T5 supplementing Kessils advice

[Coelli]

Okay, I love my Kessils. I really do. The color, the shimmer, the low profile, the fact that the cats can't jump on them... but the shadowing is real. I was thinking about adding T5s across the front of the tank (36x18x24) to try to fill in some of the shadowing. Is this realistic? Will it help? Most of my SPS is mounted on the top 10" of my rock wall, I really just need something to get up underneath them. I'm also on a pretty tight budget. Any advice?

(And no, MH is not an option. )

 

[jhnnle]

I have similar setup with two T5's, one white in front, one actinic in back, with kessil in middle. Tank is bright with shimmer.

 

[Coelli]

I have similar setup with two T5's, one white in front, one actinic in back, with kessil in middle. Tank is bright with shimmer.

Did it help with the shadowing? All my SPS looks so sad underneath. Do you have them hanging or on the tank?

 

[janiners305]

I had 3 kessils with 4 36 inch dual bulb fixtures 2 in front 2 in rear worked great absolutely no shadowing i still have 3 of the 2 bulb 36 inch fixtures left with 2 month old ati bulbs if your interested will sell pretty cheap since they are under the bed and i use a 8 bulb ati fixture now

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[Coelli]

Thanks [MENTION=7185]janiners305[/MENTION] for hooking me up with the T5. My tank's totally having an identity crisis right now with shimmery white-ish kessils in the back/top and steady actinic in the front but there's a huge difference in the shadowing now, I can see all the pale brown or white parts that were black shadows before. Now to figure out how to juggle the fixture and screen top when I need to get in and out, lol. Does it ever end?

 

[janiners305]

Thanks [MENTION=7185]janiners305[/MENTION] for hooking me up with the T5. My tank's totally having an identity crisis right now with shimmery white-ish kessils in the back/top and steady actinic in the front but there's a huge difference in the shadowing now, I can see all the pale brown or white parts that were black shadows before. Now to figure out how to juggle the fixture and screen top when I need to get in and out, lol. Does it ever end?

Pics

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[Coelli]

Pics

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Eh, I tried. Couldn't get anything decent

 

[Reefer6]

For future reference I have used these sunblaster T5 for supplemental lighting, they're 2,3,4 ft and single tube fixtures which make it great for supplement. The reflector is amazing! http://www.sunblasterlighting.com/nanotech-t5ho-reflector.php about $50 with the fixture and reflector

 

[Six2seven]

fixing your tank never ends, Thats the best part of reefing!

 

[spiderguardnano]

Good thread to read
http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/368266-ebay-t5s-s/?fromsearch=1

Xmas one posted a link there with the ati powemodule end caps for like $2 each
Reflectors basically the same as ati
$10 each

You will just need ballast and bulbs and a fan

It's all
There check it out

 

[Coelli]

Cool, thanks you guys. I did switch to an ATI 4x24 and have the Kessils mounted to either side but I think at some point I want to move to 6x24 or even 6x39 for better coverage. It's only been 3 weeks since adding T5 but the difference in my coral is already really obvious. Wish I'd done this sooner!