So I currently have a Chinese black box over my 30 gal (36x16x12). I've been very unhappy with my results, all parameters are in line but nothing is growing. I've decided to give T5's a try since I know they work and I can at least remove lighting as a variable for poor performance. I've got mostly LPS with a few lower light SPS in the tank and I've kept those in the middle. My question is how many bulbs should I use and what length and what color combinations? I personally prefer something a little whiter than windex but at this point I just want things to grow :mad: so I won't be picky. Your help is much appreciated!
Moving to T5's Need Advice
- Thread starter Hal 9000
- Start date
- Tagged users None
ScoobyFish
Active Member
6 bulb fixture 39watt, I'd recommend a mix of the new euroquatics e5 with some ati mixed in.
2 euroquatic blue pop, 1 aquablue special, 1 coral plus 1 blue plus and 1 true actinic should cover you.
2 euroquatic blue pop, 1 aquablue special, 1 coral plus 1 blue plus and 1 true actinic should cover you.
thats a lot of light. And par, new par. remember to acclimate. not sure of height and intensity on your led, but a strait switch to those t5 could he a HUGE increase in par. Plus the new spectrum's being introduced to the corals..
Great color choices there on the t5, btw.
if you cant pop for the e5, a 10k + 14k (less blue )or 14k + another blue plus(more blue), t5 might be cool.
lux light meter to help acclimation. $15 on amazon.
tests intensity. I can pretty much tell you what your par is at the top of the tank right now is, if you had one.
test intensity then decrease it 30%
Great color choices there on the t5, btw.
if you cant pop for the e5, a 10k + 14k (less blue )or 14k + another blue plus(more blue), t5 might be cool.
lux light meter to help acclimation. $15 on amazon.
tests intensity. I can pretty much tell you what your par is at the top of the tank right now is, if you had one.
test intensity then decrease it 30%
Rpujol85
Active Member
Are you SURE all your param's are in check?
The black boxes may not put off the prettiest light/spectrum, but they will definitely grow coral.
To answer your question, a 6-bulb 39w would grow anything in that sized tank. There are two really good videos from Tidal Gardens on youtube that shows various color combinations and what they look like on different corals. Here's the first one
The black boxes may not put off the prettiest light/spectrum, but they will definitely grow coral.
To answer your question, a 6-bulb 39w would grow anything in that sized tank. There are two really good videos from Tidal Gardens on youtube that shows various color combinations and what they look like on different corals. Here's the first one
Not sure your settings or animals, but food for thought.
Galaxy hydro BB settings and Par
PAR reading were taken with all powerheads/return pump off with Apogee mq-200 meter. Lights 8" above water.
[Blue/white @100%][under waterline 1100 par][5"845 par][10"565 par][15"370 par][20"195 par][25"140 par][Blue/white@50/50][under waterline 480[5"330][10"240][15"145][20"90][25"35][Blue/white@60/40][under waterline 465][5"290][10"220][15"155][20"100][25"62]
My observation fwiw , mediocre spectrum, but higher intensity.
Galaxy hydro BB settings and Par
PAR reading were taken with all powerheads/return pump off with Apogee mq-200 meter. Lights 8" above water.
[Blue/white @100%][under waterline 1100 par][5"845 par][10"565 par][15"370 par][20"195 par][25"140 par][Blue/white@50/50][under waterline 480[5"330][10"240][15"145][20"90][25"35][Blue/white@60/40][under waterline 465][5"290][10"220][15"155][20"100][25"62]
My observation fwiw , mediocre spectrum, but higher intensity.
SunnyX
ReefSite.com
Excellence Award
Reef Of The Month
Photo of the Month
Reef Master
My Tank Thread
My Aquarium Showcase
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2009
- Messages
- 1,390
- Reaction score
- 3,038
- Location
- Michigan
- What state or country do you live in
- Michigan
Four bulbs would be more than enough for your setup. A combo of 1x ATI Coral+, 1x ATI Aquablue Special and 2x ATI Blue+ would look great. You'll have no issues growing anything under this combo.
twilliard
Tank pests..
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2015
- Messages
- 10,333
- Reaction score
- 9,516
- Location
- Central Washington
- What state or country do you live in
- Washington
No3 and po4 being 0 at an alk of 9 may not be the greatest combo.
