Is 4 x39W T5 sufficient for SPS??

[Reefzzz]

Hi SPS gurus, need some advise from fellow reefers,

My plan setup as follows:

Tank dimension: 3ft x 1.5ft x 1.5ft

Planned LS: Soft corals & LPS

Planned Lightings: 4x39W T5

I believe the above arrangement should be sufficient for soft coral & LPS. However, if i just want to keep just 1 or 2 frag of SPS and placed them near to the water surface, will this arrangement be sufficient?

Decided not to go for MH cos my undersize Resun 1/10hp chiller may not take the load..

Just cannot resist the temptation of SPS. . However, i will scrap the idea if most of you think that it is not possible...

for any advise or suggestions...

[iantoh]

dear bro Reefzzz,

whether 4 x 39w HO-T5s is sufficient for your system depends on several factors.

1) what T5 light fixture will you be using? a fixture that uses foil reflectors like the solite for example, will not provide as high light intensity or penetrative ability as a T5 fixture that uses individual parabolic reflectors, like the Tek or ATi fixtures.

2) it also depends on your bulb configuration. if youre using 4 x 39w Ati Aquablue Special tubes, i'd say theres sufficient light to keep SPS frags in the top third of your tank, though light is clearly not the only factor to keeping SPS corals healthy.

if you opt for a configuration of say 2 white tubes and 2 blue tubes, whichever brand they may be, Ati, D&D Aquaz, Aqualight, whatever, i think it'd be insufficient due to your tank's 1.5ft height which is rather tall. and though the PAR figures for blue tubes like the ATi blueplus, D&D actinic plus, and Aquaz Blue pro are quite good, i dont think they provide sufficient useful light for photosynthesis because honestly, the likelihood of being able to maintain coral growth just under blue lights is low, so the PAR from blue tubes might not go very far to providing light for photosynthesis, even if they are good enough for coralline growth, and are beautiful and may aid photopigmentation for nicer colours.

3) good flow and surface agitation, coupled with a clean water surface also impacts light penetration, so thats impt.

4) for soft corals and LPS, with the better tubes, you should be covered, though you might wish to opt for a 6 tubes set to save you the need for future upgrades should you wish to keep more sps or light-demanding corals.

well, hope that helps. i ahve a 2.7ft x 1 ft x 1ft SPS tank thats lit by 4 x Ati 39w Aquablue special tubes that youre welcome to come check out for a guage of lighting needs if youre interested.

cheers,

ian

[Reefzzz]

Hey bro Ian,

Thanks for your time & clarity of explaination and it helps alot... really appreciate that..

I will be very interested to view your tank.. . Do let me know when is it convenient for you and i will go over... the thought of that already make me excited...

u can sms me at 9188 3690.. i hope to gather more advice before i committing to buy the neccessary equipments...

cheers &

[cowgum]

dear bro Reefzzz,

whether 4 x 39w HO-T5s is sufficient for your system depends on several factors.

1) what T5 light fixture will you be using? a fixture that uses foil reflectors like the solite for example, will not provide as high light intensity or penetrative ability as a T5 fixture that uses individual parabolic reflectors, like the Tek or ATi fixtures.

eeping SPS corals healthy.

Just want to clear things out.....Solite high output uses german made parabolic reflectors. Its low output uses foil reflectors, together with Jebo, atman dymax. Reflectors and bulbs are indeed the most important factors.

[Reefzzz]

Just want to clear things out.....Solite high output uses german made parabolic reflectors. Its low output uses foil reflectors, together with Jebo, atman dymax. Reflectors and bulbs are indeed the most important factors.

Hi bro cowqum,

Thanks for ur input as well. U guys are real helpful. i am able to make a much better informed choice from you and the rest of the reefers experience

[iantoh]

hi there cowgum,

thanks for clarifying that! i always figured the solites came with single foil reflectors, as those have been the models ive had the chance to view in action.

cheers,

ian

[KennethK]

I using mainly 4 X T5 39w oso. same tank measurement like urs. They do survive but colouring up is limited. U can sms me if u wanna view my tank. Kenneth 98552560. Somewhere near jln kayu my place.

[Reefzzz]

Hey bro kenneth, i am staying near Jalan kayu as well... will sms you tmr... Thanks for the offer...

[KennethK]

Oh can go t95 or prata then!

[piero]

Oh can go t95 or prata then!

T95 looks quite empty these days as compared to how it was 3 year ago.... Or they only have stuff on shipment day?

[KennethK]

They do export more now. Ah pek sell coral as hobby now. Retired liao ma. LOL.

[soulspawn]

where is t95? fish shop isit?

i live near jalan kayu also, but then only seem to have one shop near that area which is AM.

[KennethK]

T95 is in seletar farmway. Go pass nanyang then go further in. The is a sigh written t95.