Ed Reef's '295-gallon Peninsular ZEOVit SPS tank'
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Ed Reef
New member
Long read Marc.... 
As for PO4 issues, well a couple of contribution I think - 1st was ich in tank which lean to me over feeding a little, then I was away for 10 days business trip and leave it to my driver to feed my fishes (you know how they are very good in doing that 'hungry dance') and then of course I used about 50/50 dry/wet rocks when I set-up.
Anyway, tank is still young so eventually will get a handle on this PO4 issue
As for PO4 issues, well a couple of contribution I think - 1st was ich in tank which lean to me over feeding a little, then I was away for 10 days business trip and leave it to my driver to feed my fishes (you know how they are very good in doing that 'hungry dance') and then of course I used about 50/50 dry/wet rocks when I set-up.
Anyway, tank is still young so eventually will get a handle on this PO4 issue
edandsandy
Active member
Ed, what is the name brand of your "old" light?
Leopard Man
New member
Hi Ed,
Great tank. I got a Solarmax fixture too. How do you find it? Did you ever get a chance to measure how much PAR it puts out with different bulbs?
My Solarmax is ok for me, but I'm thinking of getting an ATI Powermodule.
Great tank. I got a Solarmax fixture too. How do you find it? Did you ever get a chance to measure how much PAR it puts out with different bulbs?
My Solarmax is ok for me, but I'm thinking of getting an ATI Powermodule.
Ed Reef
New member
No, did not take any measurement but it's a great light fixture and works as it should.
The company is based in HK so it's quite easy for me to get them. In fact, their longest fixture advertise is only 1.2meter and they special make this 1.5m fixture for my old tank 2 years ago...
Picture of my old tank before tear down....
I really missed my old tank, especially now that my new tank is going through so much issues....
Leopard Man
New member
Nice pictures. Yes, I agree, it is a great light fixture and works as it should. I lived in HK for 10 years and got my fixture there too.
All the best...
All the best...
Ed Reef
New member
WATER PARAMETER UPDATES….
WATER PARAMETER UPDATES….
Water parameter results for this week……
➢ Temperature â€"œ 27.5 degree C
➢ Salinity â€"œ 1.026
➢ Ph â€"œ 8.12
➢ NO3 â€"œ 2 (Salifert â€"œ lower than last week)
➢ dKH â€"œ 8.6 (Old Salifert test kit â€"œ same as last week)
➢ dKH â€"œ 9.6 (New Salifert test kit â€"œ went up from last week â€"œ not sure what’s going on with this test kit???)
➢ dKH â€"œ 7.5 (API test kit â€"œ start changing to yellow on 7 drop and completely yellow on 8 drop - same as last week)
➢ dKH â€"œ 7 (Elos test kit)
➢ Ca â€"œ 490 (Salifert test kit â€"œ went up from last week. Might need to temporary shut down my CR until I have more corals)
➢ Ca â€"œ 450 (Elos test kit)
➢ Mg â€"œ 1320 (Salifert test kit - same as last week)
➢ Mg â€"œ 1250 (Elos test kit)
➢ PO4 â€"œ 0.03 (Salifert â€"œ came down form last week)
➢ PO4 â€"œ 0.14 (D&D PO4 â€"œ long road to travel but it’s coming down at least weekly)
➢ Potassium â€"œ between 370 to 380 (same - will test monthly form now on)
So guys, what do you think?? Should I just throw my Salifert test kit in the trash?? I will test it all together for another week and see how it goes but at this moment, all testes shows my parameters are in line, except for my PO4 but it's starting to come down
WATER PARAMETER UPDATES….
Water parameter results for this week……
➢ Temperature â€"œ 27.5 degree C
➢ Salinity â€"œ 1.026
➢ Ph â€"œ 8.12
➢ NO3 â€"œ 2 (Salifert â€"œ lower than last week)
➢ dKH â€"œ 8.6 (Old Salifert test kit â€"œ same as last week)
➢ dKH â€"œ 9.6 (New Salifert test kit â€"œ went up from last week â€"œ not sure what’s going on with this test kit???)
