T5's for a 12" high tank (33L)?

axia55 · 12/06/2007, 04:23 PM

I just picked up a 33L at the LFS today. I want to use this as my next reef, which will be have mainly LPS with some clams and SPS. I was thinking about doing 2x150w HQI Sunpods that I have laying around but i decided that i would like to try T5's to save a little in electricity.

The two options I am considering are these:

ATI PowerModule 2x54w

SLS Tek 4x54w

I have heard great things about the ATI but 2 bulbs doesn't quite seem like enough. On the other hand, the Tek's 4 bulbs seems like it would probably melt the LPS.

What is my best option?

sugarbaker · 12/06/2007, 05:03 PM

I think that you would find 2x54 watts will be enough, or even too much depending on how close to the tank you have them. I keep SPS under 4x54 watt bulbs in a 75 gallon (22" deep) and have no trouble with the corals even down at the sand bed.

and now that I see your intent to keep a mixed reef of LPS, SPS and Clams, I would suggest going with MH lighting so you could have an area of lower light intensity for some of your LPS and a bulb of higher wattage for your clams and SPS...

The sunpods might be the way to go.

axia55 · 12/06/2007, 05:06 PM

If I go with the ATI system, which two bulbs should I use that would best approximate a Phoenix 14k HQI?

MikeD · 12/15/2007, 01:32 PM

How about 6x36" 39watt? then you'd have space on the sides for lower light and your middle would be blasted!

12/06/2007, 04:23 PM	#1
axia55 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: North Canton, OH Posts: 993	T5's for a 12" high tank (33L)? I just picked up a 33L at the LFS today. I want to use this as my next reef, which will be have mainly LPS with some clams and SPS. I was thinking about doing 2x150w HQI Sunpods that I have laying around but i decided that i would like to try T5's to save a little in electricity. The two options I am considering are these: ATI PowerModule 2x54w SLS Tek 4x54w I have heard great things about the ATI but 2 bulbs doesn't quite seem like enough. On the other hand, the Tek's 4 bulbs seems like it would probably melt the LPS. What is my best option?

12/15/2007, 01:32 PM	#4
MikeD Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 1,364	How about 6x36" 39watt? then you'd have space on the sides for lower light and your middle would be blasted! __________________ Always working on 'my baby' - There 'was' a little red house icon for the build but now it's gone... :( Current Tank Info: Previous: Elos System 160

12/06/2007, 05:03 PM	#2
sugarbaker Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 133	I think that you would find 2x54 watts will be enough, or even too much depending on how close to the tank you have them. I keep SPS under 4x54 watt bulbs in a 75 gallon (22" deep) and have no trouble with the corals even down at the sand bed. and now that I see your intent to keep a mixed reef of LPS, SPS and Clams, I would suggest going with MH lighting so you could have an area of lower light intensity for some of your LPS and a bulb of higher wattage for your clams and SPS... The sunpods might be the way to go.

12/06/2007, 05:06 PM	#3
axia55 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: North Canton, OH Posts: 993	If I go with the ATI system, which two bulbs should I use that would best approximate a Phoenix 14k HQI?