180g Acro dominated tank help!!

[Brad Mckeon]

HI, guys need some quick opinions on a new build. I have a 6x2x2 180g tank currently in the process of being an acro dominated tank. I have a 60g 2x2x2 that is pack to the brim with acros that I would like to transfer to the 180g but need some opinions on light. I currently have 3 gen5 xr15(2pros with 1 blue in the middle) mounted at roughly 18 inches above the tank in a floating canopy running ab+ at 100%. the spread is great because of the mounting high but no so sure about par output at the high of a mounting height. i dont have access to par meter as well. I recently purchased a retro fit t5 kit which is 2 80w blue plus bulbs but before i set it up i would like to get opinions on if its even worth it or to go with a different aproach.

 

[TX_Punisher]

Different vendors rent par meters. I don’t see your location but if in the US check out BRS. 18” sounds a bit high for the 15. I have my 30s at 11” awl at 70% For a 6ft tank I would go with 2-3 more xr15 personally. My 6ft has 4 xr30 and could use a 5th.

I just added t5 to my g5 high I expect to do a great job of added spectrum and fill in any shadows. Those are 4 bulbs, 2 on each side of the leds front to back.

You’re spinning your wheels without a meter. Check your local reef club as well if you have one close by.

jmo

 

[Brad Mckeon]

Different vendors rent par meters. I don’t see your location but if in the US check out BRS. 18” sounds a bit high for the 15. I have my 30s at 11” awl at 70% For a 6ft tank I would go with 2-3 more xr15 personally. My 6ft has 4 xr30 and could use a 5th.

I just added t5 to my g5 high I expect to do a great job of added spectrum and fill in any shadows. Those are 4 bulbs, 2 on each side of the leds front to back.

You’re spinning your wheels without a meter. Check your local reef club as well if you have one close by.

jmo

Thanks for the reply I am in new jersey, and have checked with LFS in my area and none rent out meters. I'll look into the brs rental

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Hi Brad and welcome to R2R. If u join the NJRC u May get lucky w a member willing to help u out. I know I have asked and had positive feedback. Or u can just get one from BRS and return it when ur done. Good luck.

 

[SPS2020]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I do not regret spending the money to purchase an Apogee PAR meter. I check the PAR anytime I put in a new coral or move one.

 

[Brad Mckeon]

Hi Brad and welcome to R2R. If u join the NJRC u May get lucky w a member willing to help u out. I know I have asked and had positive feedback. Or u can just get one from BRS and return it when ur done. Good luck.

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Thanks ill give it a shot!