Fluorescent T5 Lighting Fixtures

Fluorescent T5 Lighting is an excellent choice of lighting for your new saltwater aquarium.  T5 bulbs are energy efficient so they will save you money too.  If setting up a saltwater aquarium is a new hobby for you then you are doing the right thing in researching prior to purchasing the supplies.  Many people become overwhelmed and give up on this project.  A lack of knowledge usually leads to errors and frustration in the process of setting up a new tank.  Knowing what you are doing will help your new hobby become an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Supplies Needed:
•    Aquarium
•    Stand
•    T5 Lighting Fixture
•    T5 Light Bulbs
•    Heater
•    Live Rock
•    Protein Skimmer
•    Powerheads or Pumps
•    Sump (Second Smaller Aquarium for Equipment)
•    Corals & Fish

Step #1
You will need to purchase a 50 to 75 gallon aquarium with a sturdy stand and canopy to house your T5 lighting system.  Larger aquariums are better for the stability of the system but keep in mind that a larger tank will require more resources to run.  It is recommended that the tank be less than 24” high because T5 light bulbs produce a flat light beam and if the tank is any deeper than 24” it will not be lit properly.

Step #2
Purchasing and installing basic lighting is fairly simple and straightforward.  It is highly recommended that you invest in a high quality lighting system like T5 HO fluorescent lighting and bulbs especially if you plan to add live corals to your aquarium.  T5 lights are compact fluorescent lights that come in 14, 21, 28, and 35 watts.  These bulbs are estimated to have an average lamp life of at least 15,000 hours.  They will save you money and last much longer than standard lights.

Step #3
Saltwater aquariums should be kept between 76 to 80 degrees.  A heating device is needed if you live in a colder climate.  Two smaller heaters are better than one large heater especially if you are setting up a very large tank.  Powerheads are needed to add water movement to the aquarium.  These can be found in different strengths so if you are setting up a 75 gallon tank then you will need at least 1500 GPH or gallons per hour movement throughout the tank.  In larger tanks it is also recommended that you use two powerheads, one on each side of the tank.  A protein skimmer is also needed to filter and remove bacteria from the tank.

Step #4
It is wise to use a sump or a second smaller tank that will house the equipment for your larger tank.  A sump will eliminate the clutter from your aquarium.  Other things you will need when setting up a saltwater tank are sand, live rock, and the fish.  Corals are an option and tend to be more sensitive than fish.  Corals don’t handle fluctuations to the water system very well so it is important to add them once the tank is already setup and maintained properly.

Just remember that you should purchase the equipment that corresponds to the size tank you have chosen.  T5 light fixtures will not work if the tank is too deep for the light to reach the bottom.  T5 bulbs may be more expensive in the beginning but they will last longer and save you money in the long run.  Best of luck with your saltwater aquarium!

Related posts:

1. How Much Better Is T5 Lighting For Aquariums?
2. T5 Aquarium Lighting for Corals
3. T5 Lights – Answers to Common Conversion Questions
4. T5 Light Bulbs

Tags: T5 aquarium bulbs, T5 aquarium lamps, T5 aquarium lighting, T5 aquarium lights, T5 fluorescent lighting, T5 HO fluorescent lighting, T5 light fixtures, T5 reef lighting, T5 reef lights

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