would this T5 lighting set up work?

MoshJosh · Jun 28, 2022

Could I buy this:

and use this:

T5 Coral Plus

Why does BRS recommend this? ATI has been some of the most sought after bulbs in the reef aquarium hobby. With their bright crisp colors, ATI are our number one choice when it comes to T5 bulbs. With ATI bulbs you can use a single color on its own or you can mix and match to make the ultimate...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

and will have a lid, so not worried about water or humidity on the fixture.

homer1475 · Jun 28, 2022

Should work fine as long as your not worried about humidity on the fixture(kind of why ATI has that splash shield).

Not sure on whagt one your thinking about, but I would go for at least a 4 bulb fixture.

Also be aware the coral+ bulb is rather white, Most people prefer that bluer look for coral pop. Add a couple blue+ or actinic to the mix.

When I ran a 4 bulb fixture I ran 2 blue+, one purple+, and one true actinic.

MoshJosh · Jun 28, 2022

I'm really cheap so was hoping to get away with the 2 bulb set up haha also though I think the 2 bulb fixture will fit in the hood/space above my tank. . . the 4 bulb not so much. . . could I put 2 different colored bulbs in the 2 bulb fixture and still make it look good?

homer1475 · Jun 28, 2022

How big of a tank?

2 bulbs can work if the tank is small enough. I wouldn't expect a ton of par though. Might be OK for some LPS and certainly softies, but probably not enough for SPS. I could barely push 300 par roughly 12" from the fixture with 4 bulbs in an 80G cube.

MoshJosh · Jun 28, 2022

homer1475 said:
How big of a tank?

2 bulbs can work if the tank is small enough. I wouldn't expect a ton of par though. Might be OK for some LPS and certainly softies, but probably not enough for SPS. I could barely push 300 par roughly 12" from the fixture with 4 bulbs in an 80G cube.

Tank is 20 gallon, 12" wide but 16" deep. Soft corals mainly and maybe some easy LPS/SPS (have a pavona now)

MoshJosh · Jun 28, 2022

I decided to pull the trigger as it seems like the best option in my price range and space limits. . . plus for only $65 I can use it to grow plants if I don't like it on the reef haha

I have been doing more reading about T5 combos, seems Coral + and Blue + together seem to be the most popular for those who are NOT into the super blue look. . . which I guess I am not. . . but If going all blue would help the corals grow I guess my mind could be changed.

SilvermistInc · Jun 28, 2022

MoshJosh said:
Could I buy this:

and use this:

T5 Coral Plus

Why does BRS recommend this? ATI has been some of the most sought after bulbs in the reef aquarium hobby. With their bright crisp colors, ATI are our number one choice when it comes to T5 bulbs. With ATI bulbs you can use a single color on its own or you can mix and match to make the ultimate...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

and will have a lid, so not worried about water or humidity on the fixture.

That's what my setup currently is and it works great. I have the four bulb fixture though.

SilvermistInc · Jun 28, 2022

MoshJosh said:
I decided to pull the trigger as it seems like the best option in my price range and space limits. . . plus for only $65 I can use it to grow plants if I don't like it on the reef haha

I have been doing more reading about T5 combos, seems Coral + and Blue + together seem to be the most popular for those who are into the super blue look. . . which I guess I am not. . . but If going all blue would help the corals grow I guess my mind could be changed.

Coral + and blue + is absolutely not a super blue look. It's closer to a 10k - 14k look than an actinic look.

MoshJosh · Jun 28, 2022

SilvermistInc said:
Coral + and blue + is absolutely not a super blue look. It's closer to a 10k - 14k look than an actinic look.

Sorry I meant NOT into the blue look.

So my plan is to go with C+ B+ combo unless the less desirable (in my opinion) look of B+ B+ or B+ P+ will grow corals that much faster.