t5's ok to use

[reefpeeper]

i am currently running 2 175w 14k halides over a 50g breeder and am thinking about switching to t5. my question is will a 4 bulb fixture be good enough or should i get a 6 bulb? i mostly only have softies.

 

[reefanatic]

4 Bulb will be Plenty for your requirements.

 

[JR's Reef]

It really depends on what brand of T5s. Retro or fixture and brand of either

 

[LILBUDDHA]

+2 for the 4 bulb fixture .

 

[tekken]

If you are going to use T5HOs, make sure that you use individual reflectors

 

[subielover]

If you are just keeping softies then I think the 4 bulb is fine, if you decide to keep higher light needing corals, i.e. sps, then a 6 bulb would be a better fit for you, IMO.

 

[aerius007]

If you are going to use T5HOs, make sure that you use individual reflectors

+1

Keep in mind if you use an icecap ballast you can overdrive the bulbs to increase their output, dont quote me but its around 1/3 more wattage.

 

[tekken]

yep. with icecap.. it should overdrive each bulb close to 80watts per based on what I've heard

 

[Stray32]

+1

Keep in mind if you use an icecap ballast you can overdrive the bulbs to increase their output, dont quote me but its around 1/3 more wattage.

The payoff however is at least 1/3 less bulb life, and bulbs are $20 + a piece depending on what you use. I use a 6-bulb T5 fixture with individual reflectors and upgraded bulbs, and my color and growth are both amazing.