ATI Sunpower over 16 inch tank

[Flatlandreefer]

I am planning on setting up a 30" x 30" x 16" high tank, I was originally planning on 12" height but i think that is too short. I have been looking at ATI Sunpower 8 x 24 watt T5 fixture. I eventually want to incorporate SPS and clams in this tank. The 8 x 24 configuration would give me 192 watts, will this be enough lighting for a 16 inch tall tank?

[GSMclowns]

The height of your tank isn't a problem. but 8 bulbs sunpower is only 17 inches width, it will not be able to handle 30 inches front to back. You won't be able to grow SPS everywhere in the tank if that is what you are looking for. Because the height in only 16 inches, you can raise the fixture up higher to get more spread but the par will be weaker along the edges of the tank.

[Flatlandreefer]

[QUOTE=GSMclowns;24195422]The height of your tank isn't a problem. but 8 bulbs sunpower is only 17 inches width, it will not be able to handle 30 inches front to back. [/QUOTE

Any suggestions on a fixture that would better handle 30" x 30"?

[mark54321]

24 in. ATI hybrid 8 bulb will easily handle your tank. Just hang it a little higher, you still will have enough PAR for SPS anywhere.

[Flatlandreefer]

I like the ATI hybrid setup but it is pretty expensive. Would the addition of reefbrites add much in terms of light intensity or is it mainly for the led shimmer and look?

[Big E]

Originally Posted by Flatlandreefer

I like the ATI hybrid setup but it is pretty expensive. Would the addition of reefbrites add much in terms of light intensity or is it mainly for the led shimmer and look?

Go with the 8x24 to start.........that's plenty of par. That will easily cover a 24" front to back, which is plenty. You have to realize that's only leaving 3'' on either the front or back for clearance which is very minimal.

You can add Reebrites or other supplements later if you choose. If Sps dominant I'd suggest a supplemental strip that has 400-450 diodes. In other words you want blue, royal blue, and violet.

Ati hybrid won't give you any better coloration and can be problematic with settings, ect. They offer shimmer which can be had in other ways.

The Sunpower is plug and play

[ReefCowboy]

The general rule of thumb for bulbs is one for each 3" of tank depth(front to back). To be honest the rule doesnt really apply to ATI fixtures, since those reflectors spread light MUCH better than any other T5 fixture.

Ive had an 80 gal rimless, 48x24x16" with a 6xbulb T5 fixture, and even hanging it 12" above water level, i couldnt keep chalices or fleshy lps on the sandbed, it would all get cooked with too much light. The SPS loved it though.

[shih87]

Originally Posted by GSMclowns

The height of your tank isn't a problem. but 8 bulbs sunpower is only 17 inches width, it will not be able to handle 30 inches front to back. You won't be able to grow SPS everywhere in the tank if that is what you are looking for. Because the height in only 16 inches, you can raise the fixture up higher to get more spread but the par will be weaker along the edges of the tank.

+1...

I used to think my 54W ATI hybrid 54 cm wide able to cover my 90 cm wide tank, but found even I raise the fixture up, but SPS on two sides were struggle to get enough light. I saw some people use two ATI instead, but I give Kessil AP700 a try now. Now I put one AP700 on each side and tilt about 10 degrees.

[jdraider75]

I agree with BigE. 8x24 Sunpower will be plenty. You can always add led bars.