Low tech lighting question

[NoahLikesFish]

Would 2 2ft 2 bulb floursecents work well for a 20 long? also what can I use to grow phyto? I want to make a drip system to drip phytoplankton into my tank for sessile inverts to eat

 

[Bribo12]

Yes 2 t5ho will work fine over a 20 for low light corals like softies and some lps

 

[NoahLikesFish]

2 2 bulb fixtures or 1 2 bulb?

 

[Bribo12]

2 would allow more flexibility if you want more lps down the line but one would work

 

[NoahLikesFish]

How often do you replace the bulbs?

 

[Bribo12]

Every 8-10 months

 

[NoahLikesFish]

Ok that sounds reasonable. Just like 20$ a year sounds fine for lighting

 

[nereefpat]

Looks like that thing doesn't have a reflector? You would be way better off with something like this: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/t5-ho-miro-4-retrofit-kit-let-lighting.html

The 2 foot, 2 bulb one would be great for a 20 long. You don't need to change bulbs every 8-10 months. I go well over a year without problems.

 

[Tamberav]

They do sell reflectors for the sunblasters.

The miro-4 kit is even better.

These look to be similar cost to sun blaster with a reflector for a 2 pack.

Amazon.com: 2 Pack LSF8241 T5 2Ft 24W Linkable Single Strip Grow Lights w 2" Wide Mirror Reflector and 6500K and 2500 Lumens, Great for Seeding and VegGrow!: Home Improvement

Buy 2 Pack LSF8241 T5 2Ft 24W Linkable Single Strip Grow Lights w 2" Wide Mirror Reflector and 6500K and 2500 Lumens, Great for Seeding and VegGrow!: Growing Light Fixtures - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[NoahLikesFish]

I’m going to make some t5 reflectors diy, they seem easy to build I just need a plastic sheet then glue and foil