6 or 8 bulbs

[kevin_e]

Going with a 24" x 24" 50 gallon cube. It will be predominately SPS with a 20" depth. Should I go with a 6 or 8 bulb ATI Sunpower?

 

[coral102]

I would go with 8 bulb ATI SUNPOWER Dimmable. It's dimmable so if it's too much just dim it...

 

[Joke]

I would go with 8 bulb ATI SUNPOWER Dimmable. It's dimmable so if it's too much just dim it...

honestly i think 6 bulbs should do it, on my 17 inch tall tank i had a 4 bulb fixture grow sps some what close to the bottom, when i added a 2 bulb fixture i could easy grow most sps at the bottom. SO an extra 3 inches wont change a lot. But if he dose not care about the price too much i would go with a dimmable 8 bulb fixture too.

 

[joshky]

One bulb for every three inches of tank depth (front to back), height isn't a determining factor on how many bulbs you need; though it can be the determining factor on the type of lighting you need.

 

[Joke]

One bulb for every three inches of tank depth (front to back), height isn't a determining factor on how many bulbs you need; though it can be the determining factor on the type of lighting you need.

umm last time i checked adding more bulbs will increase par at the bottom of the tank

 

[joshky]

umm last time i checked adding more bulbs will increase par at the bottom of the tank

Sure, but most go T5 to eliminate shadowing in an SPS dominate system. The rule is one bulb for every three inches of tank depth.

 

[kevin_e]

So assuming that rule of thumb, 8 bulbs is what I should buy.

 

[coral102]

Any idea of bulbs color combination???

 

[kevin_e]

Well I have has success int he past with a 1:1 combination of Coral Plus and Blue Plus, so that is an option. Any suggestions?

 

[coral102]

Please check out the link below.

http://atinorthamerica.com/service.php

Then click on Frequently Asked Questions---What bulb combinations do you recommend?


Good luck!!! :beer:

 

[kevin_e]

Let's revive this. So I'm back in the market for a light after deciding to go a different route previously. I'm going ATI this time and still deciding on 6 or 8 bulb.

Keep in mind, my coral are primarily on a road k island in the center of my 24" cube. There is essentially 6" of sand on each side and 8" in front.

 

[rtparty]

6 bulbs is plenty for that tank

 

[kevin_e]

What kind of PAR numbers can I expect, generally? Say at 10" and 20"

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[rtparty]

An ATI should have no issue putting out 250 PAR at 20". Just need to make sure you set the fans at the correct voltage. This is usually 7.5 or 9v depending on ambient temperature

Check out this thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1641235

Lots to read but plenty of readings

 

[kevin_e]

Thanks! I've skimmed through some over the last few days. Any other opinions on 6 vs 8?

 

[kevin_e]

Will I regret going with 6? The 8 bulb unit is sold out until mid October. Should I wait?

I want to stress that my coral are more or less centralized in my tank. The front and side several inches are sand.

But I want to make sure I'll also get adequate PAR for sps anywhere else.

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[rtparty]

An ATI unit can cover about 4" for each bulb. Unless you're packing SPS to every corner, 8 bulbs is a waste IMO

 

[mirkus]

6 or 8 bulbs

I run an 8 bulb with reefbrites on a 20 inch depth tank. I had a 6 bulb prior to the 8. Can you get by with 6? Absolutely. Will a six bulb work/perform great? Probably. Is an 8 bulb necessary? nope. In the end get what you want. An 8 bulb will give you more bulb combos and spread but higher running expenses.


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[joshky]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you could grab the 8 bulb and only run 6, then if you decide you want 8 later on you have the option.

 

[rtparty]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you could grab the 8 bulb and only run 6, then if you decide you want 8 later on you have the option.

They are on a 6/2 setup. So dusk/dawn would not be possible IIRC