Lighting for an LPS tank.

[broke1]

I would like to stick with T5s and the tank is an odd size so my choices are severly limited.

The tank has to be custom made to fit where it needs to go. It is 33"x24"x12-14". Unfortunately I have to stay with a 24" fixture. I prefer the Tek for looks, but can only use 4 bulbs, the Aquatinics isn't quite as nice looking, but I can get that with 5 bulbs.

To be honest I just don't know how much light these corals need. I know the watt per galoon rating is a poor one to go by, but it's all I have to go by right now. With the Tek I will have around 2.3 WPG, with the Aquatinics, I am around 2.9.

 

[jadeguppy]

LPS very in their need for light from low light varieties to high light ones. With proper placement you should be able to put just about anything in there. Fixtures with individual reflectors will provide more light.

 

[broke1]

I guess LPS is even vaguer than SPS, let's say chalices, acans, and a few scattered zoos. I have everyting growing in my prop tank for my SPS system, but the 6x54w frag light and the low nutrient tank just seem to be stunting the growth of everything.

 

[jadeguppy]

A fuge is helpful to have because it will provide the corals and fish with natural food. I don't keep chalices or acans, but zoa can usually be kept in lower light tanks or the lower regions of higher light tanks.

 

[avp]

If you tank is only 12-14 inches deep, the 4 bulb system should be all you need for most LPS. Just watch the shaded areas at either end where the light fixture ends. Sun corals would do well in the low light sections.


-avp

 

[broke1]

There will be 4" of sand around the rock in the middle, so everything will be under the light. Thanks for the advice, I really wanted the TEK light just for it's looks.