Am I crazy for considering T5s only on a 40B build?

[Coralmaniac21]

Problem with that odessy t5 fixture is i heard the ballasts are bad as well and also the reflector isnt as good as the ati or the heapo vivisun or other name plant grow fixtures.

The T5 bulbs are right next to eachother which means they would bleed eachother out.. each t5 bb needs its own V shaped reflector to sit in for the maimum light dispersion.

Its too bad there arent many good T5 fixtures out there for 36 and 72 inch tanks.

For a 72 youd have to buy a 48 and 24 inch fixture which isnt a problem but still.

But the guys tank above proves a 24 inch fixture can light a 36 inch tank if you raise it up high enough. But you do lose int3nsity the higher you go..

Sucks... Izm not saying the odessy light fixture wont work it just isnt the most ideal fixture for maximum reflectivity.

But then the 36 inch fixture on my 30g long tank has two t5s side by side with a crappy plastic reflector coated in shiney paint and its growing corals just fine.. havent had any issues..

So that odessy lamp would actually ve pretty nice if you get one thwt doesnt have ballast issues

 

[RickG]

T5s all the way! I recommend sunpower but giesemann is on clearance in brs right now

 

[ReefWithCare]

T5s all the way! I recommend sunpower but giesemann is on clearance in brs right now

The 24 or 36” Giesmans aren’t available though [emoji29]

 

[RickG]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/36-matrixx-ii-6x39w-t5-giesemann.html

 

[timrocks311]

I'm late to this thread, but I have a 40 breeder with T5s over it. It's an old 24" 4-bulb fixture I bought probably 10 years ago. I planned it for a 29 gallon at the time and never used it until recently. I have it hanging 10" above the water now.

I like the T5s for the nice coverage, and the 24" covers well, but the ends are darker, which I figure is fine for lower light corals anyway. I have considered LEDs though since I like the idea of them. The 4-bulbs are plenty of light for softies and LPS which is what I have. I just have trouble getting the color combo I really want. For that, I'd consider a 6-bulb fixture. 36" length fixtures are a bit odd too. I think you can get by with a 24" which is a bit more standard.

If I was buying something new though, I'd probably do the hybrid 4-bulbs with LEDs.

 

[timrocks311]

Here's a photo of mine when it was first setup.

 

[sideofabarn]

Yep, saw the video from BRS on t5 bulb life-just confirms what I'm seeing-my corals like the full coverage. I run a nothing-coralife 4 bulb setup for two years-maybe changed a few bulbs in that time. 40B with softies, zoas, LPS, and a few montis. It's easy to add new corals (no burning) and it provides consistent lighting.

 

[Ironwill723]

I like the aquaticlife fixtures...Has the three channel timer built in.
https://premiumaquatics.com/products/aquaticlife-36in-t5-ho-4-lamp-lunar.html

 

[ReefWithCare]

I like the aquaticlife fixtures...Has the three channel timer built in.
https://premiumaquatics.com/products/aquaticlife-36in-t5-ho-4-lamp-lunar.html

Item is discontinued [emoji24]