T5 Lighting question

[Bike2k]

My wife bought me my 75g DT new in July for a birthday present. Tank size 47"L x 17 1/2"W x 21"H and has 2-3 inch sand bed. I was trying to keep costs down and not knowing what I know now, made a bad decision on the light. I had downgraded the package to a (2) bulb 48" Solarmax 248 H.O. fixture with moon lights. It included one 10,000k daylight lamp and one Actinic 03 lamp. It seems to provide adequate light for the tank and I probably wouldn't change it if it were to remain a FOWLR. However I have bought my first coral and I am looking to getting more. I still don't have the budget to go to an LED setup but I believe the light needs to be upgraded.

The question. should I go to a 4 or 6 bulb T5 setup? 6 seemed like it might be overkill for the 75, I was also hoping to add a blue or coral and possibly 65k for better growth and presentation.

your recommendations would be appreciated.

thanks

 

[IdahoGuy]

6 bulb would not be overkill.. But you could get away with 4 if you just want soft corals. Possibly some easy to keep LPS if they were kept at the top.

 

[stubby 58]

I would go with 4 min check out ATI bulbs blue+ coral+and purple+ and blue+ in order from front to back. Works well on my 125. You can grow acro if placed mid to upper levels.

 

[a.browning]

Six bulbs would let you grow just about anything, four bulbs would let you keep soft/lps and maybe some lower light sps corals. Either way it will be a huge improvement over a 2 bulb light. I run a 6 bulb over my 75 gallon sps tank with great results. Just make sure to go with a quality brand/fixture-- there's a huge difference between a cheap t5 fixture and one that's built right. I personally use and recommend ATI, but Tek and Aquaticlife are pretty good as well. Just my experience anyway!

 

[MrClam]

+1 on the fixture recs. In doing my research for lighting I found there can be huge (as much as 200%) differences in PAR outputs based on the reflectors/ballasts used by the T5 fixture. I have a theory that much of the difference in opinion for T5 lighting results from differing fixture performance. That could be why some people swear they couldnt get mushrooms to grow under T5 and others can keep SPS.

I went with an ATI and have been pleased. It has nice cooling fans, which extend bulb life. Tho Im still new so proceed at your own risk.

 

[Bike2k]

Thanks for the input