75 gallon build lighting question

[stelliofleondis]

https://aquarium.bulkreefsupply.com..._term=bulkreefsupply&utm_content=_entire site

will the sunblaze t5 with 6 bulbs at a length of 48 inches be enough to have a thriving reef tank
and are there any bulb recommendations

 

[stelliofleondis]

or do have to get an ati fixture

 

[stelliofleondis]

anyone have some knowledge to impart

 

[RobZilla04]

Yes 6 blub T5HO should be plenty for a reef tank. Keep SPS mid height or higher if 24" deep tank. Look at Coral +, Blue +, Super Blue, & Actinic Blue bulbs. There is a whole thread on bulb selection here somewhere.

 

[mcgyvr]

yep.. 6 bulb is plenty and those lower cost fixtures are capable of being used just fine for the most part..
I'm sure a fancy study might show potentially increased bulb life or slightly higher PAR levels/spread or whatever if one was on the ATI marketing team but in general the lower cost fixtures can work just fine too..

A Kia can get you to the grocery store just as well as a Cadillac can..

 

[stelliofleondis]

thank you for saving me a ton of $

 

[stelliofleondis]

would a 8 bulb be overkill

 

[RobZilla04]

would a 8 bulb be overkill

Not necessarily. Depends on bulb choice, mounting height, and photoperiod length.

 

[Waterspout]

I've used a 6 bulb T5 fixture for my 75G for 4 years and have no issues with my corals. It's all about placement.

 

[stelliofleondis]

Is it enough to keep sps throught the tank?

 

[stelliofleondis]

i also want a clam in the sand bed

 

[stelliofleondis]

i would be willing to get the 8 bulb if it would allow for this

 

[nereefpat]

The 8 bulb fixture will hang over the front and back of the tank.

I think the 6 bulb will get you where you want to go.

 

[GSMclowns]

8 bulbs is too big for a standard 75 gallons tank.
Spend the money and get a 6 bulbs Sunpower if you think you are going to keep this tank for awhile

 

[NYCBOB]

6 bulb t5 over a 75 is plenty.

 

[stelliofleondis]

So what type of bulbs would you guys use?

 

[jayball]

So what type of bulbs would you guys use?

I would use (personally) 3 Coral+, 2 Actinic, one blue+. This will give you a fairly crisp white with lots of fluorescent response and a nice look for your dusk/dawn channel.

If you want it bluer than you can replace a C+ and actinic with 2 more Blue plus. Whiter you can replace a coral plus or 2 with ABS.

Here is ATI's recommendation:

https://www.atinorthamerica.com/faq.php