4 or 6 bulb t5 fixture?

[Codeblue48]

Hello everyone. I have a 30 gallon rimless tank. Display dimensions are 24x16x16. I have LED's but want to go back to T5.

I was looking at the aquaticlife fixtures and can't decide between the 4 and 6 bulb versions. I have a mixed reef than leans more into sps territory. What do you think? I want to be able to grow any sps I want on my rocks. Thanks

 

[solitude127]

6 bulb because it'll be easier to get the color you like. 4 Bulb makes it difficult to find the right color. Also, with 6 bulb, you should be able to place the SPS anywhere.

 

[Tangwich]

6 + reefbrite supplements for "pop"

 

[BeanMachine]

16 wide tank might not work with a 6 lamp. Check the width of the fixture.

 

[xmas_one]

Get 6. What is the chance you'd get six and think, "man, I shoulda just got the four"?

 

[BeanMachine]

nvm that aquatic life fixture is about 14" wide so yeah you can go with the 6 lamp. I think its a bit too much light but not sure I'd be happy with just 4 like these guys are saying. 4 lamps and 2 reefbrites on either side would be even better though in my opinion.

 

[lurking]

I used an Aquaticlife 4 lamp and a 6 lamp myself on a tank that was almost the same size except it was a RSM. It was 24x18x18. The six lamp was too much light. The four lamp was plenty enough light to be able to grow any and all sps plus a clam on the sandbed in the tank. While its true you get more options for color with a 6 lamp, thats just so much light in such a small area. Either way will work and it did for me but the 6 lamp was a bit overkill.

 

[Tangwich]

I don't do this often (change my vote), but after giving the 16" front to back more thought..i would go 4bulb with reefbrites or 6 bulbs no reefbrites. or better yet, do what i did...just get one reefbrite for the front since that's all we see anyway.

 

[tofucube]

Get the 6 bulbs. I'm pretty sure the aquatic life and ATI will both have options to only run 4 bulbs. Good thing about that is that they will be more spread out instead of lumped together more closely with a 4 bulb fixture. That way you will be able to get a better spread area with just 4 bulbs running. Also, if you ever want to punch it with a little more light, then crank up all six. If you want a little pop and reefbrite is not an option then add an ATI True Actinic bulb.

 

[solitude127]

Maybe get a 4 bulb fixture supplemented with a reefbrite

 

[Adrock]

I used an Aquaticlife 4 lamp and a 6 lamp myself on a tank that was almost the same size except it was a RSM. It was 24x18x18. The six lamp was too much light. The four lamp was plenty enough light to be able to grow any and all sps plus a clam on the sandbed in the tank. While its true you get more options for color with a 6 lamp, thats just so much light in such a small area. Either way will work and it did for me but the 6 lamp was a bit overkill.

there can never be too much light u can always raise the fixture a few inches and you cant go wrong with aquatic life awesome company even better customer service !, I would run 3 blue plus 2 actinic and 1 purple plus and that would knock it out of the park and be be perfect for a mixed reef

 

[solitude127]

there can never be too much light u can always raise the fixture a few inches and you cant go wrong with aquatic life awesome company even better customer service !, I would run 3 blue plus 2 actinic and 1 purple plus and that would knock it out of the park and be be perfect for a mixed reef

+1 on the customer service. I wish all manufacturers that their kind of CS

 

[Adrock]

+1 on the customer service. I wish all manufacturers that their kind of CS

No kidding you aint lying outstanding customer service great tech support even help my speak and spell @$$ ......Aquatic life Rocks !

 

[Codeblue48]

Thanks for the responses guys. Lots of recommendation for T5 with reefbrite LEDS. What do you think about BuildmyLed fixtures? At this point I am decided on the 4 bulb t5 and considering the BuildmyLed Super Actinic Reef fixture.

My plans:
front

BuildMyLed Super Actinic Reef fixture
ATI Coral +
ATI Blue +
ATI Coral +
ATI Blue +

Thoughts? Thanks again!

Also...if I go 4 bulb, is the LED necessary or simply for the shimmer?

 

[gus6464]

How are the ballasts in the aquatic life fixtures? They same quality as ATI?

 

[janiners305]

Coral + is a little on the whiter side just so you know