Aquarium Lighting for SPS, LPS, Anenomes etc.

B

Bob220856

Currently I have a NOVA Extreme T5HOx2 Lighting fixture, from what I understand this fixture is the minimum lighting requirements to house corals of any kind much less anenomes. Does anyone have any experience housing corals with this lighting. Before I broke my tank down, I had a toadstool leather, yellow polyps, and various zoas that seemed to be thriving under that light. My tank is a 55, with a 30g Sump. Currently my tank is fish only and I'm looking to upgrade to corals within the next month, however, I want to do it the right way. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
If it is just 2 t5's bulbs you will have to upgrade your lighting if you want to do sps, lps or anemones. You can prob get away with softies, zoas and palys.


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For that size tank, I think T5s are just fine as long as your tank isn't deep. I have 4 T5HOs over my tank at 20", and my RBTA has grown significantly in the past year. The few SPS pieces I have have good color, though not great growth. That's due to my preference for LPS and my maintenance being focused on providing for their care over the SPS though.

I think the lights you have are good. Add two more bulbs, and I think it would be great.
 
Any SPS would have to be just a few inches under the water. LPS would have to be high in the tank. If you're wanting to keep SPS you need to look into upgrading. It's possible to keep SPS under T5s for sure, but more bulbs and very high placement would be required.
 
When I was running my 55 I had 4X54 T5's ove rit and it gave good color and growth when using good bulbs. I would add at least two more bulbs over it if you are wanting SPS IMHO.
 
I HAD a 55 and HAD 4xT5 and i could grow ANYTHING. Just remember get good PAR bulbs (I always loved ATI, and thats the only i would use).

Also remember, flow is more important.
 
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