<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11746912#post11746912 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
Excellent work Machado!!!!
You have inspired me to make changes to my new prop setup.
I have two 30g breeder tanks (36"x18"x12") that I am going to use for SPS propagation and I have been struggling on my lighting choices.
I would like to use T5 only but I dont know how many bulbs to use. I am limited to the 36" 39w bulbs. I was thinking about getting the ATI Powermodule 8x39w fixture for each tank or the Sunlight Supply Tek fixture since its 2X cheaper than the ATI.
I was also wondering if I need live rock at all. I am going to add a 60lb caribsea remote deep sand bed for filtration for each tank. Would that be enough for natural filtration?
Sorry for all the questions but you are the god of coral propagation in my opinion.
Hi xenon, about how many bulbs to use I suggested you to begin with 3.8 watts per gallon. For your 30g breeder tanks it corresponds to three Blue Special tubes for each tank. After get familiar with effects on your tanks and corals and after attest that you not notice undesirable algae anywhere, you may gradually increase the number of tubes up to reach the light intensity you want. Take care with 8x39w fixtures you intent to buy because they emit too much light for your 30g shallow tanks.
Corals take time to adapt to t5 lighting and you should never underestimate T5 light intensity. Take care when you put any coral close T5 tubes, although under a single bulb.
About choice between ATI Powermodule and the Sunlight Supply Tek fixtures, each of them has their own advantages and disadvantages, as you know. Compare materials they are made of, quality and efficiency of reflectors, weight, tubes ventilation, aesthetic aspects, costs, etc. Decide observing the quality/price rate.
DSB and LR have similar utility in nitrification and denitrification process. The 60lb Caribsea remote DSB for each breed tank may be enough if your organic load is not too high and if you have a good skimmer. Don’t forget to remove phosphate also. Algae filter gives you a good help to remove phosphate and eventual remaining nitrates.
About god of coral propagation, I liked that!
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11746912#post11746912 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
Also.
Have you tried the new ATI Pro Color T5 bulb yet?
http://www.atiaquaristik.com/index.php?id=146,0,0,1,0,0
Aqua-blue special and Blue plus
About ATI T5 bulbs, when the goal is to grow corals and not gain colors, the best combination in my opinion is 60% Blue Special (10000ºK) as main lighting combined with 40% Blue Plus bulbs (20000ºk). Otherwise, using only 50% Blue Special tubes combined with Blue Plus or Pro Color you can emphasize colors with not so much coral growth.
Cheers,