2-24w T-5 HO on a 29g? Suggestions!

elkinsda · #1 12/16/2007, 09:29 PM

Would 2-24w T-5 HO lights on a 29g be sufficient to grow Softies, and LPS corals?

The light would be about 16 inches above the sandbed.

Rustylugnuts · #2 12/16/2007, 09:50 PM

Im temporary 4 39w T-5 HO on my 29 It looks great but all I have is softies. I accidently stumbled upon the 3 actinic to 1 10K config and I couldn't be happier (I ordered 2 each ). If the light you're looking for has individual reflectors for each bulb I think you might be ok with LPS placed up at least midway to the top.

dsn112 · #3 12/16/2007, 10:23 PM

I have 4 24w t5s on my 28g. I have a torch on the sandbed and some frogspawn about that low and they are all happy.

I'd do 4 bulbs if you can

elkinsda · #4 12/16/2007, 10:29 PM

Ok maybe i'll do the 4-24w T-5 HO bulb setup just to be safer? Cause i'm sure i'll do LPS.

dohc97 · #5 12/16/2007, 10:48 PM

I would say get a retro kit, i personally gutted a nova t5 fixture for its ballasts then bought icecap individual reflectors. Its the ugliest thing out there on my ghetto canopy but it gets the job done.

dsn112 i noticed on your signature that you run the same tank as me, i was thinking of going with 2 koralia 1s as well, how is the flow? sorry for the slight hijack.

elkinsda · #6 12/16/2007, 10:57 PM

I've been looking at this fixture if i do the 4 lamp setup.

30 inch Current USA SunDial T5 HO 4x24W w/ Timers & LED

rickh · #7 12/16/2007, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by elkinsda
I've been looking at this fixture if i do the 4 lamp setup.

30 inch Current USA SunDial T5 HO 4x24W w/ Timers & LED

Ike--the tek guy at Current-told me the Sundial would be about 20-30% brighter than the Nova because of the reflectors and cooling. The Sundial is 2X the price of the Nova. Not worth it in my opinion. R

dohc97 · #8 12/17/2007, 12:01 AM

Can we get a budget on this? i think it would help a lot with suggestions as far as fixtures.

elkinsda · #9 12/17/2007, 12:58 AM

The sundial fixture i posted is $239 i think on marinedepot, that would probly be my limit as far as a light fixture for this tank setup. My main concern is getting enough light to the bottom of the tank. I would like to put some frogspawn and a few fungia corals on the sandbed in the future.

Rustylugnuts · #10 12/19/2007, 04:53 PM

With that in mind I would second the retrofit idea. Some of our sponsors have kits that include the ballast,individual reflectors and bulbs for under 240 (mine was 225 from hellolights)