The Pilot wrote:
35imp gal tank. T5s are D-D Aquablue + tubes.

Not really familiar with those.

Tank is about 18" deep with lots of live rock and decent flow.

Iain


Flow is important - and for SPS corals, you want it to be turbulent (ie:
somewhat random) - definetly don't want a constant non-varying flow
always hitting the exact same places.

How high above the tank are the lights suspended?

Could likely get away SPS corals with 48w of T5 if the SPS corals are
close enough to the light. But not TOO close, or they bleach (they start
getting rid of their xooanthellae)

Ultimately it comes down to the species. Some are more xooanthellae
dependant than others. I have seen some acroporas done successfully
under standard flourescents. I've seen some wither away under metal
halide (yes wither - not bleach).

Brighter, intense colored corals tend to have more xooanthellae than the
less bright ones. You may get one of those, put it in your tank, and it
will turn a more murky color, but othgerwise be OK, and possibly even
thrive. Or it may not.

Why not just buy something cheap (small), and see what happens?