T5 with RB LED strip question

[cincyjim]

I am setting a new 150g tank that is 60x24x24. I currently have and use a 6 bulb T5 light on my 75g that I will be using on the new 150g tank. I would like to enhance the T5s with 2 Reef Brite LED 60" lights (1 mounted on the front and back of the T5 light).

I currently have a number of SPS, LPS, and softies that are doing just fine with the T5 light however, the 75g tank is 21" high with the light mounted on the tank with the light stand/feet. The 150g tank will have a canopy which I'm assuming the light fixture will be higher as it has to be mounted in the canopy. My concern will be the T5 light will not provide enough light being mounted higher in the canopy, the 150G tank will be 3" taller, and the T5 light fixture is 48" long. Is this a valid concern?

My question is 2 part; 1st: do you think I need to supplement the T5 light, and secondly, should I get the 60" Tech Blue or do I get the 60" XHO Blue lights?

Thanks in advance,
Jim

 

[cincyjim]

Surely someone has an opinion on this. I was hoping to get some advice before I spend money unnecessarily. Thanks!

 

[ReefCowboy]

Im assuming the light you have now is 48"? What brand T5 is it? Some brands such as ATI put out lots of par so depending on the corals you have it should be ok. The addition of Reefbrites would add "pop" to corals and also add to the par, so IMO you should be fine.

If you end up wanting to keep more sps down the line, you can get a 60" T5 and use the 60" reefbrites if more light is needed. That will be the direction I will go since I also have a 150 gal new tank with the same dimmensions as yours.

 

[cincyjim]

Thanks for the reply ReefCowboy. Yes, my current fixture is 48" which is why I was considering the Reef Brite to supplement it. The light is a AquaticLife Six Lamp T5 HO Light Fixture 48" 324W (54w each bulb) with ATI bulbs in it. I use 4 ATI blue plus, 1 ATI coral plus, and 1 ATI purple plus. I'd like to get more "pop" as I'm pretty sure the lighting is at it's max to support SPS. You have a good idea with going with a new 60" T5 fixture with the addition of the Reef Brites if needed. I'm still sorting out how to put this together as I only want to spend the money once... if that's even possible in this hobby .