How many T5's do i need for SPS?

[JazzZero]

So i currently have a 48x18x24H inch tank and i was wondering how much T5s would i need to run SPS coral. Do i need 6 or 8 bulbs at one time to satisfy SPS corals? OR is it better to go with a metal halide?

[nikon187]

6 or 8 should be fine depending on reflectors and balasts... But there is much more to SPS than just the right lighting

[JazzZero]

thx i also have another question will the 6 t5s beeome for SPS if they are placed at the bottom of the Tank (24inches down)

[Stickx911]

I would go with 8 bulbs for that depth, and make sure they have individual reflectors, overdriven maybe...but for that depth, 6 could be pushing it depending on the specific types you want to keep.

[nikon187]

24" would be pushing it, also depends on what species of SPS. Monti caps for example should be fine. I would do 8 if planning SPS top-bottom

[emoore]

I have 6 overdriven bulbs on two Icecaps in a 48 x 18 x24 tank. I am able to keep acros near the bottom.

[bullterrier2]

i have a 125 gallon 72''x18''x22'' . can i put a 48'' t5 ho with 8-54w bulbs ? can it work for sps corals

[JazzZero]

K hmmmm i have no idea what you mean by overdriven bulbs so im just going to make this simpler can a 48 inch 6x54W Sunlight Supply Tek Light High Output Fluorescent Lighting Fixture or 48 inch Current USA 6x54W Nova Extreme Pro T5HO 3-10k/3-460nm Actinics or 3 Hagen Glow T5 HO double lighting 39 watt high output (totalling 6 bulbs) enough for SPS to the bottom?

[James77]

Overdriven means using Icecap ballasts, which run the bulbs at a higher wattage than spec. With good individual reflectors and active cooling, you will do fine on a 24" tank-no real need to overdrive the bulbs.

Both of the fixtures you named are middle of the road. The tek has no cooling, and its reflectors stain very easily- those will both kill output now and overtime. If you want fixtures, I would look into the Sunpower or Powermodule from ATI with high par bulbs(ATI, Giesemann, KZ, etc). Both of those fixture give excellent output. The sunpower is lower priced and should be available in January(at least in US). I have the 8x54 Powermodule on my 120, and plan on keeping SPS throughout-it is a very bright fixture.

Halfway down this linked page is Dudester, he did PAR tests on his Powermodule running on his 30" deep tank. T5's are usually underestimated in their power.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=989789&perpage=25&pagenumber=11

[JazzZero]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13990978#post13990978 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by James77
Overdriven means using Icecap ballasts, which run the bulbs at a higher wattage than spec. With good individual reflectors and active cooling, you will do fine on a 24" tank-no real need to overdrive the bulbs.

Both of the fixtures you named are middle of the road. The tek has no cooling, and its reflectors stain very easily- those will both kill output now and overtime. If you want fixtures, I would look into the Sunpower or Powermodule from ATI with high par bulbs(ATI, Giesemann, KZ, etc). Both of those fixture give excellent output. The sunpower is lower priced and should be available in January(at least in US). I have the 8x54 Powermodule on my 120, and plan on keeping SPS throughout-it is a very bright fixture.

Halfway down this linked page is Dudester, he did PAR tests on his Powermodule running on his 30" deep tank. T5's are usually underestimated in their power.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=989789&perpage=25&pagenumber=11

You mean all 3 fixtures right

[James77]

I am not familiar with the Hagen Glo, but did look it up online. The multiple bulb units do not have single reflectors and they are not cooled.