T5 HO Reef

[The10GallonReef]

I recently bought a Current USA 24 inch T5 HO fixture for my future ten gallon reef tank. It has one 24 watt 12K T5 HO bulb, and one 24 watt 460nm Actinic T5 HO bulb. I was planning on keeping LPS corals but would this lighting be strong enough for SPS? The tank itself is around 11.5 inches deep.

 

[rtparty]

I recently bought a Current USA 24 inch T5 HO fixture for my future ten gallon reef tank. It has one 24 watt 12K T5 HO bulb, and one 24 watt 460nm Actinic T5 HO bulb. I was planning on keeping LPS corals but would this lighting be strong enough for SPS? The tank itself is around 11.5 inches deep.

You are pushing it IMO. 4 bulbs would have been a little better. Yes, a little overkill, but maybe a better choice. Just try very easy SPS and keep them as high on your rock as you can.

To increase PAR and help with POP, I would change the bulbs out. Use some good bulbs instead of Current USA stuff.

There are a couple combos you could try. With 2 bulbs it is REALLY hard to get a good combo.

1) ATI Blue Plus and ATI Aquablue
2) ATI Blue Plus and ATI Purple Plus
3) ATI Blue Plus and KZ New Generation

Hope that helps

 

[The10GallonReef]

I'm probably just going to stick with LPS but thanks for the tip!