Lighting.

[Little_Aquarist]

Heya, Reefland!
So, I was looking into SPS corals, and I saw that VHO lighting is not sufficient enough for them to survive, or live happily.
Currently, I have 4 FR40T12 Actinic's.
2x Super Actinic
2x Actinic White.

They're 48" so that's say... 40w?

What would I need if I planned to house SPS corals?

Thanks, Brooks.

[charlie]

In my opinion, you are going to need at least 4-6 T5 bulbs, or 2 250w Metal halides, with or without actinic supplementation, depending on what K value bulbs you choose.
Do some research or either one, there is alot of info on this site about either one.

[Little_Aquarist]

I was talking to one of my LFS about T5's the other day, actually. I'm pretty sure I'd be switching to them! Although, I don't understand the differences between what I have (T12) and the T5's.

[charlie]

Much higher output!!!!!

T5 requires a special ballast to drive it's bulbs.

[Little_Aquarist]

Oh alright. o_o
Well I have a Electronic FL Ballast from what I know.
And I just need to light caps to put in the T5's

[charlie]

Here's some info for you:

http://www.reefland.com/forum/lighti...-5-s-read.html