T5 and ReefBrite

[Munch]

Looking at going with T5/reefbrite combo on my 24x20x8 frag tank. I'm looking at the XHO Reefbrites from Gonzo. Any recommendations for the T5? How many bulbs or what brand to go with in 24"?

 

[SynDen]

What has been recommended to me for my 48". you can go with 4 tubes and LET reflectors, with ATI blueplus +, Purple plus and/or coral plus bulbs. I will be doing 2 blue+ a purple + and 1 coral + when I replace my lights along with LET reflectors

 

[Munch]

I'm new to T5's... is there a complete setup you can buy? Reflectors, dimming unit, other stuff needed? Or do I need to assemble?

 

[Munch]

Thoughts on an ATI Sunpower 4x24w unit ? Enough wattage?

 

[SynDen]

Those ATI Sunpowers do appear to have individual reflectors plus a dimmer, so those would be pretty much complete, just plug them in and go. That wattage with the reflectors should be more then enough to grow just about anything in that tank.
Pretty pricey though. You could also consider retrofit kits and mount/assemble them yourself as welll. You could get the setup you want, with reflectors and dimmer for half the price then. Havent done one of those myself but have looked at them.
Andrew or some of the others might be able to give you more info

 

[CRW Reef]

http://www.reefgeek.com/24-4x24w-miro-4-t5-high-output-retrofit-kit.html

 

[Munch]

I guess, is dimmable really needed on a frag tank?

 

[Andrew_bram]

If you can do a retro. Go let. Hands down best price and performance in t5 area

 

[Munch]

http://www.reefgeek.com/24-4x24w-miro-4-t5-high-output-retrofit-kit.html

Nice... so this is complete, right? Seems like it...

 

[SynDen]

I would say you dont need the dimmer. Infact, and I might be wrong about this, but I dont think florescent bulbs like to be dimmed, and doing so may cut the life on the bulbs. Although I have never really tried/tested it to find out, but that would be my hunch.

 

[SynDen]

Nice... so this is complete, right? Seems like it...

Ya that is a complete setup, and those LET reflectors are rated as the best reflectors out there. Best part is the price tag too

 

[CRW Reef]

Yes sir space those out every 4" or whatever slap 2 reef brites in there and pow you got super lighting lol

 

[Munch]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Andrew_bram]

I run no led with my t5s and according to Jamie I have pop

 

[Munch]

Whats the best T5 bulbs ATI or Giesemann or something else?

 

[SynDen]

Think both make pretty good bulbs, but the ATI certainly seem to be the prefered

 

[jda123]

If you are doing DIY, I would wire them 2 and 2. 2 bulbs on a 8" deep tank might be more than enough.

 

[CRW Reef]

If you are doing DIY, I would wire them 2 and 2. 2 bulbs on a 8" deep tank might be more than enough.

doh ya 8" deep didnt read that part I would agree with Doug at that depth 4 t5 bulbs + 2 RB leds would prob cook things fast (unless you hung the light pretty high) lol

http://www.reefgeek.com/24-2x24w-miro-4-t5-high-output-retrofit-kit.html

 

[Andrew_bram]

I would run 4 and get better spread and options of spectrum and just run them a little higher off the tank.

 

[CRW Reef]

I would run 4 and get better spread and options of spectrum and just run them a little higher off the tank.

How many ATI bulbs you run on your 215?