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View Full Version : 3' T5 on 4' tank?


javajaws
03/12/2011, 12:42 PM
I'm getting a tank that will be 48" long. The tank will be viewable from both front and back, and I won't be placing any rock along the side walls. The overflow will be external along one side wall and won't protrude into the tank at all.

I'm kind of cramped for space above the tank - do you'll think I'll be OK with a 3' T5 instead of 4' (ATI Powermodule 8 bulb)?

The 3' ATI is 34.5 long, the 4' is 46.5. I COULD fit the 4' but it will be a tight squeeze at the ends and I'll have to lift the fixture out at an angle to get it out of the canopy for bulb changes, etc.

The tank will primarily be for SPS...with minimal rock.

javajaws
03/12/2011, 12:52 PM
Here's a scale drawing show both 3' and 4' lights over the tank...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/javajaws/lights.png

reefsurfing
03/12/2011, 01:02 PM
Hey Java,

Nice build; I had a similar situation and went with the 4' ft model and I felt it was overkill even for a SPS Dominated tank. Also ,thought the ATI is famous for directing light straight down, I had to keep my ATI lowered directly ontop of the water and would have preferred to raise it for aesthetics. Either way its ATI and you wont be dissappointed but I myself would get the 3' model.

P.S. The 24 and 36" models have the best par efficiency per foot.

nemosworld
03/12/2011, 01:09 PM
since yo have a canopy, have you thought of diying your lighting?

b16drag
03/12/2011, 01:11 PM
You'll be fine going with a 36" lighting system. You dont need EVERY corner of the tank to have PAR over 400+ LOL :)

Harry_Y
03/12/2011, 01:23 PM
I have a 48" 8 Tube TEK light over over my 72" 180 Gallon tank.

It is nice because on the ends you can put lower light corals