How many t5 bulbs fixture do i need

[neupane00]

Planning to setup another small / shallow tank for sps. How many bulbs t5 fixture do i need? Tank size : 48 wide, 17 depth, 13 inch high (45 gallon system). I have one Reefbrite xho 36 inches all blue light that i plan to put there for led supplement. Now the question is which/ how many t5 should i go for for sps ? And also how high from water line?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

4 at 8in will be fine. But the led will new s little height.
The blue led pack a punch. So be aware.

 

[A. grandis]

Just get as many tubes you can fit over the tank.
Perhaps 6 tubes?
Grandis.

 

[Daniel Waters]

I think you could get by with just 4 bulbs since the tank is not that deep and will have the xho led also. However, a 6 bulb fixture will give you a lot more bulb mixing options. Of course, it will depend on which t5 fixture you go with as some 6 bulb fixtures may be too wide, given you have the LED strip to incorporate. Since your led strip is 36", I'd go with a 6 bulb 36" t5 fixture, and mount it a bit higher, say 8" to 12". This should give you the full 48" coverage from the LEDs and the T5s and will still provide enough par for your SPS given the 6 bulbs.