Lighting?

[aaronlp]

I am wondering is 8 t-5 bulbs would be enough to grow sps and be able to keep clams in a 75 tank. The fixtures would consist of (2 fixtures) 4 bulbs each at 54 watts adding to 8 bulb and 432 watts. Is this enough to keep sps and other corals that require higher lighting?

 

[gary greguire]

that would depend on the fixture you are talking about. if its a junk one probably not if its a good one its way overkill

ATI 48" 4x54W SunPower T5 High-Output Fixture w/ Bulbs complete with individual parabolic-style reflectors for each bulb made from silver-coated 98% reflective German-made aluminum, active cooling system w/ 1 fan, built-in electronic ballasts, acrylic shield, two 10 ft power-cords, a sleek, adjustable "Grip-Lock" style hanging kit and choice of bulbs from any of our current selection of high-quality lamps.

Common Sizing Guideline: soft coral tanks up to 110 gallons, mixed reef tanks up to 85 gallons and SPS dominated tanks up to 70 gallons. Recommended Tank Depth: up to 30" with carefully planned placement of corals. Power Consumption: approximately 216 Watts. Warranty: 1-Year Manufacturer's Limited Warranty.

 

[gary greguire]

I don't get it at 6.30 you start a thread looking for t5's at 7:30 you post this thread at 8:30 you own an odyssea fixture why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[aaronlp]

no i dnt own one yet if nothing gos through thats what im going to get

 

[gary greguire]

You better research that one!!!!!! and Why would you buy a light that sucks over 700 watts when you can light the tank with 216 watts, what about heat? if the fixture is to expensive go with high quality retros. check out reefgeek.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Agree with Gary here. A quality T5 fixture with really good reflectors would be more than enough at 8 lamps over a 75.

At the same time, lighting isn't just about intensity, you have to think about your personal preference in terms of both color and type of lighting - MH has shimmer while T5 gives a more saturated look, etc.