Light height and coral placement

[Andyf30]

Hey guys,
I have a 6 bulb t5 about 3 or 4 inches off my water surface, and I'm not really sure where I should be placing corals. I keep seeing tanks that have corals all over the place, and I'm under the impression that 6 ATI bulbs on a 50 is a lot of light. Im rescaping soon and I was curious as to where i should aim to put my "high" "medium" and "low" light coral.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[KritikaL]

same situation and i have the ati hybrid, abot 3-4 inches off the water, i've put a few hardy corals at the top and theyre growing FAST.

however i've put some wilds up there and theyve gone a little white, so moved them back down

 

[footballdude2k3]

Lots of different corals can be kept in strong lighting, read up on proper light acclimation, birdsnests do not need the most light in the world, but I have a friend with one right next to some acros, all of the thrive together. If you acclimate things properly, you will be much more successful in this hobby.

 

[Andyf30]

Just rescaped and I went with a 2 island look. I like it a lot better and it is MUCH better for flow. The new corals I have that I am debating placement with are a Tyree Pink Lemonade, a Paletta Pink Tip, and a Garf Bonsai. Any suggestions?

 

[Dapg8gt]

You really should try to use a par meter and map out the tank. The ATI fixtures will put out a ton of light I was shocked to see my 8 bulb powermodule running 800+ par 2" under the surface when I had it about 6" above the water line.

I run my light about 14" above the tank and get 300 par dead center on my sand bed in a 4' 105g fwiw. My highest point on my rocks is about 550 par now at about 8" under the surface. You can acclimate the corals but it takes time and at 3" above the water your par must be crazy high imo. Almost to high if your running all high par bulbs like blue + and coral plus..