Coralite T5 lighting - what can I use it for?

[pmnovak1]

I purchased a used 75g setup which included the following:

Its a Coralite Aqualite T5 Dual-linear strip with a 65w 6700k bulb and a Colormax full sprectrum T5.

I'm wondering what this can be used for? Will this work for a FOWLR setup? If not, can I simply replace the bulbs with something more reef friendly?

I know that eventually I'm going to have to upgrade to get to a full reef tank, but I'm wondering how soon do I need to do that.

Thanks,

Paul

[Wiskey]

Are you sure that's not a PC lamp? The only bulbs I know in 65W are Power Compacts.

In any case - it will look weird but you can use that for FOWLR, but you will like the color much more if you replace the bulb with 50/50 10,000K and Atinic bulbs. Or if it is 48" T5's at 54W then one 10,000K bulb, and one Atinic bulb.

HTH,
Whiskey

[pmnovak1]

I found this being sold online. Here is the description from the website:

Freshwater Aqualight T5 Series - Double Linear Strip is a sleek and streamlined fixture designed to enhance and complement aquariums. Its compact and low-profile style is suitable where space is limited. The Colormax full-spectrum T5 fluorescent lamp has color enhancing phosphors that emit light from 350 to 750 nanometers and 6,700K lamp provides aquatic plants with the light energy necessary to stimulate lush growth.


This matches what I have.

[Jnicho]

Agreed only PC's are available in that wattage...if I'm not mistaken the 48" Aqualite is 2 x 28W if it's T5's (normal output not HO)...it's basically a direct replacement for the stock lighting that fits on a normal fish tank hood/lid...also that full spectrum bulb is pretty much a planted freshwater tank bulb...if you're doing FO for a while you could switch out bulbs as whiskey says to an actinic and a 10K...but when you want to go reef you'll want to upgrade for sure.

[pmnovak1]

I was thinking of replacing the bulbs as well. I'll probably be FOWLR for the next year. With this fixture, it basically sits "on top of" the glass on the tank.

If I put in higher intensity bulbs, will I need to raise the fixture off the glass?

[Jnicho]

I don't thing you can get any "higher intensity" bulbs without also upgrading the ballast...I would for sure change the bulbs to those suggested...the "plant" bulbs may give you problems with algae.

[pmnovak1]

I was at the LFS and the only T5 bulbs I saw were HO. Do you know if I can use HO bulbs in this fixture?

[Loverotties]

FO,FOWLR and freshwater.

[Jnicho]

Originally Posted by pmnovak1

I was at the LFS and the only T5 bulbs I saw were HO. Do you know if I can use HO bulbs in this fixture?

I would guess not...the ballast in that fixture probably won't power them...I don't know that 28W are the right bulb, that was just what I see listed based on the info you provided...you'll want to double check that by looking at the printing on your current bulbs...beyond that you may have to order the bulbs you need/want.