T5 hybrid light question

Calireefer92 · Oct 11, 2020

Hey reefers just got a 61” hybrid t5 for my tank 60x30x25 how high should I hang the t5 over the tank

billwill · Oct 11, 2020

Are you running it stock? I’d recommend buying the 24 inch side pieces to make it deeper front back. And then probably 12 inches up off the top. But if you’re running in stock at 18 inches, it’s gonna need to be probably 16 inches up or so from water. Are you running other lights in it?

Calireefer92 · Oct 11, 2020

billwill said:
Are you running it stock? I’d recommend buying the 24 inch side pieces to make it deeper front back. And then probably 12 inches up off the top. But if you’re running in stock at 18 inches, it’s gonna need to be probably 16 inches up or so from water. Are you running other lights in it?

2 hydra 26

billwill · Oct 11, 2020

That’s not a lot of light for that size tank. Should be good for softies and some lps though, as well as fish. I’d recommend a third hydra 26 if you want sps. Highly recommend renting par meter from BRS Or see if your local club has one to borrow.

Calireefer92 · Oct 11, 2020

billwill said:
That’s not a lot of light for that size tank. Should be good for softies and some lps though, as well as fish. I’d recommend a third hydra 26 if you want sps. Highly recommend renting par meter from BRS Or see if your local club has one to borrow.

I’m just doing softies/lps most lps dominate

Billldg · Oct 11, 2020

I will try to not step on @billwill toes, as the points he made are valid and spot on. I will add to that though. Before you spread the fixture from the stock 18 in to 24, what does you rock structure look like and what do you plan on keeping as far as corals?

Billldg · Oct 11, 2020

My new tank upgrade is 72x30x24, so same depth tank. I will go with a hybrid for a 2nd time. My tank will be SPS dominant, so I will go with 5 XR15 G5 Blues. I am not so worried about spread right now as the fixture can be moved front to back to combat the rock structure. I also would recommend a 3rd LED fixture for better coverage.

Calireefer92 · Oct 11, 2020

Billldg said:
My new tank upgrade is 72x30x24, so same depth tank. I will go with a hybrid for a 2nd time. My tank will be SPS dominant, so I will go with 5 XR15 G5 Blues. I am not so worried about spread right now as the fixture can be moved front to back to combat the rock structure. I also would recommend a 3rd LED fixture for better coverage.

I’m gonna go with hammers and torches and frogspan for corals

Billldg · Oct 11, 2020

Calireefer92 said:
I’m gonna go with hammers and torches and frogspan for corals

I currently have a hybrid with 2 XR15 G4 pros on my 120 gal 4ft tank. On a 5ft tank you will have a gap in the middle, so a 3rd fixture will help out greatly.

Calireefer92 · Oct 11, 2020

Billldg said:
I currently have a hybrid with 2 XR15 G4 pros on my 120 gal 4ft tank. On a 5ft tank you will have a gap in the middle, so a 3rd fixture will help out greatly.

I can always add that later. I just don’t want to put the light to low. I was gonna do 12 inch above the tank I just don’t know if that’s to high or to low

Billldg · Oct 11, 2020

Calireefer92 said:
I can always add that later. I just don’t want to put the light to low. I was gonna do 12 inch above the tank I just don’t know if that’s to high or to low

I agree, the 3rd light can be added later. I would definitely recommend renting a Par meter to help with this.