At work...Short on time

Hi, not a real emergency but, time sensitive. Is 216W total 4bulb T5HO lighting system enough for a 72G BF tank? I am looking to purchase a lighting system and want to know. I want to keep mostly soft corals. So do you guys think it will suffice (the 54W bulbs)? Thanks.

 

I think that would be plenty for softies and most lps.

 

Yes, should be plenty

 

How long is the tank - 54 watt tubes are fine in tanks of 4ft long IME

If the tank is longer than 4ft you either have staggered tubes which gives areas of less intense light or you get dark areas at the end if the tubes are all in alignment but dont cover almost all the surface

but 4 x 54 watt lamps would be perfect IMO for a 4ft tank with mostly softies as you describe
some SPS would also be Ok in the top 3rd of the tank IMO

Steve

 

Thank you all for your timely advice!!!!
Yes 4Ft tank. Again, many thanks to all.

 

Definitely plenty, you will be able to keep SPS if you wish.

 

+1 to all the above you will be fine keeping any corals with sps near the top.

 

IME depending on the quality of the reflectors, branching in top half and possibly a little lower, plating and encrusting possibly to lower middle. Maybe lower on these if the tank is relatively shallow. 24" to 30" definitely want higher positions.