4x24 T5ho in 29gallon tank enough for corals and anemone?

[Stangman]

Hey guys, well I'm almost steering away from MH lights for my 29 gallon (30 inches wide) due to some issues, but I'm wondering if a 96watt T5HO would be good enough for it?

The dimensions of the tank are 30" x 12" x 16", and I was thinking of getting an anemone, and perhaps some coral (but who knows, due to a boxfish). But probably!

So what is the concensus on T5HO lights? I'll be buying the Odyssea brand (I Know, I know, but I hear good things about their T5 actually.. Hopefully they are actually HO).

2 would be something, and 2 would be actinic. 96 watts total, and I'm not sure if that's enough?

Thanks!

 

[valasaraptor]

3Ft/4Bulbs fixture I have this over mine,jus a lil extra oomph and the overhang isn't that bad I'll put a pic up

 

[Stangman]

Yeah a pic would be great. I'm just wondering if that extra oomph is wasted because it's hanging over the sides of the tank?

Stupid 30"... But barring that, if I WERE to go with only a 4x24 T5ho, could an anemone thrive in it? I mean, the tank isn't that deep, but, who knows!

 

[valasaraptor]

heres the pic

 

[BL1]

Check and see if the Odyessea fixtures have individual reflectors, I don't think they do. If not, then IMO it's not enough for a nem.

 

[Stangman]

Oh yeah, definitely no room for that unfortunately. :(

I have heard they have a single reflector, shaped as individual reflectors (Which I see no reason would be any worse than 4 pieces of metal).

So assuming it did have individual, an anemone can get away with 2 actinic's and 2 24w bulbs?

I should also mention that if the reflectors DO need modification, I see no reason I couldn't use a brake and bend my own?

 

[Smitty]

+1 BL1...if the fixture has independent reflectors, then it should be enough lighting.

 

[valasaraptor]

theres only 3 in on each side theres gray plexi and about an inch of bulb overhang

 

[Stangman]

Well, I guess I'll drop $62 and see what happens and what needs modding (Hell, I love that part anyways).

Now, before I DO that, my current 'rigged' setup is a standard household 2x24" NO fluorescent fixture (You know, you'd hang it underneath a cupboard or some such) which are 20watts each I believe (standard Cool White or something). and 1 other 'Marine-Glow' blue actinic T8 20watt bulb.

Will I notice a definite increase in brightness with this setup? Just seems like a waste to go from 3 fluorescent bulbs to 4. :D

 

[AdeptMrSniffles]

I think you'll notice a sufferance because the bulbs will probably be indifferent Kelvin rating. Also, I have a 96w fixture over my 29G and I have a
BTA that seems to be extremely happy.

But if your profile is correct and your tank is only 1 month old then it's highly recommended that you wait a full year before you get an anemone, they need stable tanks and you run the risk of biking your tank if something swings and pisses the nem off. So maybe a Christmas present next year, eh? Plus, there are corals that are satisfying enough to makeup for the inability to get a nem.

 

[Stangman]

Oh different tank.. Tank is probably 4-5 months, so I'm going to wait a bit.. But I'd like to get some better lighting in the meantime.

 

[MushroomXombies]

4 bulbs at 24" would work fine. The most important thing to look for is individual reflectors... ATI makes great fixtures

 

[reeffreak]

If it does have individual reflectors and you change the bulbs to a better brand then perhaps.

 

[Stangman]

Well we shall see what we get for $62!