Enough Lighting on My Shallow Tank?

[Thricelll]

I have a shallow tank that is about 48"x24"12". In the center are a few Acros (different types) that are browning out. The Acros are about 3 inches from the water top of the water and the lights are hanging 15" above the waterline. The lights are Aquatinics Tx5 48". The bulbs are:

1 x 54W 12000K Aquablue Special T5 HO Fluorescent
2 x 54W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
1 x 54W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent
1 x 54W Fiji Purple T5 HO Fluorescent

It's a super low nutrient system. There are no fishes, shrimps or any other animals other than pods and two snails. All other params like CA, ALK, and Mag are in check. I do get good growth on my SPS corals just really bad colors. Any ideas if my lighting is too weak?

Thanks!

 

[Western_reefer]

Maybe you should try lowering the lighting?

 

[Frick]

Maybe you should try lowering the lighting?

I agree. You got your blue and uv in there but the PAR from those is well sub-par. Lower the fixture 2-4" every week until you get the results you are looking for. I can see you getting down to 4" from the water in the end. Just take it slow though.

 

[mark54321]

I would put couple of fish in there,SPS love fish "poop".In addition with lowering your light fixture that should do it.

 

[chull13]

How long have you had the SPS in the tank? Sometimes it takes a while for SPS to reach optimum color. But I to agree that you should maybe lower your lights. I would do it gradually though, you don't want to shock your corals.

 

[ninjazx777]

+1 on adding fish corals love poop

 

[Pallobi]

I agree with others... a couple fish wouldn't hurt anything, and having your lights so high above the water.might be doin more harm than good... GL

 

[steely185]

You should be fine with that setup. I ran a 36" 6 bulb t5 fixture over my 48"x18"x10" shallow reef for about four months before switching to 2x250 watt halides with 2x 54 watt t5s. I switched because I missed the shimmer. The bulbs were almost the same and height of the fixture was about the same. Growth and color was fine with both setups.

Check the age of your bulbs, maybe it's time for some new bulbs. If your colors aren't that great you can drop your fixture down some. You probably are losing some color from it being low nutrient. Add some fish and feed a bit more. Your colors should perk up a bit.