand, its a 48" Nova Extreme T-5 Fixture. I was wondering if I could just get another one and be fine with lighting, as I want to turn it into a reef tank, with a few SPS near the top of the tank. If it's not could I get another 2? I light it since I can fit it into the canopy without having to use a retrofit kit. So if I order two more in a few weeks when I get my powerheads and pumps would it be fine? That would be ideal. I can't really tell if mine has 96 watts or 108 watts? But do you think that could be worked out so I could have what I want in the tank and so I can get my lighting needs down.

 

[SkiFletch]

You want at least 4 T5 tubes spanning the length of the tank for hard corals. 6 would be more ideal

 

[Musho3210]

for lps it should be fine, for sps you may want more. Many lps appreciate softer light.

 

[WayneVT08]

Alright, well I have just the two T-5 tubes right now, I could use that for now and just do FO, but if I'm getting them off the internet then I'll just be getting one additional one along with my powerheads and mag 5.

So would one more be fine, or do I need an additional 2, which means 4 more bulbs?

 

[SkiFletch]

you have 2 tubes now, fine for FO and maybe even some larger softies
4 tubes for LPS
6 tubes for SPS

 

[WayneVT08]

Alright cool deal, I'll be getting another one off of liveaquaria or from someone used.

 

[SkiFletch]

Alright cool deal, I'll be getting another one off of liveaquaria or from someone used.

I vote for used

 

[WayneVT08]

Theres one a few towns over from mine who's selling thiers for 50.

But I am also trying to get a really good skimmer for 90 bucks. So I might need to take some money out of the bank.

 

[Musho3210]

i thought you were getting the TEK... oh well. I wouldnt buy second hand bulbs if thats what you were trying to say....

 

[WayneVT08]

The lights are used, I can buy more bulbs for 20 bucks, but there is no reason to shell out 200 dollars for a new fixture.