24" T5's on a 40g

[barnett8]

I would like to put 24" T5's on a 40 gallon breeder, the reason I would use 24" lights is because I already own (2) 2x 24" retrofit kits form the upgrading tank.

The question is: Can I use 6 24" bulbs on a 40 gallon breeder style tank and grow sps and other high light corals?

[m2434]

Are the other 4 from a retro kit?

The reason I ask is because you'd want to at least stager them. I would also recommend individual reflectors and this will greatly boost your penetrating power.

[barnett8]

Yes, they are, and I was planning to stagger them. Will this be enough light?

Thanks.

Also, are these retrofit kits self sufficient (not needing additional equipment such as ballasts): http://www.petsolutions.com/Nova-T-5...I42901102.aspx I don't know if anybody knows or not.

[zma21]

Honestly, I personally think you will be alright.

[reefman13]

What are the wattage on the bulbs?

[barnett8]

I believe they are 14 or 15 watts

[zma21]

Nevermind.

If those are normal output bulbs, I wouldn't try SPS, but that is just my overcautious judgement.

[reefman13]

Okay so you have about 90W of light, some ricodeas and some of the light loving LPS would not be able to live under those. No clams, and no SPS. They will just slowly die.

[revautosports]

you will need T5HO bulbs for sps

[barnett8]

Ok, the second question was a separate one from the first, would would I be able to get away with 6 HO 24" bulbs? the ones I have are from here: http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1349

I also got the wattage wrong, they are 24 watts, not 14, sorry about that.

[barnett8]

bump

[zma21]

Yes, you will be ok with the high output bulbs.

[barnett8]

Many thanks.

[Patio]

24X4 will be enough in my personal experience. I have raised several birdnest and acro frags to colony sizes.

There are plenty of SPS tanks on the forums grown from good perams and t-5 lighting.

good luck!

[zma21]

Originally posted by barnett8
Many thanks.

Is your last name arnett?




Mine too!

[Biotoper]

Originally posted by barnett8
Also, are these retrofit kits self sufficient (not needing additional equipment such as ballasts): http://www.petsolutions.com/Nova-T-5...I42901102.aspx I don't know if anybody knows or not.

I'm planning to build a new canopy for my 20H and upgrade from PC to T5, so I've just started researching this topic and am no expert, but the nova retrofits in your link will produce much less light than a quality T5 fixture, as there is no reflector. I guess the ballast is built into the strip light? Most people with T5 SPS set-ups seem to overdrive them (from 24W to 40W) with a VHO ballast like Ice Cap 430 or 660.

[barnett8]

Originally posted by zma21
Is your last name arnett?




Mine too!

No, its barnett, but pretty close.

[Chorethorious]

hahaha