Could I keep SPS with these lights?

[A. Grandis]

I will say one of the reasons I switched to t5 from led is the fact that t5 just works. I know led works because I've seen a lot of great tanks lit with them. To me removing led was one less variable in my tank that I had to worry about.

They aren't set and forget like t5. With t5 I threw in some ati bulbs and haven't thought about it since. With my leds out seemed like I was always second guessing my settings and messing with them.

That's what we need!
And the light from the T5s are much better than the LEDs.
The T5 is uniform and safe.
You hardly see people complaining about bleaching with T5s ever!!!
Just great! Can't go wrong.

Grandis.

 

[unfeazi]

Wow, thank you all on your opinions/suggestions! If I do go with the above T5 fixture, do you guys think I should change the stock bulbs out? Or are they strong enough for sps such as clams on the bottom.

 

[A. Grandis]

Better bulbs would be ATI, UVL, KZ and Giesemann.
I don't know what bulbs come in that fixture.
You'll need to search for what you want.
You could try to have that for a while and see how things go.
They probably have a combo of 10.000Ks and actinics.
you just need to know if the PAR would be good enough comparing to the high end bulbs.
Also the spectrum is important. Some bulbs are labeled 10000Ks, but they aren't that "white", so…

I would get the fixture first and decide what to do, after having it and see…

If money isn't the issue I would get the ATI dimmable fixture. I have one and it's just amazing to program. It's from Germany and the quality of the fixture and cooling system is just the best to offer! With the cooling system you get more efficiency out of the bulbs. Not to talk about the reflectors.

Grandis.

 

[A. Grandis]

… and you don't have to change bulbs on the 8-10 month basis!!! Nope!

If you change the bulbs once a year should be more than enough.
Any time you decide to change bulbs you need to adapt the system to it and change slowly. One bulb per week or something like that.
Just keep that in mind.
You'll see spectrum changing after 8-10 months, depending on the bulb combo you choose, but the system will be healthy and running normal until changes are made. Not a big deal at all!! SPS, LPS, anemones, zoas, no matter!

Grandis.

 

[LoJack]

That's what we need!
And the light from the T5s are much better than the LEDs.
The T5 is uniform and safe.
You hardly see people complaining about bleaching with T5s ever!!!
Just great! Can't go wrong.

Grandis.

Couldn't agree more. I am one who has switched from a full LED setup back to T-5

Since switching to T5 I've noticed huge changes ...

1. The corals that were doing well under LED are now doing just as well or better.

2. The corals that were struggling under LED are finally recovered and colored back up.

3. Certain SPS faded, not all ... but certain ones just didn't seem to be getting enough from the LED's and looked pale like in a zeovit system.

4. My growth has increased exponentially

5. No more disco balling and more symmetrical SPS growth.

There are some downsides too though.

1. I've lost my 2 hour sunrise and sunset which did seem nice and natural

2. My temp has gone from 77 degrees up to about 79 degrees on average because my fixture is in a canopy and there is no question they throw more heat than my LED's did

3. I'll need to replace my ATI bulbs once a year (I bought an ATI Sunpower) and because its actively cooled the bulbs tend to last longer, but regardless ... it'll still cost me about $200 a year in bulb changes. But quite honestly, with the improvements I've seen in my tank since the switch back to T5 ... $200 a year is well worth it.

 

[A. Grandis]

:thumbsup: