SPS with T-5 HO in 55

Fishnewb1 · 12-24-2006, 11:21 AM

Could I have any low light sps in a 55 with like 235 watts of T-5 HO?
If i did get some SPS would i need anything extra for them besides what i already have for coral & clams?

harif87 · 12-24-2006, 11:45 AM

you could probably keep some low light SPS under 235 watts of T5HO but you would need individual reflectors otherwise you wouldnt get as much lumen efficiency. I have some orange montipora which is a low light SPS under 260 watts of PC lights and it looks beautiful. T5's are supposedly better than PC's, but 235 watts might be a drop too low. Im not 100% on this one but thats my input

fishfingers · 12-24-2006, 10:46 PM

I think that would be alright, although I'm not sure (I never can tell going by just the amount of watts). How deep is the tank and what reflectors are you using? SPS don't necessarily need good lighting, I mean acros grow 50m deep out in the ocean, but the problem is IDing the acros that only need low light requirements (and whether they would be available for aquariums I'm not sure).

I can't think of anything that you realy need extra for SPS, the main thing would be to make sure you calcium levels are OK if your going to be adding some as these. Also you'll need to get different food for the SPS as the food most other corals eat can be too big for the polyps.

harif87 · 12-24-2006, 10:51 PM

i would also make sure your water is crystal clear

**Fishfirst** · 12-30-2006, 09:17 PM

and quite a bit of flow... 15-20X turnover

12-24-2006, 11:21 AM	#1
Fishnewb1 Future Marine Biologist Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 394	SPS with T-5 HO in 55 Could I have any low light sps in a 55 with like 235 watts of T-5 HO? If i did get some SPS would i need anything extra for them besides what i already have for coral & clams? __________________ 55g Reef 16g of water.

12-24-2006, 11:45 AM	#2
harif87 Minor Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 21 Posts: 992	you could probably keep some low light SPS under 235 watts of T5HO but you would need individual reflectors otherwise you wouldnt get as much lumen efficiency. I have some orange montipora which is a low light SPS under 260 watts of PC lights and it looks beautiful. T5's are supposedly better than PC's, but 235 watts might be a drop too low. Im not 100% on this one but thats my input __________________ sorry for beating you senseless "The human torch was denied a bank loan"

12-24-2006, 10:51 PM	#4
harif87 Minor Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 21 Posts: 992	i would also make sure your water is crystal clear __________________ sorry for beating you senseless "The human torch was denied a bank loan"

12-30-2006, 09:17 PM	#5
Fishfirst Fish Guru Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Soon to be Northern Wisconsin Age: 24 Posts: 3,506	and quite a bit of flow... 15-20X turnover __________________ 210 Gal Reef w/ 55 Gallon Sump/Fuge, 125 Gal Fish Only, 65 Gal Seahorse-29 Gallon Sump, 55 Gal FOWLR, 54 Gal Corner FW Community, 20 Gal Nano FOWLR, 55 Gal Piranha, 29 gallon QT "All the yellow tangs and clownfish in the world can't save you now! hahahah" Peter from Family Guy

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12-24-2006, 10:46 PM	#3
fishfingers Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Australia Age: 18 Posts: 129	I think that would be alright, although I'm not sure (I never can tell going by just the amount of watts). How deep is the tank and what reflectors are you using? SPS don't necessarily need good lighting, I mean acros grow 50m deep out in the ocean, but the problem is IDing the acros that only need low light requirements (and whether they would be available for aquariums I'm not sure). I can't think of anything that you realy need extra for SPS, the main thing would be to make sure you calcium levels are OK if your going to be adding some as these. Also you'll need to get different food for the SPS as the food most other corals eat can be too big for the polyps.

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