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T5 watts per gallon for sps, lps, softies, etc.?

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philc21

Hi im looking to switch to t5 lighting on my 100 gallon tank. Its a 6 foot tank thats 18 inches tall... im looking at the current nova extreme pro with 12 39w bulbs with individual reflectors. this would give me a total of 4.68 watts per gallon. i know that watts per gallon is not the best measure but its all i know how to go by. Would this be enough to keep sps corals and clams? Ive heard so much varying info about t5's while doing research, i figured it would be best to just ask outright. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Bruce K

I think you should be looking at the HO high output T5's. You could use less bulbs (reflectors, ballasts, end caps) and I believe they penetrate the water better.
 
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philc21

Bruce K said:
I think you should be looking at the HO high output T5's. You could use less bulbs (reflectors, ballasts, end caps) and I believe they penetrate the water better.
Click to expand...
The current T5 is HO at 39w for 36" bulb unless your talking about VHO T5 which is the overdriven bulbs which get 60w out of the 39w bulb? I dont want to go retrofitting anything or spending that kind of money. Im looking for a regular T5 ho setup
 
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JerseyWendy

I think you will be fine with the Nova Extreme, especially since your tank is only 18" deep. I just wouldn't place Croceas or Maximas in the sandbed, but in the rockwork, about half way up. Of course Squamosas and Derasas can be kept in the sandbed. :)

As for LPS and softies, you should be able to keep the more light loving species just about anywhere in your tank.

The SPS I'd keep in upper to mid section.
 
JRWOHLER

JRWOHLER

Given that the tank is not deep you should be fine. VHO bulbs might give you more pop. Wendy gave you some good guidlines. Caps ect could be just about anywhere. I have a Derasa at the bottom of a 24 in tank actually about 20 inches given my sandbed and it is growing wonderfully. I also supplement feedings. I have some SPS up higher and some is better then others. For instance Purple Monster I won is growing nicely which is sort of opposite of expecations. Others are soso. Caps do great I have some mid to uppper level. Check out Wendy's tank thread though, again results may vary ;).
 
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Gecko

I have the 48" 8X54 Nova Extreme and the fixture is awesome. I did replace the HO bulbs after with VHO bulbs. I can keep SPS frags on the sand bed where snails won’t knock them over and the lower I place the SPS corals the better the color. I haven’t tried clams so I can’t speak first hand here. With this said I think it’s a good choice for the money.
 
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zubr74

I will buy ATI bulbs for my new tank and based on what I have seen on other forums my corals and fish will be very happy with it. I will post some pics soon.
 
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