Advice on lighting....

[briangsxr1000]

I have a 150 tall tank. I am currently using a current outer orbit fixture with 2-150 watt hqi. and 2 96 watt pc actinics. I was looking to go with a t5 setup with 2 ice cap led strips.
I just wanted to get some opinions on to what I should go with?
I see current is selling 8 bulb t5s for cheap on ebay.....
But I am not sure if i should go with a retro or with a fixture and how many bulbs do I need? I only have softies and some lps......
Any advice would be great!
Thanks!

 

[Johnny C]

Hey man, it was nice talking with you today. Considering that you are having a canopy built and won't see the fixture either way, I'd save your money and do a six/eight bulb T5 and then add some LEDS. Just my opinion, but stay away from Current unless you really wanna save.

 

[briangsxr1000]

yeah the cheaper the better...lol I have invested way to much in my tank already. I researched it a little and it doesn't seem like 8 bulbs will be enough that deep....
I don't want to have to stack rock high all over just to place corals up near the top....
ugh tough decision...lol
I was thinking try the currents..if its not strong enough its not a big loss like buying the icecaps...

 

[Johnny C]

I researched it a little and it doesn't seem like 8 bulbs will be enough that deep....
I don't want to have to stack rock high all over just to place corals up near the top....

I'm not trying to discredit your research, but where did you hear that? Most of the people with 120s (48x24x24'') suspend their four/six bulbs a foot off the surface. The aquarium height may actually be a benefit with eight 54w T5's because you won't have to struggle to keep lower-light corals from bleaching out, especially if you don't plan on keeping sps! :spin1:

 

[briangsxr1000]

i was checking this out.....what do you think????
http://www.marinedepot.com/48_inch_...t_Supply_Inc-SL2111-FILTFIT58U-SL2121-vi.html

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The 8 lamp Tek will get you more light that the halides you are using now.

If you stay away from clams and limit SPS to the top of the rock even on a 30 inch tall tank you will be OK.

 

[briangsxr1000]

i was told in that forum on here.....the t5 thread. I am still new to this so I am learning as i go... I am not really tring to spend a ton of money on another fixture considering I just bought the one I have...lol

 

[briangsxr1000]

Grim,
what do you think of the ice cap retros? and add 2 strips of the icecap leds?