Lighting suggestions 36" X 15 x 15

[Myka]

Originally Posted by freezetyle

I'm leaning towards the t5 fixture. As I was worried about the shading from leds. It would only be the 4 bulb model as I dont want to light up the back portion of the aio. This would allow all coral choices which is nice

Now 24" or 36"?

I think this is a great option. Go with 36" to match the length of the tank. If you want LPS and softies like Zoas and such then 2 bulbs will give you plenty of light. 4 bulbs may actually be too much light for many corals with such a shallow tank.

Originally Posted by WarDog

Dimming T5 bulbs will reduce their lifespan, lol.

Do you have any references? I've seen people say this, but I've yet to read any reliable data on it. I've yet to see anyone come up with any references either.

[DKoKoMan]

I guess at the end of the day choose something that doesn't break the bank!

[shrimp]

Not one of you mentioned heat issues when going with T5 fixture on such a small Volume(gallons) tank.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by shrimp

Not one of you mentioned heat issues when going with T5 fixture on such a small Volume(gallons) tank.

Probably because some of us have dealt with "heat issues" for 20 years, and don't really consider it an issue! Add a fan (if needed), problem solved.

[tang daddy]

If I was doing a tank similar to your dimensions definately a 4 bulb fixture would suffice for spread and there is a guy selling a brand new fixture on a local fish forum. Pm me and I'll get you his info.

[Dendromad]

I have one of the ebay Chinese black box fixtures (Popular Grow 165w) over my 40" L x 14" D x 12" H tank and have been happy with it so far, I have it 16.5" above the tank and don't even have it ramped all the way.
I just have the one fixture over it and do have shading at the far edges but still grows Candy Cane, Mushrooms and rockflower Anemone fine in those areas. I have added a smaller par 20 reef bulb over one end that I have some zoas located but my rock height doesn't help. SPS grows great in the center areas. I am debating whether to remove the lenses to get even better spread and blending and/or to replace the red and green diodes for UV ones but happy even if I don't.

[Skimmer Juice]

Have used strictly led and strictly t5 on multiple systems , and came to the conclusion that kessils/t5 is the best combo I get growth and color. T5 is always the easiest method that works without question. However I get much nicer colors/patterns in my corals when using kessils/t5 combo than compared to when I was running t5 alone. When I ran kessils alone I got great color everything did great just growth was slowed . So to me the mix of the 2 is perfect combo and I only have to change 2 bulbs a year instead of 8 less power and tons of adjustability . And not to mention pretty affordable should be able to make a nice hybrid fixture with two A360's and two t5 bulbs for the price of the ap700 or a radion . How much does an ATi fixture with bulbs run ? Close to$1000?

[DKoKoMan]

Skimmer do you have a picture of your Kessil/T5 combo?

[freezetyle]

Originally Posted by Skimmer Juice

Have used strictly led and strictly t5 on multiple systems , and came to the conclusion that kessils/t5 is the best combo I get growth and color. T5 is always the easiest method that works without question. However I get much nicer colors/patterns in my corals when using kessils/t5 combo than compared to when I was running t5 alone. When I ran kessils alone I got great color everything did great just growth was slowed . So to me the mix of the 2 is perfect combo and I only have to change 2 bulbs a year instead of 8 less power and tons of adjustability . And not to mention pretty affordable should be able to make a nice hybrid fixture with two A360's and two t5 bulbs for the price of the ap700 or a radion . How much does an ATi fixture with bulbs run ? Close to$1000?

I have been debating this route as well. The wife wants to limit light spill on the walls and ceiling since the tank will be in the main area our toddler plays in, i could use the 360 i currently have and retro in some t5 bulbs in a small canopy over the tank. The ati fixture wouldn't be one of the fancy LED ones, but still around 750 with bulbs. The retro your describing is maybe $150, sounds like the way to go.

[tang daddy]

Just run the 4 bulb I suggested and 2 reef brite XHO...that is the gold combo for pop and spread!