Calling all lighting experts

[Jay6363]

Hi-
I currently have a 24” 8 bulb ati dimmable T5 13 inches off the surface, setup along with 2 radion XR30 gen 4 pros.
My T5s are at max for about 6 hrs a day ( on at 1:30p till 8:30p with ramp on both ends) . The corners are a little dark, hence me putting the radions to cover and add more light. Tank is 36 x 22 1/2 x 13 inch’s

The radions run from am to pm roughly about 40% deep blues 12 hrs with a short ramp on both ends.

So my question is …… since I don’t currently have a par meter I would like to see if it is everyone’s opinion if I should ramp up the radions? feel as though some of the higher par corals are just not getting enough. Now I could be wrong. May just need more time.
But I’m thinking 20k at 80 or 100% for 2 hrs? Acclimation to that of course over time.

What are everyone s thoughts? Leave it alone or do what I’m thinking?
Or I’m open to suggestions.

Thank you in advance!!

 

[Jay6363]

Any advice?

 

[Reefering1]

Sounds like a good amount of light on a small tank. You should use a par meter before cranking those leds up...

 

[Jay6363]

Thank you, i appreciate your opinion.

 

[Jay6363]

Sounds like a good amount of light on a small tank. You should use a par meter before cranking those leds up...

Would you tweak my T5 hours at peak?

 

[Hugster78]

Your T5s are up pretty high. That fixture can grow anything. What bulb combo are you using? That alone is way more then enough light.

 

[Reefering1]

Your T5s are up pretty high. That fixture can grow anything. What bulb combo are you using? That alone is way more then enough light.

But the 24" doctor is on a 36" tank...

 

[Reefering1]

Would you tweak my T5 hours at peak?

Idk, let's see the tank... Unless you have a packed tank of sticks, I wouldn't be changing much because the corners are a little dark

 

[Jay6363]

Your T5s are up pretty high. That fixture can grow anything. What bulb combo are you using? That alone is way more than enough light.

5 blue plus, 1 coral plus, 1 kz purple, 1 actinic

I had the equivalent of another coral plus on there blanking in the name. But it burnt out

On the higher end due to tank being 36”s

 

[Jay6363]

Idk, let's see the tank... Unless you have a packed tank of sticks, I wouldn't be changing much because the corners are a little dark

I’ll post a picture when lights are on, I’m recovering from a winter power outage tank crash.
I have a decent amount of sticks now due to some great people in the industry and friends getting me back in the game. The tank has been up for 13 years plus
A little bit survived and now I’m back to packed

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

How are your corals growing?

 

[Jay6363]

Yes they are growing, I’m talking about coloration for higher par demand corals. Just wanted to make sure I had enough light/par

I thought I did, but just wanted to run it by the forum to make sure

 

[Hugster78]

5 blue plus, 1 coral plus, 1 kz purple, 1 actinic

I had the equivalent of another coral plus on there blanking in the name. But it burnt out

On the higher end due to tank being 36”s

That’s enough light to grow anything. I wouldn’t be worried.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I’m no expert. But, imo, it depends on what you have in the tank. A picture will help. I recommend borrowing a par meter and mapping out the tank at different light intensities, then compare it to the intensity you normally run at. It’ll give you a general idea of the shady spots, and what percentages and light placement work best for your goals. Our eyes are usually terrible for guessing light intensity. But you certainly have more than enough lights to grow whatever you want in there!

 

[Jay6363]

Thank you everyone! I had the opportunity to start somewhat fresh due to my tank crash. Wanted to optimize my lighting.

I’ll post a pic soon, out I’m of the house today