T5s in a pinch...

[TD13]

I'm currently building a 120 gallon setup, the link is in my signature. In an effort to get things moving a little sooner, I'm kicking around the idea of using some T5 fixtures on one side and an XR15 on the other. The tank is a standard 120 (48x24x24). The end game is to have an XR15 on both sides of the tank, but they're pricey. I have 2 - 24" x 2 bulb Coral Life T5 fixtures.

THE QUESTION...

I understand the difference in lighting and such, will the T5s be enough to sustain that side of the tank?

 

[CodyRVA]

IMO it's a bit low. I ran 4 T5 bulbs on my 3 foot, 46G bowfront, but it was only 18 inches high, and only 12 inches deep. If you're going to make the upgrade relatively soon, you should be fine, but i'm skeptical to say the setup will work long term. It will work for some corals, softies, but you probably wont get much growth on that side. I would try to get at least 6 T5's in there if you can, if you can't, you may have to just keep your higher light corals under the LEDs temporarily.

 

[TD13]

It would be semi temporary.

 

[aaron23]

it all depends what specimens you want to keep

 

[TD13]

I'm SPS heavy.

 

[TD13]

I was able to land a 3' - 4 bulb T5 fixture. Thoughts centering the 3' fixture over the middle of the tank and a 2' - 2 T5 bulb fixture over each side?? Would this be enough to keep sps alive and maybe get some growth on a 4x2x2 120 gallon tank?