Lighting

[timmystood]

Hey all!

OK, so it's now time to get some lighting for my reef tank-to-be! I can't remember if reef tanks will need T5 or T8?

I've found this Luminaire on ebay that would fit my tank perfectly and just wandered if it would be ok for coral etc?

here

Any help is appreciated

Many Thanks
timmystood

 

[@ombomb]

Not sure how big your tank's going to be, but I'd say that lighting system will severly limit you options when it comes to corals.

Ideally look for T5 power compacts, much better than T8s.

 

[timmystood]

OK thanks

How abouts this?

Also, if I do choose that option above it has to choice of 4x 24W T5 tubes or 2x 24W T5 tubes.. better if 4 tubes or 2?

Cheers

 

[@ombomb]

As a general rule, more is definitely better. Not many corals will be happy with just 48W of lighting, much better off with 96W IMO.

 

[timmystood]

OK, excellent thank you I will get that ordered! Is 4 T5 Bulbs though likely to mean that the luminaire won't fit on top of the tank? It's 35cm wide.. 80cm in length as well by the way but that's not really an issue because it says the luminaire is 80cm long.

 

[SkiFletch]

Dunno, but you could always ask the seller what the width is

 

[timmystood]

Will do now thanks

 

[timmystood]

Got my luminaire ordered - £180

Not much more to get now! Just a case of moving the tank and changing the sand (already purchased) and then it's time to start adding the Live Rock!