Tank sizing in relation to light fixture dimension

TMN · Mar 28, 2014

Hi everyone, new here and I am anticipating on getting a larger tank.

I just bought the light fixture ATI Dimmable Sunpower 6x39w and I was wondering what are some size recommendations you would have and limitations of when a tank is too big in relation to the fixture size. My current collection includes SPS (Acros), LPS (chalices, torch, frogspawn), and Softies (Zoas/Palys, Mushrooms). The goal is to get a tank that is no deeper than 18 inches and the length and width is where I'm asking for your advice. How big can I go with maximum use of light and not sacrifice growth?

The fixture measures 35 inches long by 13 3/8 inches wide. Thanks for your time.

Tony

Tradewinds · Mar 28, 2014

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

The manufacture specifications state "Common Sizing Guideline: soft coral tanks up to 115 gallons, mixed reef tanks up to 95 gallons and SPS dominated tanks up to 80 gallons."

I am unaware of any aquariums that fit the 115, 95, or 80 gallon description.

If it were me, the maximum tank length would be 36".

JMSKI333 · Mar 28, 2014

Why don't you put it on a 40B? That is the same light that I bought for my 40B frag tank.

jon68951 · Mar 28, 2014

I agree 36 inches would be max. Anything over that the sides won't be lit up as much

SeahorseKeeper · Mar 28, 2014

Moved to current forum: Equipment. This way you can get more input.

TMN · Mar 28, 2014

Thanks for all the responses. I was thinking the same thing for length. My first time with T5's so I just assumed length of 35" fixture determines length of tank, not sure how much light will actually emit from the ends. What is the widest I could go 24 inches? Is that pushing it..

If you don't mind me asking never heard of a 40B tank

JMSKI333?

Thanks SeahorseKeeper, greatly appreciated for the move.

jon68951 · Mar 28, 2014

24 could be pushing it. 18 more likely

stunreefer · Mar 28, 2014

I would run a 6 bulb 36" long T5 fixture over a 48"x24" aquarium footprint without hesitation. In fact most aquariums I install utilize fixtures that are one foot shorter than the length of the tank, sometimes more. There's no reason to light the side panes of your aquarium

Here's my new office aquarium right after being set up last year, aquarium has 48"x18" footprint with a 36" four bulb T5 fixture.

People tend to overlight their tanks... think quality over quantity when it comes to lighting. You have yourself one heck of a T5 fixture in an ATI

lucky7 · Mar 28, 2014

Yes a 36" ati fixture can light a 4 foot tank no problem with sps under the light and less light demanding corals to sides

Tradewinds · Mar 29, 2014

TMN said:
Thanks for all the responses. I was thinking the same thing for length. My first time with T5's so I just assumed length of 35" fixture determines length of tank, not sure how much light will actually emit from the ends. What is the widest I could go 24 inches? Is that pushing it..

If you don't mind me asking never heard of a 40B tank...

40B is a 40 breeder. The tank size is typically 36" length, 18" width, and 16" height

TMN · Mar 29, 2014

stunreefer said:
I would run a 6 bulb 36" long T5 fixture over a 48"x24" aquarium footprint without hesitation. In fact most aquariums I install utilize fixtures that are one foot shorter than the length of the tank, sometimes more. There's no reason to light the side panes of your aquarium

Here's my new office aquarium right after being set up last year, aquarium has 48"x18" footprint with a 36" four bulb T5 fixture.

People tend to overlight their tanks... think quality over quantity when it comes to lighting. You have yourself one heck of a T5 fixture in an ATI

Thanks for the picture reference.

TMN · Mar 29, 2014

stunreefer and lucky 7

I really appreciate your perspectives. It makes sense. I like having a nice sand bed leading up to the scape. As long as the coral is under the light the tank could be larger than the fixture. Thanks. Initially I kept thinking length and width needed to respond directly to size of the fixture, unless it's a frag tank then the dimensions are definitely need to respond more directly to the size of the light.

Oh man this just set me up for a monster of a tank lol Aiming to get no more than a 75 I'm excited to get a tank. I'll be heading up to Boulder CO soon to check out Aqua Imports ( I hear they have a large selection of used equipment).