T5 lights

[DeepBlue]

I recently talked to the a LFS boss abt the sleek T5 lights he is using in his shop...the kind that you can inter-connect , no reflector though.....if you have been to the LFS in AMK camp area, you'll know what I am talking abt.....

Is that suitable for marine? Does it serve the same purpose as those other versions sold by many marine shops?

Appreciate the info..trying to diy lights for a 2 ft tank...

[marinebetta]

I think the problem with those is the tubes may not be of the right Kelvin. Max I've seen is 6,000 or 6,500 (daylight). They are around $30+ and are driven by IC type ballast - very sleek and space saving.

[FuEl]

6500K should be suitable for shallow SPS species? If too yellow for the eyes can add a few actinic PLs?

[DeepBlue]

What if it is just for zoanthids and mushroom corals like ricordeas and yumas??

[FuEl]

Will be ok...just that it might be too yellow for the eyes..you will have to add an actinic to balance out the colours

[DeepBlue]

I already own a FL light set (1 X10k and 1X actinic blue) from the days when I just started marine....so if I add the T5 tube...it should be enough...do I need more than one....I see some pple going for 4 tubes for their tank......

btw...thanks for the info guys...it has sort of helped me to decide wat to go for...

it is going to be a simple shroom and zoo tank..... I am only going to equip it with a hang on refugium(from ML) and a simple skimmer(macro or weipro) and a chiller(dun know why...in case want to put in small LPS)