2 Bulb T5 & SPS

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Camkha1234, Jun 21, 2012.

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  1. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

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    I've been looking online and was thinking about getting a Montipora Capricornis or Digitata, seeing as they are't as light demanding as other SPS corals. I own a 2 Bulb Fishneedit T5 fixture. I'd be able to keep the coral about half way up the tank, is that okay?
     
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  3. zackscott20

    zackscott20 Fire Shrimp

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    how tall is the tank? even then i don't think it would be enough. Maybe with ATI bulbs, but it'd be hard to tell even then.
     
  4. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

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    It's 18 inches tall, and I was planning to upgrade the bulbs to ATI's.
     
  5. Ford101

    Ford101 Fire Shrimp

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    ATI bulbs are awesome, but even then I personally do not think it would be too happy. I would say 4 T5s to be safe. I have a 20 gal mixed reef with a 4 bulb fixture, 98w total. Even then i have to keep most of my sps at least mid level or else they start looking sad ( color loss, no PE).
     
  6. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

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    Now I'm really wishing that I should've waited to buy the 4 Bulb, but I had foolishly bought some corals before that and rushed to get a fixture to keep them alive. So no SPS's can survive in my tank, right?
     
  7. Ford101

    Ford101 Fire Shrimp

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    are all your parameters in check for sps and stable? if so they might be okay for a week or so at most under that lighting. your best bet would be to take any sps to a baby sitter for awhile until you get all your equipment in check. if that is not an option then i would put the sps as close to the light as possible (a few inches) and get a stronger one asap. during that time just keep your water stable and you will probably be okay.
     
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  9. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

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    I'm not planning on upgrading any time soon, so I guess SPS's are a "no".
     
  10. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    I'd be willing to bet those responding have never tried it... Many montis really don't need much light at all. "SPS" is a lousy term. I would bet that you will be fine, although they may not have the best color though.
     
  11. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Don't know what's up with your system, but here's a 75g SPS-dominant tank with only a 4-bulb T5HO fixture hanging several inches above the tank.

    http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-of...c-update-6-16-12-a-81680-137.html#post1360571

    2xT5HO with good reflectors and bulbs will be plenty for a 29g.
     
  12. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

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    So do you think that a monti would be alright? I've seen online that they like lower light, so that's why I asking you guys to make sure.