Montipora Capricornus under T-5

[Golgi Aparatus]

Montipora Capricornus under T-5

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Is it possible to keep this coral under 4.0 watts per gallon of T-5 lighting, assuming all other parameters are met?

I'm just curious as I have read differing viewpoints on this matter. I have 4.0 w/g of T-5 and would love to get one. I know that certainly the most all SPS require MH's, I was just wondering if this was one that could thrive under the proper amount of T-5's.

Thanks

[slant77]

The right t-5 fixture can grow a great looking sps tank.

[Jadinop]

Watts per gallon is useless for determining this. A 12" deep tank and a 24" deep tank can be the same gallons but the lighting requirements are totally different. How deep is the tank and how far down do you want to put the coral? Are you using High output T5's with individual reflectors?

[Golgi Aparatus]

Originally Posted by Jadinop

Watts per gallon is useless for determining this. A 12" deep tank and a 24" deep tank can be the same gallons but the lighting requirements are totally different. How deep is the tank and how far down do you want to put the coral? Are you using High output T5's with individual reflectors?

OK, well I have a 12" deep tank with the TEK HO T-5 retro fit kit with individual reflectors. How does this stack up?

[Jadinop]

Are you talking about your 55 that you posted in the members section? A standard 55 is 20 inches deep top to bottom.

How many bulbs do you have? I think 4 to 6 HO's with reflectors would let you keep most sps nicely.

[Golgi Aparatus]

Oh man, my bad. I gave you the wrong measurement. It is the standard 20" depth 55g tank.

I have 4 bulbs with individual reflectors. So you think this should be enough light for this type of SPS? THe kid at Rob's had told me I needed MH for this type of coral.

[JY13131]

Mine grows well in my nanocube with PC lights at the top

[Jadinop]

The thing with sps is keeping them alive and keeping them really great looking can be two different things. Under lower lighting they can live but the color usually fades and growth is slow. With really good light, some sps seem to grow by the day.

I'm assuming that one or two of your bulbs are actinic so I would say you can probably keep it towards the top of your tank with no problem. I think the upward cup shape that cap tends to grow in allows it to grab more light than the branching sps.

[slant77]

Yes it will grow just fine with that fixture.

[Hobbzz]

T5's are only new in the US. People in Europe have been keeping 24" deep T5 only sps tanks for years. It will be fine with what you have.

[teach]

My orange caps do great in my school tank under t5s.

[Golgi Aparatus]

Great, thanks for all of the replies. That makes me feel much more confident in my ability to keep this coral. I'm excited as I love the looks of these montis. They have such unique shapes and coloration. And it looks like they grow nicely in the right environment!

[dacro]

Originally Posted by teach

My orange caps do great in my school tank under t5s.

I was very impressed with how quickly the montis have colored up and are growing in the school tank...

[mpdharley]

Golgi -- If you want a piece of green and/or orange cap to try, I'll frag mine a small piece of of mine for you. You'll just need to drive to OP to pick it up.

Mike