Can I keep SPS in 24watt T5 only?

[7thheaven]

If I divide my tank in 2section, and one side lighting is T5only,

Can I keep SPS using 4 T5? or 6 is enough?

[Aged Salt]

Hi Vince, that probably will not be enough lumens for SPS coloration. As a reference, Iwan uses nothing less than 54W T5's, with a recent upgrade to 80 W T5's. I believe he uses 8 of these for his 211g reef which has a 24" height, with the general recommendations of 1 bulb/4" height, 90% of the tank area covered. HTH, Bob

[7thheaven]

Thanks BOB..

My tank height is about 20inches... you mean 6 T5 is also not enough?

I will divide my tank 2 section. one is T5 only and the other is 250MH...

[Aged Salt]

Vince, for your height, 5-T5's covering 1/2 your reef length would be appropriate. I'm assuming the different wattage T5's also come in various lengths??? Bob

[Miguelito]

From my experience and what I've read - it will be enough. Isn't danano a neighbor of yours? ;-) I am putting all my SPS under an Icecap 4x24W way overdriven by an Icecap 660. It'll be in a 24x20x22 cube for a couple months.

Check out his TOTM article for some useful info -

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.php

[7thheaven]

Thanks Bob and Miguelito...

I am looking to this


sunlight 24inch 6bulb...

[7thheaven]

There are so many bulb in reefgeek.com
General Electric 24W 6500K Daylight T5 HO Fluorescent $11.95

Giesemann 24W 6000K Midday Sun T5 HO Fluorescent $16.95
Giesemann 24W 11000K Aquablue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent $18.95
Giesemann 24W Actinic/Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent $19.95
Giesemann 24W Pure Actinic 03 T5 HO Fluorescent $22.95

I can guess actinic blue plus and pure actinic 03 but I am not sure 6000K and 11000K..
maybe 6000K is a little yellow....

what is 6000k and 11000k?

[Horace]

Actually the shorter bulbs burn even brighter than the longer ones when driven with an icecap 660. Be forwarned that the bulb life will be shortened quite a bit though I am sure. For the areas under those T5s it will be bright as hell actually, probably even brighter than most 250w halides. I know 54w overdriven run ~80w. The shorter ones will be proportionally overdriven even more. It is also my understanding that all lengths of normally driven T5 are the same in brightness. So in theory if you plan on overdriving them, the 24w will be a hell of alot brighter than the 80w overdriven. So becareful :P that is going to be hella bright!

[Miguelito]

Yeah I've seen all the threads on the 660/T5 in the IC forum. I think its gonna be super-bright so I'm going with mosly bluer bulbs. Icecap and Reefgeek have been very nice in helping me with my selection.

[7thheaven]

I changed my mind from 24inch to 36inch 6 bulb pendant...

How about photoperiod and the gap between water space and pendant When I keep

SPS?

More 10 hours are necessary?

[Aged Salt]

Hi Vince, most reefers using T5's I see hang their lights about 5-7" above the water surface, operating between 9-12 hrs. HTH Bob

[7thheaven]

Thanks Bob...

The reason the photoperiod of T5 lighing is a littel longer is the PAR is not high?

or any other reason?

[Miguelito]

I just got my Icecap 4x24W 660 Retro, and I will guarantee you can keep SPS under them. They are blinding, it gives over 24x24 even spread. Problem is getting a 660 wired to a pendant. If you can do a retro, its easy.

Icecap is pondering making T5 pendants with their 660. I've used T5 for a long time in different set-ups, and with the Sunlight Supply reflectors and regular ballasts they could keep SPS but possibily not optimally. But the 660 with the mirrored Icecap reflectors puts T5 into a whole new category.

[jwaltman21]

... the general recommendations of 1 bulb/4" height, 90% of the tank area covered. HTH, Bob

Bob:

I don't quite follow your formula in tank area coverage since later you suggest:

Vince, for your height, 5-T5's covering 1/2 your reef length would be appropriate.

Could you please elaborate or make a specific recomendation for a tank height of 22" (other dimensions are w 48" and d 24").

As always, thanks in advance. :icon_mrgr

- Jamie

[Aged Salt]

Hi Jamie, Iwan's recommendations are as above, one bulb every every 4" in tank ht.--I believe Vince's tank is 20" in ht. & he only wishes to use the T5's only on one side. Therefore 5-bulbs. Does this make sense? Remember, I have not had my morning coffee yet Bob