is 8 bulb retro too much light over a 90

[HHIreefer843]

i am re-doing my lifts within the next month and i have the supplies for a total of 8 t5s over my 90. is this too many, should i stick with 6? or is there a cool new LED tube i can use in place of bulbs 7 and 8

 

[silentscream]

Depending upon what reflectors you have, 8 bulbs will not fit over a standard 90 (48x18 footprint). The Miro-4 T5 reflectors are 2.5" wide and if you multiply that by 8, you've got 20". 6 bulbs would be more accommodating, and you would even have room to squeeze in a LED strip if you so desired.

 

[Met3112]

I have a 90 gallon with a eight bulb t5 fixture. There is NOT too much light. But if you cant fit them, you cant fit them.

 

[HHIreefer843]

I'm an idiot I didn't even think of the width. They are mirco4s

 

[stevedola]

if you can fit them get 8 bulbs.

 

[jbannick18]

If you are using a LET retro than yes I would say 8 bulbs is to much. LET is very close to an ATI fixture and a 6 bulb ati fixture can even burn sps in a 90. I'd stick with 6

 

[karsseboom]

8 bulbs is the only way I would do an sps 90.

 

[HHIreefer843]

Where can I find small reflectors, or the LET? retro?

 

[divewsharks]

with a proper setup, 6 is plenty. gives full spread and a good mix of bulbs. you won't have any issues keeping SPS. I have ATI 6 bulbs over my Tech90 (25" tall) i can keep clams and SPS on the sandbed.

 

[HHIreefer843]

Oh I don't think 6 will be an issue but I was just wondering how good/bad 8 would be. I currently have an awesome sps tank with great growth with 2 t5s and 3 VHOs only!!!

 

[sandhog]

I have a 8 tube ATI powermodule on a 60 gallon cube. I can keep sps on the bottom. I have had good growth and colour as well.