I need some recommendations for a good quality T-5 Light Fixture for a 'Low Tech' 65 gallon tank. This tank is 25" tall. I plan to grow Vals, Crypts, Anubias, Java Fern and Rubin Swords.
Need recommendations for a T-5 Light Fixture for a 65 gallon tank
- Thread starter Aquartist
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A 65 gallon is actually 36" long (25" tall and 18" wide). I'm not familiar with ATI, but after looking them up I found them to be 'very pricey' $450 - $500 and appear not to be for a 'Low Tech' Planted Tank, rather for High Tech or Saltwater Inverts. I want to have a total of about 110 watts, but not much more as I'm not running CO2 (only use Flourish Excel). I currently use two Coralife Aqualights on my 37 Gallon and they've served me well for 5 years, but thought I would look for the next level up in light fixtures, but only want to spend $100 - $150
Aquaticlife would fit the bill for around your price range, actually a little over for the 4 bulb fixtures. Oddysea would be with in your price range but 'good quality' is questionable..
Aquartist, I'm not sure how you're going to get 110W worth of 36" T5 fixture. As far as I know, 36" T5HO tubes are 39W each. You're either going to have a 78W twin-tube fixture or a 156W quad-tube fixture.
I'd go with a ~$90 Odyssea quad-tube. I cant see spending big bucks on T5HO today, with LEDs gaining ground.
I'd go with a ~$90 Odyssea quad-tube. I cant see spending big bucks on T5HO today, with LEDs gaining ground.
freshy FYI the power compact lights are classified as t-5 since the bulb is actually t-5 diameter and they come in 55 and 65 or higher watt they are however, linear pin or square pinned.
so you could possibly get a dual 36" power compact (t-5) tho for the 36" fixture you are more apt to find 96watt bulbs.
that said you could also consider T-5 HO with single reflectors for a 'low ' tech you would need a ton of wattage. you would prob be fine with T-5 HO with good reflectors running 2X39 I've seen those running for approx $125 from catalina even better at fishneedit.com (T-5 HO 3 ft 2 lamp for $74.99)
so you could possibly get a dual 36" power compact (t-5) tho for the 36" fixture you are more apt to find 96watt bulbs.
that said you could also consider T-5 HO with single reflectors for a 'low ' tech you would need a ton of wattage. you would prob be fine with T-5 HO with good reflectors running 2X39 I've seen those running for approx $125 from catalina even better at fishneedit.com (T-5 HO 3 ft 2 lamp for $74.99)
Thanks Everyone,
I ended up purchasing a Coralife Aqualight, T-5 Freshwater Dual Light with 2) 39 watt 6700K bulbs from Amazon for $55.72 with free shipping and no tax. I will combine that with a 40 watt reflector that came with the set up I bought.
I ended up purchasing a Coralife Aqualight, T-5 Freshwater Dual Light with 2) 39 watt 6700K bulbs from Amazon for $55.72 with free shipping and no tax. I will combine that with a 40 watt reflector that came with the set up I bought.
Sounds like you'll be good to go with the two fixtures. What's the color/temp rating of the 40W? Great price on the Coralife BTW!
