t5 soft coral

[mixedreef89]

Hey everybody. I'm currently switching over to a 90 gallon from a 75 gallon. I would like to start keeping coral. Mushrooms, polyps and soft Corals. I have a 4x54 watt t5 fixture with 4 led. I would like to have the 16 - 18k look if possible and still provide good par for the coral. Can someone help me out with a bulb combo. I will add a 2x54 if needed.

As always thank you

 

[fishchef]

Have a 4/39wT5 with ATI 2 Specials and 2 Aqua Blue+ over some Toadstools. My clams like this, too. Clams are on substrate about 15 inches below.

 

[mixedreef89]

My tank will be 25" deep.i really like the 16 - 18k look. Do you have a picture of your tank

 

[fishchef]

My tank is being rescaped so no picks. They like light so I'd start them up high.
My Toadstools are quite large, 12+ inches across the caps and they're up high with plenty of flow. Your tank is very deep. Even with more bulbs the par value at the deepest will not change. Leathers are easy. If you had SPS or LPS it would be harder.

 

[mixedreef89]

Hmm does that mean I would have to go MH? And if I do will I need a chiller? My house is always 71 during the summer and 67 during the winter. I know crazy lol

 

[fishchef]

This is an old shot of one of my leathers. I've had great results with T5's. IMO you need to lots of rock to get your corals up to the light. I don't have any experience with MH or LED's.

 

[mixedreef89]

thats good to know that you have grown your tank with t5. but I have the feeling your tank is not as deep as mine

 

[mixedreef89]

by the way that looks amazing

 

[fishchef]

Thanks. Its all up to you. Are you new to the Hobby?

 

[mixedreef89]

To SW yes. I've had fresh all my life. My tank is about 7 months old I think.

 

[mixedreef89]

I do know a good bit though. I always do a lot of reading before I do anything with my tank.

 

[fishchef]

Saltwater is a journey. I've been in SW since '91 went to reef/corals around 2000. Read all you can, but its results that count. Lots of different opinions out there about what works. Most of my past knowledge comes from books/mags.