Tank Dilemmas: Sand or New Lights?

Gildo · Apr 10, 2025

Hello everyone,
I'm a bit tired of my tank, it's like something is missing… The tank measures **43 inches** in length, **16 inches** in height, and **20 inches** in depth. It has a bare bottom and has been running for three years, two of which have seen great growth with zero problems—**95% SPS**. For water movement, I have two gyres.

There are two things I'm considering: switching to a sand bed or changing the lighting.
A sandy bottom would definitely add more appeal, but with the tank already running, I'm afraid it could throw everything off!

The other thing I could change is the lighting based on the tank's dimensions. The current lighting is extremely powerful: an **ATI hybrid** with six **T5 54W** bulbs and three **75W LED** modules. The tank is slightly shorter than the light fixture. It’s a fantastic lamp but consumes a lot of energy and doesn't highlight fluorescence as much (I suppose).
So, I’m thinking about switching to LEDs to enhance fluorescence while maintaining a high PAR level, similar to the current setup.

What do you recommend?

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Spero che questa traduzione ti sia utile! Hai bisogno di adattare qualche altro dettaglio?

exnisstech · Apr 10, 2025

If SPS are doing good I don't think I would completely change the lighting. Im not sure what modules your using but maybe some decent LED bars to get more pop. I'm not too knowledgeable on T5s but maybe you could switch bulbs to get more florescence?
As to adding sand I'm a fan of bare bottom especially in my acro tank where I need a lot of flow. Also I've failed to be able to keep sand looking nice and clean but many do.

Tonycass12 · Apr 10, 2025

I would stay away from adding sand, you asking for chemistry and algae issues. Swapping the lights out shouldn't be too bad. Just par map your tank before and try to get the new lights you want to add to match it. I added a second photon v2 pro to my tank that's been growing sps well for 2 years. Turned the first fixture down enough that I wasn't exceeding par levels from before once the second light was added. It made lighting intensity super even when measuring at the same depth anywhere in the tank and I have seen a big improvement in my corals and reduction in shadows.

bobnicaragua · Apr 10, 2025

Nothing is better than T5/LED for SPS.

I have Little Fishies calcium reactor media for the substrate in my SPS tank. It is larger than crushed coral and it still gets blown around and limits my flow. Substrate is better for microfauna.