How many T5 bulbs for 120g

[jbeanz24]

Hey everyone looking for some input. My tank is 48x24x24. Im going to be purchasing a 48’’ ATI sunpower fixture and i want to know if i need to go with 6 or 8 bulbs. The tank will me a mixed reef.

 

[Jackony]

I’d say 6 bulb t-5 and with the money left from not getting the 8 bulb fixture buy a couple actinic LEDs for the sunlight shimmer effect during “day time” and moonlight blue during “night time.”

 

[40B Knasty]

6 would be good. I have a 65g (36Lx24Hx18W) w/ 4 T5s works just fine on the bottom. I have a satosa, war coral, frogspawn, that gold torch in my profile picture, zoa, and echinata all around the sand bed. Running ATI B+, C+, B+, and Actinic. Mind the cyanobacteria. Just got through a dosing for bryopsis. A lot of die off.

 

[cracker]

I have a 6 bulb T5 on my 48" tank. Plenty of light with good coverage .

 

[Alfrareef]

I’ve choose a 8 tube version.
Better coverage and if want to mix Led just buy Led tubes... it looks better.

 

[gpwdr]

I've seen great tanks with t-5's covering the entire top of the tank. So I would't skimp on the amount of T-5's at all. Also they had the fixtures close to the water, like 6 to 8".

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

both will work. I'm running six. But, if you ever want a wider tank an 8 would be nice. you'd never have to upgrade except for the above mention LED if you want the shimmer.

 

[shred5]

4 for less than 18", 6 for 18"-23", 8 for 24+
Amount of lamps is not for increase of light/par it is for coverage.
Allot depends on aquascape or coral location but that is the general rule.

 

[Hk45]

6 bulb w reefbrite blue led. Ran this combo and it was great

 

[jbeanz24]

Thanks everyone for your input, i was planning on adding a reefbright or sb reef reef bar for pop. Somebody mentioned led tubes and i looked those up as i did not know they were an option. It looks like i can run an 8 bulb fixture with 1 or 2 of the bulbs being led tubes for pop. Does anybody here have any personal experience with the led tube bulbs? Would just like to know if they are worth it ?

 

[shred5]

Thanks everyone for your input, i was planning on adding a reefbright or sb reef reef bar for pop. Somebody mentioned led tubes and i looked those up as i did not know they were an option. It looks like i can run an 8 bulb fixture with 1 or 2 of the bulbs being led tubes for pop. Does anybody here have any personal experience with the led tube bulbs? Would just like to know if they are worth it ?

I have them on my reefer 250 and their not bad if you have a existing fixture, the reefbrites would add more pop.. Can not comment on the SB reef bar but they are on clearance right now. I tried to pick up a 36 incher for my frag tanks and are sold out.

My 120 I am going two Kessil a360w for shimmer and pop and 4 t-5 retros.

 

[40B Knasty]

I seen a review on the Euroquatics E5 5 feet in length bulb. When they put the E5 bulb in their fixture. The E5 bulb bowed because of the weight in the middle. The person asked if they could send it back. The company sent them a bracket to brace it up in the middle to reduce the bowing, but this would also mean he would have to drill into the reflector. He also made the comment that this would most likely happen for a 4' E5 bulb. 2' & 3' would most likely not bow. So keep this in mind since you are asking about the 4' LED bulb.

 

[jda]

Can you run just 6 on their 8 bulb model? This is a good compromise if you can... just run 6 now with the ability to add more later if you need it.

 

[Hentz]

I’m running an ATI 6x54 with no issues at all. My 120 is SPS dominant. The tank itself is also Euro-braced so the 8 bulb would essentially be useless with the glass rim getting in the way. I’ve added the LumiLite Blue LED strip for that pop as I couldn’t stand the flat look with T5. But the growth is amazing.