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paulbeau
04/19/2006, 01:03 PM
Hi i have 4 x 24w t5 high output lamps, 2 blue actinic and 2 marine white. I am concerned that this will not be high enough for soft corals in 22g tank size L=30in H=16in D=15in.
Any advice on if this is suitable or if i need higher watts or reflectors?
Thanks paulbeau

ttomkat1
04/19/2006, 01:22 PM
Don't know much about the T5 lights, but in general the rule of thumb is 4-5watts per gallon.

You fall in that range.

As far as keeping softies, they can thrive with the lower light levels compared to hard corals.

You can keep leathers, zooanthids, xenia, mushrooms etc.

Hopefuly someone will post more useful info for ya.

--ttomkat1

TitansFan
04/19/2006, 04:06 PM
T5's puts out quite abit of par. I have seen SPS tanks using only t5 lighting. I think you are fine. I would look into individual reflectors for each bulb like icecap's SLR reflectors. Unlike VHO bulbs t5 do not have "built in" reflectors. Here is a link to the reflectors. They are at the bottom:

http://www.icecapinc.com/lamp.htm

BTW you can't really use the old rule of thumb of wattage per gallon with these bulbs. As the par put out as compared to like wattage in PC bulbs is much greater.

paulbeau
04/20/2006, 01:25 AM
Thanks for your help! Will look into reflectors for each bulb!

kau_cinta_ku
04/20/2006, 04:24 AM
you have plenty of lighting for softies. and if you get the individual reflectors you will be good for LPS also