Could I keep sps

[Patriot54]

Could I keep any sps under this light and if so what kind? It is a 30" 48 watt T5HO
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+16770&pcatid=16770

[NanoReefWanabe]

depends on the tank dimensions...but generally i would say no for most standard tanks...a 4 bulb would be much better and would allow you to grow out anything...clams SPS softies LPS....

you might be okay with some montipora though...none of my green monties seem to like a lot of light...and do much better at the bottom of my tank...same goes for some of my orange ones...

[divewsharks]

you would want a minimum of this one depending on your tank dimensions.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+18700&pcatid=18700

[TheBoogieMan]

I think you need halides to do it right but thats just my input halides have worked very well for me

[divewsharks]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14734512#post14734512 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TheBoogieMan
I think you need halides to do it right but thats just my input halides have worked very well for me

you don't need halides to keep SPS, they can easily thrive given the proper environment and that can include a quality T5 fixture.

[scaryperson27]

if they are right under the light, then yes.

[divewsharks]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14735723#post14735723 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
if they are right under the light, then yes.

with the right setup they can be anywhere in the tank.

[jpo8884]

I have the same question. Can I keep SPS? I have a ******* F135 Flat-back Hex. 60"L x 30"H x 18"W. Currently installed 4ea 48" T5's (2 actinic, 2 18K). Any help or suggestions is appreciated!

[scaryperson27]

My post was pertaining to the four bulb unit.

[divewsharks]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14738259#post14738259 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jpo8884
I have the same question. Can I keep SPS? I have a ******* F135 Flat-back Hex. 60"L x 30"H x 18"W. Currently installed 4ea 48" T5's (2 actinic, 2 18K). Any help or suggestions is appreciated!

If your tank is 30" high, then you would need high quality reflectors overdrive the bulbs with IC660 ballasts to keep SPS down below around 20". Also with 18" front/back you would likely want 6 bulbs for better coverage.
You would also want to run something like ATI Blue+'s as while they provide some actinic phoshors they have much higher PAR.

Hth

[jpo8884]

I want to add more bulbs, but a flat-back hex is only 18" at its widest. As you near the front of the tank, it is no longer 60" long. I'd have to go shorter. I do appreciate the info. I haven't seen ACTI Blue+'s yet or know what they do. How much do the IC's usually cost?

[divewsharks]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14739749#post14739749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jpo8884
I want to add more bulbs, but a flat-back hex is only 18" at its widest. As you near the front of the tank, it is no longer 60" long. I'd have to go shorter. I do appreciate the info. I haven't seen ACTI Blue+'s yet or know what they do. How much do the IC's usually cost?

you could mix different length bulbs to get more coverage, just because you currently run a 48" kit doesn't mean you couldn't also add some shorter ones as well.
Don't remember the cost of IC660 off top of my head, but you can goto reefgeek.com and they have all that stuff.
ATI Blue+'s are really nice, they are a very blue bulb but are really high output, probably only second in PAR to the ATI AquaBlues (which are a white bulb), which also have some actinic properties to them.

[jpo8884]

All of my lights are retrofit T-5's. I converted from PC's. If I could squeeze in 6 bulbs, how many Blue+'s would I need? What else should I pair them with? I also saw on reefgeek that the Blue+'s are 45.8". Is that going to affect anything?

[divewsharks]

If you like the blue look to your tank, you could add one more blue+ and an ATI Aquablue Special.
the bulbs are for a 48" setup, all the lights are actually a little shorter, the endcaps and such, make up the the difference to 48".