6 T5's ok?

[Philly777]

Quick question...

I have a 120 gal 4x2x2. I currently have 4 LET retro 54w T5's I built into a canopy with the idea of adding a couple of LED's, the thought was a couple of Kessils. I only have about 6-7" between the T5's to work with. I have no experience with SPS corals, but would like to take a shot at them.

After reading around, I'm kind of debating on adding another two T5's for a more foolproof lighting scheme instead of the kessils.

Do the guys with experience here think I'd be ok with 6 T5's trying my hand at SPS. I'd like to eventually try some of the more challenging types as well. Will I hit a ceiling on what types of SPS I can host?

 

[CoralNerd]

6 t5's are ideal. BRS just did a video on sps and t5's.

 

[Wiskey]

I think you would be okay at the top right under the lights, but I would do 8 LET retro's on that system.

I have a 75G SPS tank(48"x18" wide x 24" tall), with what is basically 6 LET T5 retros about 4" above the water. Initially I had 4 T5's and 2 LED strips. I fell out of love with the LED's and stopped using them, then discovered that 4x54 was not enough for Acros to color up and grow the way I wanted. My Montis and Birdsnests etc did great though. Once I added the 2 more T5's the coverage was much more even and the Acros really responded.

Here is the tank:
IMG_8423 by Wiskey2727, on Flickr

Whiskey

 

[Philly777]

Thanks guys, looks like I'd probably happy with all T5's.

Do you cool your LET retros at all? Fan or anything? I don't with my current 4 bulbs. Do you think I'd need to with 6?

 

[reefmutt]

I think you'll be good with 6t5.
The retros are open, I assume.. not sure you'll need cooling.
Maybe to vent the hood, if it's really tight on the tank but not direct cooling on the bulbs..