a question for the t'5 pros

[Emoney]

I currently running a 48" 4 bulb set up in my 48x24x16 frag tank. This is my first experience running a t'5 only system. I ran across a Steal for a 48" 8 bulb fixture almost new. I know the light should produce more par and I could tweak the color spectrum better. I'm achieving decent growth now, but wondering if the benefits of the additional wattage/ additional bulbs would be worth switching long term ?? thoughts?

 

[frankdontsurf]

My tank is tiny in comparison but from my research 4x T5 HO is plenty, 6-8x bulbs though and you should be able to grow anything very well. I would see what works best for you. What are you doing about moon lighting?

 

[Emoney]

my current 4 bulb set up is all ATI bulbs..1 coral plus, 1 figi purple, 2 actinc plus...I also run a all blue 48" reefbrite XHO strip

 

[Mike J.]

My very first thought was that a 4 bulb fixture is not adequate for a 24" wide tank. IMO a 4 bulb fixture is adequate for a 12" tank, like a 55 gallon. But then I don't know what kind of corals you have. With an 8 bulb fixture you'll probably have to raise the height of the light.

I have an 8 bulb fixture on a 120 gallon and I have to place light sensitive corals in the shade or on the bottom. I would definitely go with the 8 bulb if I were you.