So I'm picking my tank up this week and was wondering about the lighting. Would 4x39W T5s be enough or should I go 4x54W (might be a bit tight)? Also if I go the 39W route should I stagger the bulbs so they get all the areas of the tank and not leave any gaps at the ends?
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Lights for 4x2x2
- Thread starter willzs
- Start date
Chris Jackson
Member
I run 4 x 54's on mine but I'm sure staggered 39's would work well also.
Chris Jackson
Member
Mine are in a hanging fixture now but previously I had 4 54's mounted in a DIY plywood hood and whilst it was tight the fit was perfect.
Chris Jackson
Member
Well 2ft is a deep tank, I've never found 54's too much, but I've only ever had all 4 on at once for maybe ¾ of the photoperiod. If you plan on growing carpet plants then you may want the 54's
Chris Jackson
Member
No wrong choices then 😉
What do you mean?
Chris Jackson
Member
I mean you can go with 54 or 39's and still have a pefectly good outcome. Personally, however, I'd go with 54's
Martin in Holland
Member
- Joined
- 28 May 2013
- Messages
- 2,310
How close will the tubes be above the water and how deep is your tank...those are all things you could consider, but in most cases I would go for 39W. With 39W bulbs you can grow almost any plants, why risk the problems that can come from to much light.
Rather than staggering 36 in length tubes, why would you not just use 48in tubes 😕
You have a 24in width/depth, so 4 tubes distributed across this width will give nice even lighting, set up the electricals so that you can run tubes in pairs, eg,
tubes 1 & 3
tubes 2 & 4
Nicer yet would be having individual control of each tube - not sure if you are buying a pre-made luminaire or building your own?
Again go with dimmer technology if possible.
Much depends on the intended use of the tank, LED would give you the most flexible lighting but generally costs more than T5
SuperColey1 has a DIY LED journal
You have a 24in width/depth, so 4 tubes distributed across this width will give nice even lighting, set up the electricals so that you can run tubes in pairs, eg,
tubes 1 & 3
tubes 2 & 4
Nicer yet would be having individual control of each tube - not sure if you are buying a pre-made luminaire or building your own?
Again go with dimmer technology if possible.
Much depends on the intended use of the tank, LED would give you the most flexible lighting but generally costs more than T5
SuperColey1 has a DIY LED journal
The problem with using the larger tubes is the lack of space in the tank lid. There would be hardly any space just with the length of the bulbs and with the end caps I doubt they'd fit at all.
Chris Jackson
Member
54w tubes are standard for 1200cm / 48" tanks and I have used them many times in different tanks with no fit issues at all.
It's the lid and access that's the problem. Only a portion of the lid opens and then there are glass covers over the tank. I'm hoping the smaller tubes will be easier for access as my other half has to look after it whilst I'm away with work?
It's the lid and access that's the problem. Only a portion of the lid opens and then there are glass covers over the tank. I'm hoping the smaller tubes will be easier for access as my other half has to look after it whilst I'm away with work?
It's the lid and access that's the problem. Only a portion of the lid opens and then there are glass covers over the tank. I'm hoping the smaller tubes will be easier for access as my other half has to look after it whilst I'm away with work?
Chris Jackson
Member
sounds like staggered 36's maybe the way ahead then.
