Lighting Height over 17" Deep SPS Cube?

[jpkrze]

Looking for some advice on the best height for my light fixture.

Tank - 30x30 cube, 17 deep, bare bottom, white poster board under tank

Light - T5 8x24w ATI Sunpower

All ATI bulbs (5 blue +, 2 AB Special, 1 Purple +) No idea on total par output

Tank is setup like a canyon type reef. All SPS corals are positioned on the top of the reef walls. All within 6" of the waterline. I had the fixture fairly low and everything started to get more pale so I moved it higher cause I was afraid of bleaching. Light is now moved up to 17 inches off the waterline. I know that sounds high but I need advice considering my aquascape with all corals up top

 

[rholguin]

I have a tank that is 16" in height. I also have a sunpower but mine is a 6 bulb and I have the fixture 9" above the tank and have great growth all around the tank.

 

[collie man]

im tagging along because i have a 20 inch deep tank and am looking into the 6 or 8 bulb fixture.

 

[jpkrze]

???

 

[Logzor]

Looking for some advice on the best height for my light fixture.

Tank - 30x30 cube, 17 deep, bare bottom, white poster board under tank

Light - T5 8x24w ATI Sunpower

All ATI bulbs (5 blue +, 2 AB Special, 1 Purple +) No idea on total par output

Tank is setup like a canyon type reef. All SPS corals are positioned on the top of the reef walls. All within 6" of the waterline. I had the fixture fairly low and everything started to get more pale so I moved it higher cause I was afraid of bleaching. Light is now moved up to 17 inches off the waterline. I know that sounds high but I need advice considering my aquascape with all corals up top

Your problem is very typical one with T5 lights. People often think that they need bulbs covering the entire length of the tank. As you have found, it's a bit too much light.

Keeping your lights up really high is a good option, although, you end up with a ton of light spillage, which can be annoying.

I would bring the fixture lower and simply run fewer bulbs or add actinics to the mix.

You could try lowering it very slowly, allowing your corals to acclimate.

 

[jpkrze]

I don't mind the light spillage actually. It's in my tv room, and I dont need any other lights on when watching movies!

Ultimately what is the optimal height for this fixture above my tank? Don't need super fast growth, just looking for the best colors out of my SPS.

 

[Logzor]

I think you just answered your own question. Experiment a bit with the height of your fixture, then observe your SPS. Find out what results with the best colors. If your colors are good there is a good chance your growth will be decent, too.

 

[coralreefhq]

My light height is about 18"-2' running AI Moddules and T5's. Everything has been kosher for me.

I'm running 80 watt T5's so the par is much greater.