➢ dKH â€"œ 7.5 (API test kit â€"œ start changing to yellow on 7 drop and completely yellow on 8 drop - same as last week)
➢ dKH â€"œ 7 (Elos test kit)
➢ Ca â€"œ 490 (Salifert test kit â€"œ went up from last week. Might need to temporary shut down my CR until I have more corals)
➢ Ca â€"œ 450 (Elos test kit)
➢ Mg â€"œ 1320 (Salifert test kit - same as last week)
➢ Mg â€"œ 1250 (Elos test kit)
➢ PO4 â€"œ 0.03 (Salifert â€"œ came down form last week)
➢ PO4 â€"œ 0.14 (D&D PO4 â€"œ long road to travel but it’s coming down at least weekly)
➢ Potassium â€"œ between 370 to 380 (same - will test monthly form now on)
So guys, what do you think?? Should I just throw my Salifert test kit in the trash?? I will test it all together for another week and see how it goes but at this moment, all testes shows my parameters are in line, except for my PO4 but it's starting to come down
Ed Reef
New member
CHOICES…CHOICES…..CHOICES
CHOICES…CHOICES…..CHOICES
Not sure what is worst, no choice or too many choices?? But one thing I know for sure is ‘if you ever want to bump your thread a few pages, just start a lighting discussion’
Anyway, wanted to thank all of you out there who have been giving me so much ideas and support on pro and cons on each lighting fixtures and basically it now comes down to the below:
MH/T5 Combi:
Giesemann SPECTRA HQ (E40) / T-5 1800 mm (3 x 400W / 4 x 80W)
Advantage
- Greater light spread compare to the other fixtures out there.
- Pretty looking fixture especially if one day I decided to go rimless and open top
- Of course glitter from the MH and still have color supplements from T5 so best of both world
Disadvantage
- Total of 1520 watt in lights Wow…this is going to move my meter like a speed dial :fun5:
- Even if I go with a 250W fixture, it will still be a total of 1070 watt
- More heat issues with either 250w or the 400w due to the amount of lights going into the tank
- Heavy fixture when want to change bulbs/ T5 tubes as I might need to remove the whole fixture each time
SLS LumenMax 3 (250W DE)
Advantage
- With it’s wide reflector and can retrofit in accordance to my needs so I can stick to using 250w and add on 4 x 80w T5 in my canopy top (for color combi) should it be required
- Flexibility for future upgrades, as I’m not constraining with a fix length lightings fixture.
- If any unit is not working, you can just repair/ replace that unit instead of sending the whole fixture for repair, thus’ leaving your tank with no lights at all
Disadvantage
- Cost â€"œ yes, by the time I add in the ballast, MH, T5 holders, etc the cost will be similar to a Spectra fixture and not to mention the add work to make a light frame and a hanging system. More work = more delays :hammer:
- Messy wiring thus increases the risk of mistakes or accidents, if not set-up and installed properly.
- Not splash proof and of course the add fans in the hood to cool down the light fixture
- No open top in the future with this reflector as the glare will just kill me
- Oh...electricity - even if I go with a 250W, it will still be a total of 1070 watt
NOTE:
So in summary, the Spectra comes out top in the MH/T5 Combi in terms of cost and value for money BUT the only disadvantage is the electricity consumption
T5
ATI Power Module T5 880mm 10 X 39W
Advantage
- Build-in cooling fans to extend the lifespan of T5 tubes
- Lower electricity bills $$ - 39w x 20 = 780 watt
- Color combi is just never ending with T5
- They come in 10 tubes fitting so it’s great for my tank width
- Less heat issues
- 2 unit of Powermodule will give me the flexibility of future upgrades to either an open tops, Cube, etc
Disadvantage
- Costly maintenance if we want to ensure max output of T5 (every 6 months exchange is norm for those European reefers)
- Not to mention more holders, tubes to deal with
- My distributor don’t carry them so will make the exchange a bit more tricky
ATI Power Module T5 Dimmable 880mm 10 X 39W
Advantage
- All the above
- It’s dimmable which I can hook up to my GHL Controller
Disadvantage
- Same as above but not sure if dimmable is worth the extra $
Giesemann MATRIX T5 900 mm 8 x 39W
Advantage
- Seem to be of quality build with no over heating issue, despised the fact it does not have a build-in fan
- Spoken to Giesemann and they can retrofit a dimmable ballast for these units (if I so required)
- Lower electricity bills $$ - 39w x 16 = 624 watt
- Color combi is just never ending with T5
- Less heat issues
- My distributor carries them
Disadvantage
- No build in fan to cool the T5 tubes but fixture seem to be design for good ventilation but problem is I will be using it in my Canopy so not sure if that will cause a problem?
