ATI T5 question

Nathan Froehner · Nov 4, 2015

I want to do T5s on my Cadlight 70 gallon artisan. The measurement are 36 L 24 W 20 H. I want mostly LPS wit some Monti's. I am torn between ATI 36 in 6 bulb and 8 bulb. I am looking for a blue look but want some serious coral growth. Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated

jgraz · Nov 4, 2015

If your convinced that you will remain with "mostly LPS with some Monti's" then the 6 bulb will be all you need. If you think you might eventually move towards Acro's then go with the 8 bulb. If it was my decision I would go 8 bulb either way.

Nathan Froehner · Nov 4, 2015

Will that much light burn any corals?

Salty1962 · Nov 4, 2015

I believe you should go with the 8 if the price isn't prohibitive. This will allow you to go to more light hungry corals that we always want to add later.

Nathan Froehner · Nov 4, 2015

I new to the T5 lightimg. So sorry for the silly questions. I'm just wondering if 8 bulbs might burn or bleach some of my LPS? Also concerned about algae growth.

Salty1962 · Nov 4, 2015

Depending what type of LPS your looking at, some like a lot of light and some don't. Be sure to educate yourself about the corals your looking at. Algae is usually when the bulbs start getting older and lose their color frequency. Depending on your photo periods, setup a reminder @ 8-10 months to keep your bulbs up to date and your tank doing it's best.

nova65ss · Nov 4, 2015

6 bulb is plenty on 24 inches front to back. I ran an 8 bulb on my 93 cube it was 30 x 30 I could keep sps anywhere in the tank.

6 bulb and a reefbrite on front for the blue look you want and you are good to go.

Nathan Froehner · Nov 5, 2015

So if I get the 8 bulb I will do two actinic bulbs. Can actinics burn corals

celebrityovernight · Nov 5, 2015

Just curious but anyone recommending the 8 bulb for this tank; which t5 light fixture did you guys have? I used a sunpower 6 bulb on my 48x30x18h tank and I got great coloration and growth pretty much anywhere in the tank. I believe 8 bulbs would be overkill on this tank unless u get a dimmable 8 bulb.

ECreefer · Nov 5, 2015

I have a 6 bulb on a standard 120 4x2x2 and I have a 50/50 of blue plus and coral plus. Covers the entire tank no problem and insane PAR. If you like the super blue look, I'd probably go 4 blue plus and 2 actinic or something. I just don't like having everything washed out with blue.