New to T5 and need advise

[mfinn]

I bought a ATI Sunpower 6 x 26 watt fixture and was wondering what height to hang this light.
It is going over a new tank I am building now. It is 30" x 20" x 20".
The tank will be mainly for zoanthids and mini anemones.
The bulbs are 3 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Aquablue Specials, and 1 ATI Purple Plus.
The tank at this point will be rimless.
I've been using a 250 watt mh Radium bulb on a PFO HQI ballast for the last 4-5 years and this is my first attempt with T5's
Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[mfinn]

30 views and no opinions?

 

[jski711]

Most people keep t5s a few inches above the water. If ur only doing zoanthids you could hang it even higher imo. Start higher and lower as needed. Hth

 

[mfinn]

Most people keep t5s a few inches above the water. If ur only doing zoanthids you could hang it even higher imo. Start higher and lower as needed. Hth

I figured that it would be closer than the mh's I have, in the 3" to 4" range ( just a wild guess), but I've heard the ATI Sunpowers fixtures are top of the line and they have a much stronger par than other brands.
So, I was hoping someone that may have some or have friends that use one would jump in.
I have been a mh fan for many years and only just now have attempted to try T5's

Thanks jski711.:)

 

[kuyatwo]

You will want to raise it 6 to 10 inches. I run a ati fixture and keep mine at 10" and every month lower it an inch then at 6 months I sell them and replace them. I usually sell them for 1/2 the price I bought them for

 

[mfinn]

Thanks kuyatwo.

That high? Wow, these ATI fixtures must really pack a punch.

 

[Luisra]

Nice pick up Martin! You will love ATI, I have my ATI fixture 5" above water and I have some acros growing in the bottom of the tank.

 

[mfinn]

Nice pick up Martin! You will love ATI, I have my ATI fixture 5" above water and I have some acros growing in the bottom of the tank.

Thanks.
Yeah I've had my eye out for just this fixture for 5-6 months atleast. One came around so I grabbed it.
However, I guess this fixture will be under utilized as it is for my new zoanthid tank.
I may toss in a few maxi-mini's and a green nepthia or two for grow out.