10 gallon frag tank

[mvm]

I currently have a 10 gallon refugium under my tank that I plan to convert to a frag tank. I was thinking about lighting it with 2 retro 24" t5 lights. Would this be a decent source of lighting for growing out corals (mostly SPS)? What bulb combo would you recommend? I plan to have frags and a section of chaeto in the 10 gallon. Thoughts?

 

[weaglereefer]

Well if growth is the primary concern, probably all 6700-10k bulbs, no blues. Depending on how deep you have them, I'd wonder if 2 T5s is enough, versus 4 or a single MH pendant.

 

[brianjfinn]

Yeah, I'd definitely go four bulbs, or a 70 watt metal halide.

 

[mvm]

Wouldn't 4 bulbs light a lot of wasted space? In other words, the 10 gallon is only 10" wide. How wide would 4 bulbs be?

 

[weaglereefer]

Well, most good reflectors are 2" to 2.5", so no wasted space, lol. Assuming you're going to have eggcrate in here or something, should allow for maximum room for corals.

 

[mvm]

I guess that's what I'll end up going with. Any lighting combo recommendations? I'd like both growth and color.

 

[weaglereefer]

ATI Blue +
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue +
ATI Procolor

Should give plenty of par and color.