What else do I need for an sps dominant?

i would add another powerhead opposing the mp10 at a slightly different angle for more turbulence.
Other than that it looks like youre well on your way to sps greatness.
 
With the internal dimensions of the BC wouldn't you just have alot of light spillage?
Have you thought about using IC ballasts as opposed to the workhorse ballasts? that would overdrive you bulbs considerably, giving plenty more par with the same bulbs.
 
With the internal dimensions of the BC wouldn't you just have alot of light spillage?
Have you thought about using IC ballasts as opposed to the workhorse ballasts? that would overdrive you bulbs considerably, giving plenty more par with the same bulbs.


Regarding the light spillage: I don't know. I'm coming here to ask those who are more knowledgeable than I.

I'm going with the workhorse because its what I have in my closet. I've considered the icecap but that will be an upgrade down the road.

The Grimm Reefer recommends 1 t5 for every 3" of depth so I do feel like I can fit 5 without much spillage and 6 would be pushing it.
 
Regarding the light spillage: I don't know. I'm coming here to ask those who are more knowledgeable than I.

I'm going with the workhorse because its what I have in my closet. I've considered the icecap but that will be an upgrade down the road.

The Grimm Reefer recommends 1 t5 for every 3" of depth so I do feel like I can fit 5 without much spillage and 6 would be pushing it.

I think the light spillage is being questioned due to the fact that your fixture will be longer then your tank is wide. So depending on how high off the tank your fixture is you will have X amount of splillage. Front to back you should be ok with either the 5 or 6 bulbs as long as you keep the reflectors at 3" width or less.

For heat issues since it sounds likely that you will have no top, just plan on having a bit of height before your fixture so that you can have some natural cooling. If your fixture is right above the water then you will probably run into heat issues even with the T5's.
 
I think the light spillage is being questioned due to the fact that your fixture will be longer then your tank is wide. So depending on how high off the tank your fixture is you will have X amount of splillage. Front to back you should be ok with either the 5 or 6 bulbs as long as you keep the reflectors at 3" width or less.

For heat issues since it sounds likely that you will have no top, just plan on having a bit of height before your fixture so that you can have some natural cooling. If your fixture is right above the water then you will probably run into heat issues even with the T5's.

Ah, ok. Light spilling off the sides doesn't bother me at all so this is a non-issue then right? Or is there an issue besides the aesthetics?

I was planning on having the lights 6" up. Does that sound right?
 
Brad, one last thing...money $$$ :D

If there is one thing that I've learned about this hobby its that it is expensive! Luckily for me, I have most of the eqiupment laying around not being used so my startup cost is minimal compared to the last tank I set up.
 
If there is one thing that I've learned about this hobby its that it is expensive! Luckily for me, I have most of the eqiupment laying around not being used so my startup cost is minimal compared to the last tank I set up.

For sure! I was referring mainly to SPS. Prices are crazy now especially for the "signature" or "named" SPS pieces!!! :(
 
For sure! I was referring mainly to SPS. Prices are crazy now especially for the "signature" or "named" SPS pieces!!! :(

It's better than collector chalices! ouch :(

With the help of you and the rest of the stickheads in SD I should be ok :)
 
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