T5 HO lighjing suggestion needed

[Salt.H20.Ruuls]

I have a 75 gal. tank that was FO until recently. I am reconstructing a reef tank. I am going to use TEK T5 HO lighting but I am unsure if I should use 4 X 54 or 6 X 54. I will have some LPS and some clams and fish. Any suggestions will be helpful...thanks

 

[lvreefer]

If your going with clams then go with the larger fixture. If not you could get away with the 4x54w.

 

[David Grigor]

A 75g is not that deep. Pretty sure either fixture will work.

However, if this were my tank, I would skip mixing a clam with in a LPS/Softy dominated tank simply because such the differences in lighting requirements. Having clams with an SPS dominate tank is more appropriate.

 

[graveyardworm]

I've got a clam, softies, and SPS in my 90 with MH lights and no problem. For clams I would go with the 6 bulb fixture, if you could get an 8 bulb that would probably be better, but the 6 should be fine as long as it has individual reflectors.

 

[Salt.H20.Ruuls]

Thanks for all the advice...graveyardworm, you don't think the 8 bulb is too much??? If I bought an 8 bulb unit, could you use just 6 bulbs at any given time, depending on what is in my tank???

 

[graveyardworm]

My 90 gallon which is just a few inches taller than the 75 has 2-250watt halides, and 2-110 watt VHO. There is one softie (sinularia) almost touching the waters surface, and a sarcophton just above midway up, and both are growing well. Its all about acclimation.

As far as the 8 bulb T5 fixture I'm not sure, you could get in touch with the manufacturer and see how the lamps are switched. You wont be running all 8 bulbs all day, you should stagger them so all 8 are only on for a few hours or so during what would be midday. The more switched circuits the better, I would hope for 4 so you can run the bulbs in pairs.

 

[tangyreefer05]

Usually they come wired with two seperate power cords. I want to buy this soon http://cgi.ebay.com/T5-T-5-HO-Aquar...itemZ7768100614QQcategoryZ46314QQcmdZViewItem

 

[lvreefer]

FYI - If you are indeed getting the TEK brand they come with independent reflectors and Triad T5 electronic ballasts which control 2 bulbs at a time. Great system if you have an open top aquarium.

 

[Drewcipher]

We have a 75 with 6X54 watt from Reefgeek and the tank is awesome. We keep LPS and some softies and clams. The LPS grow like crazy.