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36" or 48" T5 over 90gal?

I'm considering replacing my T5 6x54 retro with an ATI fixture. I'm not happy with the canopy, plus this would give me more options with raising and lowering the lights.

I'm leaning towards the ATI Powermodule over the Sunpower.

Question: my tank is 48x18x24h. Should I go with the 36" 6x39 or 48" 6x54? I have mostly SPS and some LPS.

Thanks,
Tom
 

panmanmatt

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I'd go with the 6x54 especially if you plan on doing SPS.


Not really sure why you would consider putting a 36" fixture over a 48" tank.You would lose 6" of light on each end of the tank.
 
Thanks for the replies.

Just based on some comments on RC, some say that 36" is enough even for SPS, and when raised most of the 48" is lit (obviously not as much on the ends). 48" seems like the way to go.
 
100% on the size 48" doing a 36" you would be missing 6 inches of light on both sides . That's a foot of missed light for your corals, too much missed light for me ;)
 
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