c2l2parker
Community Member
My current show tank is 6'x 2' x 2', 180 gallons. For 4 years, my primary lighting has been 4 bulb T5's that run the length of the tank. I have a variety of corals, fish, and inverts. Some corals do well (martian eye chalice, red monti, various zoas/shrooms/polyps grow like crazy), while others survive with minimal growth (Christmas favia, bubble coral, acans, scroll coral, etc.). I am considering moving to Led's, but not because of coral growth. I don't like having to change out T5 bulbs every year, and it seems like the Leds would be more energy efficient.
My challenge is that I have a canopy. For various reasons, I must have the canopy. However, that means the lights sit about 7 " off the water at best (9" canopy). I have seen Leds under canopies, but the canopies were taller. Can you get enough spread from decent Leds with only 7"? Would more units solve the spread issue? I am aware of ventilation issues under a canopy and would solve that with a couple of holes for the fans. If you think Leds would work, what model do you think would work in this situation?
My challenge is that I have a canopy. For various reasons, I must have the canopy. However, that means the lights sit about 7 " off the water at best (9" canopy). I have seen Leds under canopies, but the canopies were taller. Can you get enough spread from decent Leds with only 7"? Would more units solve the spread issue? I am aware of ventilation issues under a canopy and would solve that with a couple of holes for the fans. If you think Leds would work, what model do you think would work in this situation?
