Frag Tank Lighting Question

[goldenhurricane2]

I've obtained a 24x24 frag tank that about 8 inches deep. I'm trying to decide on whether an LED would be better or if I should stick with the tried and true growth of T5.

If I do LED, it would be an SB Reef Light as I've had good success with them on my main display tank. If I do T5 - would a 4 or 6 bulb unit be best? Also how high above the water should either be since the tank is so shallow?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Either.
Heith will be a direct correlation to the par you want.
Figure 150 per tube at 12 in roughly in the highest spot.

 

[goldenhurricane2]

Either.
Heith will be a direct correlation to the par you want.
Figure 150 per tube at 12 in roughly in the highest spot.

Yeah - I'd like to keep a mix of corals in there (including SPS) so I didn't want to limit myself on lighting.

 

[jda]

I would make this choice based on if you are going to sell/trade frags, then you can limit yourself a bit by using LED in the frag tank... there is still a good section of the market that has nearly no interest in LED frags and especially LED acropora frags. Nearly everybody is OK with T5 frags. If it is just for you to grow and rear stuff, then I would use the same lights that are on your display for consistency and continuity.

 

[goldenhurricane2]

I would make this choice based on if you are going to sell/trade frags, then you can limit yourself a bit by using LED in the frag tank... there is still a good section of the market that has nearly no interest in LED frags and especially LED acropora frags. Nearly everybody is OK with T5 frags. If it is just for you to grow and rear stuff, then I would use the same lights that are on your display for consistency and continuity.

This is the issue I was considering. I’m not planning on starting a business or anything but I would like to grow some stuff to trade or sell, but also raise for my main display. I know some can definitely be picky about the light source certain corals are grown under.

 

[Denisk]

I tend to say go with whatever your display is using. That way your frags don’t have to adjust to the new lights.

If you do t5. I’d probably do a 6 bulb since it’ll give you a better bulb combo but also a better spread. However just hang it far up or you will potentially bleach your corals at only 8 inch’s of water height.

Best of luck!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I’ve not met anyone who cares about what a coral is gown under.
A few big names would actually go out of buisness.

 

[jda]

I care. You know one.

 

[goldenhurricane2]

I tend to say go with whatever your display is using. That way your frags don’t have to adjust to the new lights.

If you do t5. I’d probably do a 6 bulb since it’ll give you a better bulb combo but also a better spread. However just hang it far up or you will potentially bleach your corals at only 8 inch’s of water height.

Best of luck!

I have T5/LED combo on my main display so I could go either way.

 

[Denisk]

I have T5/LED combo on my main display so I could go either way.

In that case, go with whatever you like.

 

[goldenhurricane2]

I’ve not met anyone who cares about what a coral is gown under.
A few big names would actually go out of buisness.

I thought that too but I’ve noticed several people lately who really care... BUT I have zero plans of opening a business or using this venture as a big time money maker. This is just for fun - to trade, grow, and maybe sell a little. Not trying to start a coral farm by any means.

 

[goldenhurricane2]

In that case, go with whatever you like.

I’m leaning towards just getting another sb reef light like what I have over my main tank because I’m definitely a believer in those bad boys, but I didn’t know if there was a massive benefit to using t5 all the way... sounds like more likely than not, LED will be the best way to go for me.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I care. You know one.

Lol. Very good then.
Aqua SD for you, no Battle corals.