T5 hybrid question

ShaneAugust · Apr 1, 2023

I have a waterbox frag, 48x24x16. I have a Kessil AP9X lighting the tank but I want to try out the T5 hybrid. I’ve never had T5’s before and I’m not sure how to go about it. Do I get a 48 inch fixture or will a 36 inch be enough? Can I use it with the Kessil AP9X? What brand and fixture should I buy? I’m changing my tank over to a more SPS dominant tank

JCM · Apr 1, 2023

I have a hybrid fixture, it's a 36" aquaticlife with 4 t5 bulbs and a GHL Mitras in the middle. Tank is 36x21x21. Previously I ran a 6 bulb 24" t5 fixture.

I didn't like the light being 12" shorter than the tank, the ends were too dark. I'd suggest a 48" fixture. I like the aquatic life fixture, no issues thus far. Not familiar with your Kessil, but aquatic life makes mounts for most led's between the t5's so you should be fine.

ShaneAugust · Apr 1, 2023

JCM said:
I have a hybrid fixture, it's a 36" aquaticlife with 4 t5 bulbs and a GHL Mitras in the middle. Tank is 36x21x21. Previously I ran a 6 bulb 24" t5 fixture.

I didn't like the light being 12" shorter than the tank, the ends were too dark. I'd suggest a 48" fixture. I like the aquatic life fixture, no issues thus far. Not familiar with your Kessil, but aquatic life makes mounts for most led's between the t5's so you should be fine.

I agree, I’d hate having the sides of the tank look darker than the rest. I appreciate your advice. I’m going to look into aquatic life T5’s

Syntax1235 · Apr 1, 2023

36 inch would work if you are not intending to put corals on the outer 6 inches of each side. Any corals placed outside the footprint of the light would be subject to some degree of shadowing.

Indymann99 · Apr 2, 2023

I would give AI blades a look instead of T5.

bobnicaragua · Apr 2, 2023

T5 and Kessil are a classic combination for SPS. I think you’re making an excellent choice.

ShaneAugust · Apr 3, 2023

bobnicaragua said:
T5 and Kessil are a classic combination for SPS. I think you’re making an excellent choice.

Thank you. Do you know if I can use the AP9X with the T5 hybrid? I can’t find anything regarding the comparability.

Lbrdsoxfan · Apr 3, 2023

ShaneAugust said:
Thank you. Do you know if I can use the AP9X with the T5 hybrid? I can’t find anything regarding the comparability.

You probably can it just depends on the ap9x's mounting is set up. I have a aquatic life t5 hybrid fixture w/ a smat farm led over my 24x24 cube. Its all about the width between the t5's. Aquatic life offer 16" wide, 18" wide and 24" wide hardware to adjust overall width which will adjust spacing for to mount your led fixture between the t5's. Id start with the ap9x dimensions and go from there.