Lighting for a 100 gallon 48''x24''x20''

dtum · 11/25/2012, 08:40 AM

Help me choose a T5 lighting for my aquarium. 100 gallons at 48''x24''x20''.

I plan to run a mixed reef. Had fair success with LPS but not much with SPS so far.

Originally I was thinking of picking an 8 bulb 48'' ATI Sunpower Dimmable, but some say that it may be too much light for softies. While I could always dimm it, I plan to be using this feature mostly for sunrise/sunset simulation.

Two other options are: a 36'' 8 bulb fixture (my rock work is primarily in the centre, so it would light the corals and limit algae growth) or a 48'' 6 bulb fixture (this will limit my bulb choice though).

Currently I am running my tank (1 month old) using a 48'' TEK T5 with a collection of fairly old 8 bulbs. The only thing that bugs me about it is the light spillage from both sides - if I view the tank side while sitting on the couch I can see the bulbs.

Phew, that's my conundrum.

Michigan Mike · 11/25/2012, 08:46 AM

6 bulb sunpower for mixed reef up to 120g (130g according to reefgeek)
Should be just fine.

8 bulb ATI isn't as wide as 8 bulb TEK, you could try a 8x39w ATI Sunpower (mixed reef up to 125g) for great results and no light spillage.

I use a 4x24w sunpower over my 29g (30x12.5x18) no light spillage, looks better having a smaller light over the tank anyway.

jerpa · 11/25/2012, 09:07 AM

I think the 8 bulb fixture would be overkill for a 20" deep tank if you arent focusing on SPS. A 6 bulb would still allow you to keep many higher light creatures. I wouldnt worry about having too much light. How much light the coral needs and what it can tolerate are very different. Some soft corals can tolerate more light than many SPS. Acclimation will be needed for lower light creatures but our corals are a bit more adaptable than we give them credit for. Given your concerns over light spillage I would get a 6 bulb 48" fixture. You will still have plenty of light.

dtum · 11/25/2012, 10:03 AM

Thank you for your replies, here is my aquarium just to give you an idea of what I have:

As you can see, I've got a number of LPS and plan to have even more, but definitely want to have a nice SPS collection as well.
This photo was taken with an 8-bulb TEK.

TylerHaworth · 11/25/2012, 10:34 AM

I'd go 6x39 Sunpower IF I were to upgrade, however in my opinion I think it would be a waste of money.

Honestly though, it looks like your system is still VERY new and thus not fully mature... The 8 lamp Tek fixture should provide PLENTY of light for anything you throw at it in a 20" deep tank.

Get some new bulbs and leave it alone is the best advice I can give you, the fixture is not your problem... Put the money towards something else that actually needs an upgrade (controller, skimmer, dosing, etc)

11/25/2012, 08:40 AM	#1
dtum Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 861	Lighting for a 100 gallon 48''x24''x20'' Help me choose a T5 lighting for my aquarium. 100 gallons at 48''x24''x20''. I plan to run a mixed reef. Had fair success with LPS but not much with SPS so far. Originally I was thinking of picking an 8 bulb 48'' ATI Sunpower Dimmable, but some say that it may be too much light for softies. While I could always dimm it, I plan to be using this feature mostly for sunrise/sunset simulation. Two other options are: a 36'' 8 bulb fixture (my rock work is primarily in the centre, so it would light the corals and limit algae growth) or a 48'' 6 bulb fixture (this will limit my bulb choice though). Currently I am running my tank (1 month old) using a 48'' TEK T5 with a collection of fairly old 8 bulbs. The only thing that bugs me about it is the light spillage from both sides - if I view the tank side while sitting on the couch I can see the bulbs. Phew, that's my conundrum.

11/25/2012, 08:46 AM	#2
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	6 bulb sunpower for mixed reef up to 120g (130g according to reefgeek) Should be just fine. 8 bulb ATI isn't as wide as 8 bulb TEK, you could try a 8x39w ATI Sunpower (mixed reef up to 125g) for great results and no light spillage. I use a 4x24w sunpower over my 29g (30x12.5x18) no light spillage, looks better having a smaller light over the tank anyway. Last edited by Michigan Mike; 11/25/2012 at 08:52 AM.

11/25/2012, 09:07 AM	#3
jerpa Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2,174	I think the 8 bulb fixture would be overkill for a 20" deep tank if you arent focusing on SPS. A 6 bulb would still allow you to keep many higher light creatures. I wouldnt worry about having too much light. How much light the coral needs and what it can tolerate are very different. Some soft corals can tolerate more light than many SPS. Acclimation will be needed for lower light creatures but our corals are a bit more adaptable than we give them credit for. Given your concerns over light spillage I would get a 6 bulb 48" fixture. You will still have plenty of light. __________________ Jer Current Tank Info: 40b basement sump, 40b refugium, 30g frag

11/25/2012, 10:34 AM	#5
TylerHaworth Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Barboursville, WV Posts: 628	I'd go 6x39 Sunpower IF I were to upgrade, however in my opinion I think it would be a waste of money. Honestly though, it looks like your system is still VERY new and thus not fully mature... The 8 lamp Tek fixture should provide PLENTY of light for anything you throw at it in a 20" deep tank. Get some new bulbs and leave it alone is the best advice I can give you, the fixture is not your problem... Put the money towards something else that actually needs an upgrade (controller, skimmer, dosing, etc) Last edited by TylerHaworth; 11/25/2012 at 10:41 AM.

11/25/2012, 10:03 AM	#4
dtum Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 861	Thank you for your replies, here is my aquarium just to give you an idea of what I have: As you can see, I've got a number of LPS and plan to have even more, but definitely want to have a nice SPS collection as well. This photo was taken with an 8-bulb TEK.