Additional T5 lighting 2x54 watt over LED'S

[MMCReef]

Hello all, looking for some advice/experience with regards to lighting. I currently have a 48x24x24 peninsula tank with a question regarding adding a T5 fixture to my lighting setup. I now have (2) 48'' Current Orbit LED fixtures and don't seem to get much growth and or coralline algae growth. I was thinking of adding the T5 fixture for more of a lighting nourishment angle approach. My softies don't do well...acropora and montipora setosa do well but slow growth...pink birds nest does great, zoos are actually receding a little.

Specs are:
-125 gallon
-sand bed & about 200lb live rock
-about 15 coral frags / pieces (LPS, SPS, zoa, mushrooms, softies)
- 40gal remote sump, skimmer,heater,return
-4hydor and one generic powerhead totaling 5000 gph
- 10 gallon refugium
- testing as of 1/30/17 PH=8.0 Amm=0 ppm Nitrate=0 ppm Nitrite=0 ppm Meg/L DKH=3.2 - 9.0 Magnesium=1280 ppm Calc=440ppm PHOS=0 ppm Salinity=1.020 Alk=3.2 Meg/L


Any help would be great! Thanks

 

[Yolly416]

I ran 2 T5 bulbs with my leds and things grew great I have a ice cap ballast HO T5 setup for up to 4 bulbs I'm selling for $65 or trade


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[mcgyvr]

Extra light will probably help you.. The current orbit light fixtures aren't really the best for any reef tank.. They are smaller/less powerful LEDs and can work on shallow tanks but lack any real power so supplementing them could certainly help..

Why do you maintain salinity at that level? Its not bad but typically 1.025-1.026 is recommended..

Having 0 nitrates/phosphates is really not a good thing either.. You want "some" as they are vital nutrients.. I'd try to let them come up too ( just to a measurable amount)
Many that have run ULNS (ultra low nutrient systems) have noticed increased growth/color,etc.. letting them rise some..

 

[MMCReef]

Agreed on the super "sterile'' conditions. My nitrates tested 0 at the time but have been known to get to 1ppm. My phosphates, however, have always been 0ppm.
As far as the salinity goes, there is no particular reason for that level. I should keep a closer eye on this and adjust slowly.

What would explain the softies? I would think they'd do well with lower level light. Thoughts?