How much light? need suggestions

[jmaschh]

For my 125g reef, how much lighting and what type of bulbs would you suggest if I was going to go with T5s? I will be keeping softies and LPS for now. Possibly a few SPS in the future.

I was looking at either 4 80W bulbs or 6 80W bulbs.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Justin

 

[DrBDC]

I don't know T-5's but if mh's I would use this general rule if including sps in there.

20-24" deep = 175 high par bulbs or 250 any bulbs

25+ deep =250 high par or 400 any bulb.

Then stick 1 bulb for every 2 ft give or take 1/2 ft each. That's for a sps heavier mix, with softies and LPS you could use the lower wattage options unless you put a really low par bulb on them. Going with the higher wattage option would let you place bluer/lower par bulbs and still keep just about anything. There are always exceptions too. I'm sure there are sps keepers using pc's even but are they at a good growth rate and vibrant health and optimal color.

 

[jmaschh]

Anyone on the T5 recommendation?

 

[drgabe]

Justin, what are the dimensions of the tank?

 

[jmaschh]

The tank is 72 long x 18 wide x 22 deep.