75/90 gal softie tank lighting question

[dad300]

so mid July/early august, i'm going to be setting up either a 75 or a 90 gallon softie tank. depends on what deal I can get whether I go 75 or 90.
lighting will be T5's. wondering whether it would be better to get two 24 inch fixtures as opposed to a single 48 inch fixture. I've had a 75 in the past with a 48 inch fixture and always hated the shadow in the middle of the tank? what are your thoughts?

 

[Chris A.]

Either get the 2 lights or try removing the center brace and screwing in a acrylic brace instead,if you do a search you'll see a bunch of these

 

[dad300]

ok so if I go with 2 24 inch fixtures.. suggestions on how many bulbs in each fixture? suggestions on mix of bulbs as well.. I've been out for a bit I'm assuming the norms for bulb color mix has changed

 

[Chris A.]

I have no experience with t5's but a lot of people here do

 

[jah-hoeva]

I have a 4' 6 bulb over my 72 with a center brace. I'd recommend a 4' fixture over (2) 2' fixtures. Shading with a center brace is far less an issue with T5 than say Led.

 

[nemodan]

No softie will be affected by that shadowing. Their light requirements are low compared with SPS.

I will go with 2 fixtures for practical reasons, like if one stop working you still have the other until you get it replaced. Or when you do some work in the tank, take one to work in one side and you still have light (assuming they are over the glass and not hanging from the roof or canopy ).

Daniel

 

[this is me]

Be aware that the price difference between different lengths T5 bulbs are minimal vs. a whole new addition bulb. I would go with a single unit and minimize the number of bulbs. Your cost would essentially be doubled when it's time to change the bulbs.
For example"
24W - 24” T5 ATI Blue Plus
$19.99

39W - 36” T5 ATI Blue Plus
$20.99

54W - 48” T5 ATI Blue Plus
$21.99

80W - 60” T5 ATI Blue Plus
$23.99

 

[dad300]

Hadn't thought about the cost of replacement.. that changes the equation for sure.. thanks for the info..

 

[GobyWanKenobie]

I have a canopy over my 72 softie tank, so I use four(4) 54 watt T5's with two on each ballast. That way if a ballast goes out, I still have 2 lights left, and I can use two timers. The endcaps and ballasts are reasonably priced. It's the reflectors that seem crazy. If you have a canopy and want to DIY, check out the Bulk Reef Supply site.