Len's 160 gallon build

bif24701 · Nov 18, 2016

Lenny_S said:
The lights are already about 11" above the top of the tank, about 12" above the water... I'm going to let it run with the added T5s the rest of November as-is then see how it does if I lower them an inch.
Funny you mention the net tops... I bought the BRS DIY kits months ago, just haven't gotten to that yet. But for me it was more for the gas exchange and heat management than lighting. The whole tank is acrylic, the PAR reading with and without the acrylic tops is virtually identical.

Acrylic has great photo optic properties and light passes through it virtually in changed. Since your lights are so high at least it will soften the shadows, the AP700 does a good job with that anyway.

I disagree with the last poster saying the T5s will give you the PAR you need for growth. A few T5s mounted so high likely will not make or break coral growth. But it will improve what ever your trying to accomplish. T5s are great, but I'm sure you already have seen the PAR number and know that the AP700 already gives you all the PAR you need.

Keep us updated!

Lenny_S · Nov 18, 2016

@bif24701, the T5s did add a little bit of PAR... but that wasn't why I added them. It was for a little nicer color, which it did, and to see if there would be any better health or growth, too early to tell on that one.
Totally worth trying though since it was about $180 for fixtures, bulbs, and all.

bif24701 · Nov 18, 2016

Lenny_S said:
@bif24701, the T5s did add a little bit of PAR... but that wasn't why I added them. It was for a little nicer color, which it did, and to see if there would be any better health or growth, too early to tell on that one.
Totally worth trying though since it was about $180 for fixtures, bulbs, and all.

I'm sure they did, can't hurt. But that's exactly why I'm adding them. For better feel and color to the tank.

Lenny_S · Nov 23, 2016

Added a couple of Lightning Maroon Clownfish today.

Lenny_S · Dec 13, 2016

Update on the addition of the T5's... I definitely like the color... growth rate seems to be about equal for most of the corals with a couple of exceptions...
Each pic is at the time or right before adding the T5's and the second pic is today:
Caulastria showed explosive growth

PC Rainbow showing a lot more branching

Orange Setosa had noticeably more growth

And Orange Passion has some faster growth, it's noticeable, but not like the others

Everything else is growing fine and has better color (maybe just from the spectrum of the T5 bulbs). But no noticeable increase in growth rate, just the same as before. After a month now I can say I am very happy with the purchase and the additional lighting. I'd recommend getting them to anyone.

Cheers & Happy Holidays!