Low boy frag tank lighting

[Kpshc707]

Hello I have been lurking around on here for a bit but looking for some answers. I'm on my 4th reef tank but setting up a 5th.. I got given a low boy frag tank Drilled with return and overflow I have everything to set it up from my previous tanks besides lighting. I would like to use 2 radion xr15s but in the mean time I'm thinking 4ft T5. It will be sps frags and wondering if T5 is still a good option and if i should go 6 bulb or 8 bulb I can get a 8 bulb fixture for $50 bucks just wondering if that will be overkill or not

 

[Spare time]

T5 still works. You could also go with something in between radions and t5 by using some like blades, reefbrites, etc. If you go with a t5, I would think a 6 bulb would be fine given the height of the tank. BRS has a video on t5's that might be helpful. I'd also check out their reef brite and AI blade videos too. I personally would go with LED bars if its an SPS grow out since you get the coverage of a t5 fixture with the efficieny (cost+power) of LEDs.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/content/post/brstv-investigates-ati-sunpower-t5

 

[jda]

I have a Gen 4 xr30 covering half of a lowboy and it does not do a great job of covering that area even up 15" off of the surface. I get shadows and stuff. xr15 is probably weak, IMO.