Overkill?

[erdrick80]

Hi, I have a shallow 30gal 24X24X12 and already have 2 Kessils A160WE lights (used to have a AI prime 16hd but sold it ), and corals are doing really good. I have about 11LPS,1birdsnest,and RBTA. But, I want to get into more SPS and really thinking about getting the aquatic life 24" Hybrid T5HO 4x24W Fixture

I was wondering if that would be too much light for this tank and end up frying everything since it's not dimmable. The way I have my rockwork most corals are 1-5" below water and lights are 8" above water. About to pull the trigger but, very nervous about it.

 

[polyppal]

Sounds like you have plenty of par with the 2 160s in a 12” deep cube. The T5 hybrids are mostly used to assist with shadowing, which doesn’t look like a problem with your aquascape...

I’d recommend renting a PAR meter from BRS (if your local club doesn’t have one) and checking your numbers first, your prob in the SPS zone already

 

[erdrick80]

Sounds like you have plenty of par with the 2 160s in a 12” deep cube. The T5 hybrids are mostly used to assist with shadowing, which doesn’t look like a problem with your aquascape...

I’d recommend renting a PAR meter from BRS (if your local club doesn’t have one) and checking your numbers first, your prob in the SPS zone already

Thank you for fast reply. Yes, you are right. I should rent one from them.

I did just buy the birdsnest a few days ago to see what happens and so far so good. It's cruel using it as a test project, it's 2" below water and if it needs more light I can crank it up more. Literally right under the 2kessils so it should be no problem. Will keep an eye on light and parameters.

And if anyone has same set up and curious. My light schedule is:

12:00= 5%color- 10%intensity
13:00= 30%- 25%
18:00= 20%- 20%
19:09= 15%- 10%
21:00= 0%- 5%
22:30= 0%- 0%