T5 Lighting

[jbittner]

I currently run a 2x54wt T5ho with 2x65wt Pc setup. Do you think this is enough light for SPS about 3-4 inches form the surface? I have a 55 Gal softie tank.

Thanks

[ChemE]

If you are using high quality SLR reflectors such as IceCaps then yes. If not I'd say its iffy.

[jbittner]

I use individual gull shaped reflectors. Shaped like Icecap but I don't belive they are icecap.

[ChemE]

Sunlight Supply is the retailer that refers to their products as gull shaped, so it bet they are SS. Those are high quality and I'd say you'll have no problem with SPS in the top of your tank. Right now in my 55 I've got (2) 55 watt 10,000K PCs with high quality reflectors and a pink birds nest is growing very well.

It seems to me based on what I've read (pretty extensive) and my own experience (admittedly limited) that the majority of reefkeepers indulge in overkill. In your case, you could always add more light later if you feel it isn't enough. Better to buy too little initally than too much.

[jbittner]

Thanks. Do you think I should upgrade to all T5 Lighting. I could fit a total of 4 in my canopy. 54x4 total

[ChemE]

To be honest I think 216 watts of SLR T5 over a 55 is too much for SPS much less softies. I can tell you that my plan is to change out my 2 55 watt PC's to 3 54 watt T5's. I'm planning on 2 11,000K superblues and 1 GE 6500K daylight. The daylight will run for 4 hours in the middle of a 12 hour photoperiod. That will keep my energy consumption down while allowing everything in the tank to photo inhibit.

[dvanacker]

4 bulbs T5 setup with SLR reflectors is good for a LPS/SPS/Clam tank in a 55. I have the exact setup....LPS down low.

Definately not too much for SPS...but too much for some mushrooms/softies.

(March TOTM) tank is 110g and is 24" wide. So doulbe a 55g and he uses 8 T5's...double the T5's. Makes sense to me!@!

[ChemE]

Have you played with photoperiod or are you firing all 4 bulbs for 12ish hours a day?

Also, good results with 4 bulbs only means that 4 is enough. It doesn't offer any data as to whether 4 bulbs is more than enough or just enough. I'll be finding out soon enough but I've already gotten good results from 2 PC bulbs over a 55.

[Ti]

your set up is fine, but it can b better

[jbittner]

I read that softies are more tolerant to high light than most LPS. Is this true.