Really specific question about lighting...

[Richmond]

I have a 40 gallon shallow frag tank. It's 40x20x8. I currently have an XR30 hung about 24 inches above the tank running at ~70% power.

I'm adding the aquatic life T5 hybrid today, and I have no clue how high to hang it. I want it to be a little lower, but I don't want to burn my corals.

Any advice? I've read that 6-12 inches is ideal for t5, but I can't find any suggestions on something so shallow.

Thanks in advance.

 

[oreo54]

You are going to need some way to measure your output..
W/ t5's and no dimmable ballasts the only way to adjust output is to raise or lower your lights..creating more or less spill outside the tank.

@20" (12+8) you could be adding 100Par at the substrate....
Though this guess is quite fluid..

What size bulbs are you adding?

 

[Richmond]

You are going to need some way to measure your output..
W/ t5's and no dimmable ballasts the only way to adjust output is to raise or lower your lights..creating more or less spill outside the tank.

@20" (12+8) you could be adding 100Par at the substrate....
Though this guess is quite fluid..

What size bulbs are you adding?

36 inch bulbs, I don't really care to increase par so much as just balance the shadowing out, and round out the spectrum a little.

 

[Graffiti Spot]

I don’t think you have to worry about two t5 bulbs burning corals, no matter where you hang them.