15 gallon reef SW setup.

[ordi260]

Ill use a 15 gallon (12X24).  Should i use a 2X T5 HO or the big ficture with 4X T5 HO???

I want to keep softies and some lps.

This??

http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/ctl3664/cp57012/si4295012/cl0/aqualighthot5duallampfixture24

Or this??

http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/ctl3664/cp57012/si3349581/cl0/currentusasundial24t5highoutput4x24w10k460

I can have the big one around 319 (at reef solution in montreal)

What do you think

[QueensU]

I have a 2x24w T5 by current usa, its pretty good. Even the cheap bulbs that come with it are good enough to keep LPS and softies. I have a big happy torch, frogspawn, and a green bubble tip anenome (plus mushrooms zoas and a bunch of other stuff.)
You could get the 4x24w if you want to keep SPS in the top of your tank. That will be tons of light on a 15g.

[Sharbuckle]

i had a 15 gallon with 2x24 t5ho and a 70w halide pendant, everything grew awesome, what are your plans for the 15? what are you going to use for flow? are you going to have a fuge? i would suggest a HOB fuge, possibly mod an aquaclear 70 or 110

[ordi260]

I have a koralia 1 and a maxi jet 600.  I wont install mh right now (wallet issues) lol.  If you could give me ideas for the aquaclear fuge mod it weould be awesome! (Would 2 t5 ho be enough without the mh??

[SWFitzy]

the best prices anywhere in and around ottawa are Aqua Valley and Ray off of the forum on ovas. Ray will beat any price that big als will have and it gives the Non-chain store ( who care more about the hobby ) the sale.

T5 is the way to go, it is the way i am going with my new 70 gallon that i will be setting up shorly.
all the best on your sw build.

[ordi260]

But...2 or 4 bulbs for a 15???  Its not very tall...so im thinking about 2 but...if you guys think that 4 is necessary ill shell out the extra cash......

[ordi260]

What do you think about that??

http://cgi.ebay.ca/24-T5-HO-Aquarium-Light-Marine-Reef-Cichlid-96W-4x-24W_W0QQitemZ110505475266QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19baa3bcc2

[ray]

W/ a proper T5 HO set up depth of tank is not an issue until you are approaching 30".At the depth of your tank you'll be ab;le to grow almost anything.The difference between the 2 and 4 bulb will be that you will be covering the whole width of your tank instead of just having a narrower spread.There are many inferior T5's and bulbs on the market,so make sure you are purchasing a quality bulb and reflector,

Ray

[Vincenzo.]

4 bulb..with 1white & 3 blues..boombap.

[93GTCANADA]

I would go with the 2 bulb. This is your first setup. You will upgrade in less then a year. then buy the better fixture after. just get your feet wet first.

[new2salt]

Ditto
+1
No need to spend a fortune with your first SW setup. 93GTCANADA is right. If/when you get hooked on SW, you WILL want to upgrade/expand. Your 2 tube fixture is now perfect for a frag tank or any other future addition.

I would go with the 2 bulb. This is your first setup. You will upgrade in less then a year. then buy the better fixture after. just get your feet wet first.

The most important to remember with SW is water quality(testing) and weekly water changes.
Best advice - start slow & wait for things to evolve/grow in your SW system.

Tons of info in the forums. Search - read - learn. Its just one of the amazing facets of SW