Adding a single T5 for color

[Zoajohn]

I’ve got an innovative marine 30L with two hydra 26 HD’s over it. That gives me more than enough light to grow anything, but I’m toying with the idea of adding a single bulb T5 fixture just for more color pop and to slightly reduce shading. Do you all think there’s any issue with adding this? I might buy the cheap coralife 36” fixture and add some blue ATI bulb to it.

 

[Miller535]

No issue at all.

 

[Zoajohn]

No issue at all.

My main worry would be too much light, as I have my hydras on modified AB+ turned down a lot. But I suppose the added PAR from a single T5 would be negligible

 

[ScottR]

Add 2 T5’s. No problem. You can always turn down your LEDs. T5s give greater light spread without shimmer. FWIW, I always felt AI hydra 26HDs were weaker LEDs anyway.

 

[Bryknicks]

Use a Sunblastor nano tech. I have two of the single fixtures over my tank with LEDS. I'm using the ATI blue+ bulbs.

 

[Zoajohn]

Add 2 T5’s. No problem. You can always turn down your LEDs. T5s give greater light spread without shimmer. FWIW, I always felt AI hydra 26HDs were weaker LEDs anyway.

Very true. For what it’s worth, I was hitting 450 Par at full AB+ settings at the top parts of my rockwork. Granted it is a shallow tank

 

[Bryknicks]

My main worry would be too much light, as I have my hydras on modified AB+ turned down a lot. But I suppose the added PAR from a single T5 would be negligible

You could always lower the led settings if necessary to counteract the additional light

 

[JustAnotherNanoTank]

I’ve got an innovative marine 30L with two hydra 26 HD’s over it. That gives me more than enough light to grow anything, but I’m toying with the idea of adding a single bulb T5 fixture just for more color pop and to slightly reduce shading. Do you all think there’s any issue with adding this? I might buy the cheap coralife 36” fixture and add some blue ATI bulb to it.

I agree with the idea of adding two T5. Get a hybrid fixture and turn down leds a bit

 

[Miller535]

My main worry would be too much light, as I have my hydras on modified AB+ turned down a lot. But I suppose the added PAR from a single T5 would be negligible

You may just have to adjust the hydras a little. Maybe even make them a little more white. But like others said, better coverage.

 

[Zoajohn]

Use a Sunblastor nano tech. I have two of the single fixtures over my tank with LEDS. I'm using the ATI blue+ bulbs.

Where did you buy it from? The prices look good but everywhere adds an additional $20+ to ship

 

[Bryknicks]

@Zoajohn I got the lights off amazon, the 36" version for roughly $50 each with free shipping. I got the bulbs off BRS with free shipping and paid roughly $20 each.

 

[shred5]

Where did you buy it from? The prices look good but everywhere adds an additional $20+ to ship

Makes sure to get one with a reflector..
I use a couple of these on my aquaculture system.
I pick them up cheap on ebay.

 

[Zoajohn]

Makes sure to get one with a reflector..
I use a couple of these on my aquaculture system.
I pick them up cheap on ebay.

Do you think two single arm RMS mounts for the hydra can support the weight of the single t5 fixture? I think it weighs a little over a pound, maybe two with bulb. I have no idea how I will suspend it with my Hydras