Looking to upgrade -- need advice

Just trying to research at this point (I want to plan this carefully).

I want to upgrade to 72 x 24 x 17 0r 72 x 24 x 25 something like that.

I want to be able to support LPS/softies/ricordea mostly but may want to try some sps and I definitely want a clam or two.

Would it be wise to consider an ATI powermodule 60" 80 watt t5ho and if so should I consider the 6 , 8 or 10 lamp. I want to be able to support a clam for sure but not bleach all the lps and ricordea.

I know MH will kep the clam but wouldn't it also bleach all lps / softies?

It seems to me that I could play with the bulb configuration in the t5 setup to keep everybody happy -- am I going down the right track?


any suggestions with supporting reasons are definitely appreciated.

 

I have 6 x 48" bulbs over a 125...every other bulb is staggered to cover the full 6'...I use Tek reflectors and ATI Aquablue Special and Blue Plus bulbs...I have a Maxima clam and H. crispa nem on the very bottom that have been there for a long time with very good growth and color...even with only 6 bulbs I have bleaching issues with LPS...I have many LPS that I have had to place under overhangs and ledges to get them to regain their color.

T5's are like everything else...you get what you pay for! With good bulbs and good reflectors you can keep everything you can with MH.

 

thanks!!

Should I consider the 4 bulbs or just plan in having overhangs for the lps?

I really want an lps dominated tank but I also want clams.

 

If you're going with the 80watt 60" bulbs you could probably get away with 4...crocea and maxima clams are rock boring clams so they can be moved higher if necessary...honestly with 6x54watt bulbs I've had lots of issues with LPS bleaching...I currently only run all 6 bulbs together for 4 hours a day...I think a lot of people really underestimate good T5 bulbs with good reflectors.

I think the issue with 4 bulbs might be even coverage...with 6 they do a nice job of covering the tank front to back.

 

T5s are awesome lights, if you really want a clam look into the clams that live in deeper waters. They stilll have awesome colors they just dont require as much light as some. I run 4 48in all blue 54wHO T5s and ive never had a problem with them growing anything including sps corals

 

thanks guys sounds like the 80 watt would be better suited for SPS -- I guess I will look into the 54 watt and deep water clams.

 

The catch with the 54watt is they are only 48" long which is a problem with a 72" tank...I overcame this by using a retro kit and staggering every other bulb inside my canopy...that gives me 6 bulbs over most of the tank and a few inches on either end with only 3 bulbs...the ends of the tank are not noticeably darker, but I keep my highest light animals where there are 6 bulbs.

 

Very true...some of the coolest clams I've seen were Squamosa's which require a bit less light...downside is Squamies get really big...Blue and purple Crocea clams are probably some of the highest light animals you would ever keep.