kissman
New member
yep I understand thats all stable, I am just wondering about the lights
Sps corals under t5's?
- Thread starter Mattchamp
- Start date
yep I understand thats all stable, I am just wondering about the lights
What's the issue? Are they brown or white? Do they start bleaching from the tips or base? Polyp Extension (day or night or both).
The 6x54 is more than adequate for a 55. The OP should go with 6 instead of 4. Not just for PAR but more bulbs to add to coloration.
Outlets710
New member
I'm right there with you Kissman,I have an ATI fix, am I missing something?
I'm right there with you Kissman,I have an ATI fix, am I missing something?
Also please forgive me for subject doesn't exactly pertain, but I figured you guys would know best.
I thought I would be set going with a 4 bulb ATI unit on a 30 gallon but all it seems like im doing is stabilizing Sps growth, I can grow monis and birdsnest all day but but that's about it, I guess I'm just used to halides, I had 2 400 on 90 before and i couldnt frag things fast enough.
So my question is do I just need to give up trying to grow acros w my current lighting? all my parameters are on point, but the growth just isn't there. Chalices are doing grt as well but my tank has been setup for 7 months and looks as though its only been a month.
I'm right there with you Kissman,I have an ATI fix, am I missing something?
Also please forgive me for subject doesn't exactly pertain, but I figured you guys would know best.
I thought I would be set going with a 4 bulb ATI unit on a 30 gallon but all it seems like im doing is stabilizing Sps growth, I can grow monis and birdsnest all day but but that's about it, I guess I'm just used to halides, I had 2 400 on 90 before and i couldnt frag things fast enough.
So my question is do I just need to give up trying to grow acros w my current lighting? all my parameters are on point, but the growth just isn't there. Chalices are doing grt as well but my tank has been setup for 7 months and looks as though its only been a month.
karsseboom
New member
Ok the QUESTION WAS NOT IF T5 could grow nice colorful Sps. We all know t5 is one of the best lighting, the question was if he could grow Sps with only 4 T5 bulbs.
Bandos reefer
New member
Most sps will flourish under t5s, as mentioned lights are one of the factors that will help sps grow. Kh and Ca is a must for a balanced tank
potterjon
New member
I have been running the nova extreme pro 12 bulb fixture over my 150 for several years, due to its' affordability. So it is the equivalent of a 6 bulb fixture. I can keep birdsnest in the sand basically and I have to shade my blastos etc. I think you could easily keep some sps high in the tank.
potterjon
New member
For example, right now I am trying to replace my light fixture as it is getting older and I have replaced a few ballasts over the years and I do not want to replace another. Therefore I have two bulbs out on the left side of my tank. Has been that way for over a month, probably two. I was actually thinking just the other day that the colors look a little deeper on that side of the tank. I have a couple of the same coral on each side of the tank. Frogskin on both sides from the same original frag, Red digitata also. It made me wonder to be honest with you about how much light we push into our tanks. I think the op might be surprised what he can keep.
kissman
New member
are you saying the 12 is the same as having a 6bulb in other fixtures?
Outlets710
New member
Phenomenal observation! Well looks like his thread has sparked other questions, imagine that....
Bandos reefer
New member
Yes its possible to grow sps w 4 t5 bulbs
sahin
Ultimate Reefer
OP, have a look at this thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2197142
The tank owner uses 2x ATI Coral+ tubes and 2x ATI Blue+ tubes. He has EXCELLENT colour. I believe his tubes are also 54watt.
As long as you have INDIVIDUAL reflectors and some form of cooling of the T5 tubes, you will get PLENTY of PAR and can have very good results.
sahin
Ultimate Reefer
Here is another thread specifically which you may find useful: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1935318
Its about 4 T5 tube tanks.
Hope that helps.
Its about 4 T5 tube tanks.
Hope that helps.
sahin
Ultimate Reefer
It is always recommended to acclimatize SPS corals by placing them on the sand and moving up slowly. Over a few days raise slowly.
If you dont do this you may cause the coral to bleach.
Are you sure your coral is turning purplish? It may be bleaching? Even with the best of tanks, brown corals can take at least a few days to colour up. It just seems to short of a time for a coral to colour up.
If you havent heavily glued it to the rock, I'd move it a little lower.
Maybe post a good photo?
greg1786
Active member
I run a 4x 54 watt t5 ho nova on my 55 and all my sps have great color and pe. I recently blew a ballast and borrowed my brothers tel 4x54watt and i actually liked the nova better. The nova appeared brighter with the exact same bulbs as the tek. The tek is a great light but i like my nova. Personally i think ati is the best but after that as long as your running ati or giesseman bulbs id say nova extreme, tek, and aquatic life are all equal . They all have individual reflectors , dual power cords for individual control, built in fans to dissapate heat and well built ballasts as well. So i think if your not buying ati the other three i mentioned just comes down to personal preference. Other than those brands though for t5 ho i wouldnt suggest any others. Ive had cheaper fixtures and they are cheap for a reason lol
sahin
Ultimate Reefer
Thats great. Do share a photo if you can. I love seeing photos of brown SPS turning colourful.
Similar threads
