6 bulbs or 8

i wanted to if you guys thought that a 6 bulb t5 light would have enough power to keep sps or if i should go with the 8 bulb?

 

Totally depends on 4 things...
depth
quality of bulbs
reflectors
and keeping the bulbs cool with a fan

I have 6 T5HO with all the above checked and would be comfortable keeping any coral.

 

6 will be enough up to a certain depth but with 8 you will have options on a wider color spectrum

 

I would add the width of your tank. An 8 bulb fixture will be around 20" wide.

 

What size tank?

 

I have a 6x54w CurrentUSA fixture w/ geismann bulbs and I get decent Sps growth. I have lps on the bottom of the sand (24" depth) that are doing good as well. I wouldn't mind having two more bulbs, mostly to expand the color spectrum and enhance certain things, though.

 

I'd go with maximum bulbs for color combinations..

 

It depends on the size of the tank IMO. I have a Tek 6x54w fixture and would be comfortable using this over a 90 sps tank or even a 120 if keeping more lps and sps higher. I have it over my 55 and have it high off the water and actually use bulbs with less par to avoid bleaching my corals.

 

I have a 6x39 over a 58g and a 8x54 over a 90 both work fine and both are TEK's

 

like reefmokey said it depends on a number of things but if you have the ability the more the better. I have a 6 bulb 48in Nove Ex and my LPS get great growth but i would get Tek lighting if sps are in the plans (so i've heard).