T5 Users, need some advice

[Seek&Reef]

I am currently running a 60” 6bulb Sunpower with (4) blue+, (1) coral+, & (1) actinic over my 5’x2’x2’ 150 gallon. I just ordered a ton of lps from TSA’s 10 year anniversary sale. I am wondering if this light will be too much for some of these corals. Obviously putting them in the middle to lower portions of the scape. I have looked at brs t5 lighting video and saw par numbers. I’ve also heard t5 isn’t nearly as harsh as LED. Can anyone help me with their first hand experience?

 

[Jekyl]

Not first hand but from everything I've read T5 are much gentler. Instead of focus lighting like LED provide the lighting is diffused and spread out.

 

[dedragon]

you will be fine to put any LPS on the bottom or lower half easily. I just switched to led after many years of t5s but went with the Orpheks for a similar look and blanket coverage.

How high are the lights above the water? How deep is the tank?

 

[Seek&Reef]

you will be fine to put any LPS on the bottom or lower half easily. I just switched to led after many years of t5s but went with the Orpheks for a similar look and blanket coverage.

How high are the lights above the water? How deep is the tank?

I believe the fixture is roughly 10" above the water and the tank is 24" deep. I also use the hanging cables that came with the Sunpower so raising and lowering is simple.

 

[c_johns89]

I have roughly the same set up as you (same bulb config and height above the tank) and all of my lps (hammers, duncan, torch, chalices, candy canes, etc...) are doing great in the lower half of the tank. Only difference is my tank is a few inches shallower than yours .

 

[Bpb]

I would be completely comfortable with your setup and the lps coming in. Just start them low. It’ll be fine

 

[nereefpat]

What kind of LPS?

I agree they should be fine, within reason. Like don't put Cyphastrea way up top. Branching hammers seem to be able to take as much light as you can give them.

 

[Potatohead]

It depend on what LPS, but Euphyllia will be no problem.

 

[Seek&Reef]

I have roughly the same set up as you (same bulb config and height above the tank) and all of my lps (hammers, duncan, torch, chalices, candy canes, etc...) are doing great in the lower half of the tank. Only difference is my tank is a few inches shallower than yours .

Can you send me a picture of your tank so I can look at your coral placement?

 

[Seek&Reef]

What kind of LPS?

I agree they should be fine, within reason. Like don't put Cyphastrea way up top. Branching hammers seem to be able to take as much light as you can give them.

Cyphastrea, hammer, torch, chalice, candy cane, Duncan, and 3 mystery lps

 

[nereefpat]

You could likely just mount the hammer and torch.

I would put Cyphastrea low or in the shade.

Hollywood stunner chalice can take high light, but some other chalices are lower light. "Chalice" is kind of a catch-all term.

Candycane and duncan should be fine at medium height.

 

[c_johns89]

Can you send me a picture of your tank so I can look at your coral placement?

Sure thing! I can send you a picture after I get home later.

 

[Seek&Reef]

Sure thing! I can send you a picture after I get home later.

You're awesome, thank you!

 

[c_johns89]

You're awesome, thank you!

Sorry about all the blue. I have two Hollywood stunner chalices in there that grow like weeds.

 

[Seek&Reef]

Sorry about all the blue. I have two Hollywood stunner chalices in there that grow like weeds.

Thank you sir!