[Kypros]

I am setting up a 75 gallon rimless tank with co2 injection. After using CFL before I wanted to try T5. I contacted Catalina to ask what they would sugget for a fixture I could suspend. They suggested a 8x55w 48" setup. That seems like a ton of light (also expensive). Does anybody have any advice as to how many T5 bulbs I should get- can I get away with 6 or 4?. I imagine one has to take light spread into account, but I would like to be able to grow anything I want.
thanks
KYpros

 

[lauraleellbp]

You won't need more than their 4x54 fixture. I'm rather surprised they told you that you would!

 

[Kypros]

You think there would be enough spread to cover the tank? I did think that 8 was a bit much. I did say planted tank, but maybe they thought it was for a reef tank.

You won't need more than their 4x54 fixture. I'm rather surprised they told you that you would!

 

[lauraleellbp]

Yep, that's what I run over my 90gal, though I only run 2 bulbs at a time.

Since I assume you're suspending your fixture (rimless tank), you should have an ideal setup.

 

[ganjero]

I have a 4 bulb TEK over my 75g. Running 2 bulbs at a time, overlapping only for 2 hrs. My plants grow like crazy (HC, Blyxa, roatalas), but I have to dose a lot and I have pressurized co2.
8 Bulbs is way too much for that size and a planted tank.

 

[Kypros]

great, thank you guys 4 bulbs are a lot cheaper also
thanks

I have a 4 bulb TEK over my 75g. Running 2 bulbs at a time, overlapping only for 2 hrs. My plants grow like crazy (HC, Blyxa, roatalas), but I have to dose a lot and I have pressurized co2.
8 Bulbs is way too much for that size and a planted tank.

 

[lauraleellbp]

I didn't look to see if they have them "on sale" right now, but if you call and ask for the sale price you can usually get it even if it's not posted on their website right now. :smile:

 

[Kypros]

thanks. I take it you are happy with catalina. I like the idea of the individual reflectors. . ..
thanks

I didn't look to see if they have them "on sale" right now, but if you call and ask for the sale price you can usually get it even if it's not posted on their website right now. :smile:

 

[lauraleellbp]

Very. I've owned 3 of their fixtures now, no complaints at all.

 

[NJAquaBarren]

As others have told you. 2 54w T5 HO bulbs would be adequate for most plants. See my journal if you want to see for yourself. having an extra bulb for a mid-day "extra" would be useful. 8 bulbs - no way

 

[F22]

yea 8 bulbs is pricey and will create an algae factory...

 

[NJAquaBarren]

....And give the fish a sun tan.

 

[FSM]

The 4x54W fixture ($275 currently) was just on sale for $190. You can probably still get it for that price, just call them.

The 3x54W fixture is only $140 though, and I have it on my 75 gallon. It is nice, I have just started dosing fertilizer and adding CO2. I'm only using 1 or 2 bulbs for now.

 

[PlecoFanatic]

I have the 4x54 with the splash shield. Its suspended 9" above the tank 2 bulbs for 8 hrs and the other two for overlap burst of 3 hours. with co2 and ferts of course. great growth.

 

[jmhart]

I had a 6x54w over a 75g. 6 bulbs all day was too much. 4 bulbs was about perfect, but I did like a midday burst with all 6. If it's in the budget, I'd get a 6x54w T5HO. That way you can do a midday burst and it'll be plenty of light in case you ever go bigger....II'm about to put my 6x54w on a 120g.