T5 light question

[dory1234]

Hello, I have a 36gallon bow front tank (approx. 2ft deep). I would like to keep a few SPS and clams in my tank. I have been researching lighting and I have me eyes on a 24"W 4lamp Aquaticlife T5 unit (total of 96W). Would this be enought light to keep the most demanding corals like SPS and clams? I realize I would have to place them closer to the light. I also considered Metal Halide but I'm a bit concerned about the heat output and T5's are a lot more economical.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

[jhonnsmeth]

Most growers use T5 lighting systems, with their cloning and / or vegetative growth stage. This is because the plants need much less light energy, at this stage of growth. A T5 fluorescent grow light system can provide the required amount of light, which plants use the energy is much lower.

[sonnysmom]

i use T5HO and have some sps corals and they have been doing great for a long time, i do however try to place them closer to the light. I thing you would definatly need at least a 4 bulb T5 though, at least.

[cidlyled]

I use led light bar. my fish tank dimension is 150cm*80cm*50cm. I used two 36w light bars. it works well. blue and white are suitable.