Lighting suggestions for 46 bowfront

[Speg]

Got a 46 bowfront and I plan on upgrading the lighting soon. I was looking at 6 bulb T5 systems. I've seen people keep a lot of stuff under T5s and figured that may be a cost efficient way to get some nice lighting.

Are those going to penetrate well into the 46 gallon tank? Would you guys suggest something different?

 

[Harry_Y]

I have 8 T5 bulbs over a 180

I put the light loving stuff up and the low light stuff down or in the shade

 

[Speg]

What's some examples of the "light loving" stuff that you're having success with?

Do you think I should go 8 bulb T5 with the 46 or you think 6 will be sufficient?

Did you do anything to acclimate your coral to the T5s?

I'm sorry that I had to ask you so many questions--nobody else wanted to help me out on this topic ;)

 

[Harry_Y]

I would think 6 tubes would be plenty

I remember hearing something like 1 tube per 3" of front to back space so:
A 75 gal being 18" front to back that makes a 6 tube right
A 120 gal is 24" front to back so for that I would choose an 8 tube.


The selection of bulbs will determine your light intensity.

I have kept a variety of things under T5 lighting Zoas.
Frogspawn, Torch, Candy Cane, Clams and even Anemones.

I have some mushrooms that even on the bottom of the tank the light
is to intense and I have to put them in the shade or they will not expand.

I believe my 180 is 24" deep and the light is about 4-5 " off
the water so T5s have some pretty good penetration.

 

[phi delt reefer]

24" is about the maximum depth for t5 penetration. You can get a go with a powerful unit like the ATI powermodules if your tank is really deep. Don't underestimate t5's - many people have melted/ bleached corals under t5's. You can get away with a four bulb unit if you're smart with your coral placement but a six bulb is probably your optimal option.

 

[Steven Pro]

The straight part of a 46 bowfront is only 12" wide. I don't think you will find too many 6 lamp units that will fit. You could get creative with a canopy and retrofit 4 3' T5's in the back with 2 more 2' ones in front, but I think 1 simple 4-lamp unit will suffice.

 

[gar732]

I've had a 4 bulb fixture over my 75gal for almost a year now. I intended to add two more once I built my canopy but never got to building it. I have a mixed reef with plenty of sps and they all seem happy, check out this thread for a couple progression shots https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/general-sps-discussion/45918-some-progression-pics.html. If you can fit 6 bulbs great but I think if you went with a 4 bulb fixture you'd be fine. If I don't go led I still will add the other 2 bulbs eventually. I don't think you'll have trouble growing anything you'll want to grow with T5s, just look at sunnyx's tank.

 

[Speg]

I've had a 4 bulb fixture over my 75gal for almost a year now. I intended to add two more once I built my canopy but never got to building it. I have a mixed reef with plenty of sps and they all seem happy, check out this thread for a couple progression shots https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/general-sps-discussion/45918-some-progression-pics.html. If you can fit 6 bulbs great but I think if you went with a 4 bulb fixture you'd be fine. If I don't go led I still will add the other 2 bulbs eventually. I don't think you'll have trouble growing anything you'll want to grow with T5s, just look at sunnyx's tank.

You think 4 bulbs would be best then? Interesting. I'll have to keep doing homework as I make plans. Going to your thread/link now to check it out!

 

[skinz78]

I would do these two systems and do a retrofit type install with the 24" bulbs in the front.

Hellolights 36" 4 LampT5 Retrofit Kit (Bulbs Included)

24" 2 x 24w T5 HO Retrofit Kit