- Untested as I’ve yet to see any user review on this so not sure if it’s advisable or if better than the ATI modules.
- Costly maintenance like all T5
- Unit only comes in 8 tubes fitting for their 39W so in my case, 10 tube ATI will be more favorable for the same amount of $$
NOTE:
This is still a toss on which fixture is better as there is just not any review done on the Matrix?? Do I dare to be the 1st to make this review?? Overall, I think both brand names should be fine with G-Mann slightly more expensive in this part of the world anyway.
SUMMARY:
At this point in time, I’m leaning towards a ATI Power Module T5 Dimmable 880mm 10 X 39W set-up mainly based on the saving in electricity (MH = 1520w vs. T5 = 780w), heat and colors, unless someone can convince me otherwise!! I have seen TOTM running on 70cm depth using T5 so I’m convince it will work but maybe only need to ensure max efficiency of the bulbs with more frequent exchange (every 6-8 months)
However, if electricity bills weren’t the issue here, my decision will surely be Spectra
GUYS â€"œ STOP ME IF YOU THINK I’M GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION?? ANY T5 USERS CHANGED TO MH AND VISE VERSA AND REGRETS??
CHOICES…CHOICES…..CHOICES
Not sure what is worst, no choice or too many choices?? But one thing I know for sure is ‘if you ever want to bump your thread a few pages, just start a lighting discussion’
Anyway, wanted to thank all of you out there who have been giving me so much ideas and support on pro and cons on each lighting fixtures and basically it now comes down to the below:
MH/T5 Combi:
Giesemann SPECTRA HQ (E40) / T-5 1800 mm (3 x 400W / 4 x 80W)
Advantage
- Greater light spread compare to the other fixtures out there.
- Pretty looking fixture especially if one day I decided to go rimless and open top
- Of course glitter from the MH and still have color supplements from T5 so best of both world
Disadvantage
- Total of 1520 watt in lights Wow…this is going to move my meter like a speed dial :fun5:
- Even if I go with a 250W fixture, it will still be a total of 1070 watt
- More heat issues with either 250w or the 400w due to the amount of lights going into the tank
- Heavy fixture when want to change bulbs/ T5 tubes as I might need to remove the whole fixture each time
SLS LumenMax 3 (250W DE)
Advantage
- With it’s wide reflector and can retrofit in accordance to my needs so I can stick to using 250w and add on 4 x 80w T5 in my canopy top (for color combi) should it be required
- Flexibility for future upgrades, as I’m not constraining with a fix length lightings fixture.
- If any unit is not working, you can just repair/ replace that unit instead of sending the whole fixture for repair, thus’ leaving your tank with no lights at all
Disadvantage
- Cost â€"œ yes, by the time I add in the ballast, MH, T5 holders, etc the cost will be similar to a Spectra fixture and not to mention the add work to make a light frame and a hanging system. More work = more delays :hammer:
- Messy wiring thus increases the risk of mistakes or accidents, if not set-up and installed properly.
- Not splash proof and of course the add fans in the hood to cool down the light fixture
- No open top in the future with this reflector as the glare will just kill me
- Oh...electricity - even if I go with a 250W, it will still be a total of 1070 watt
NOTE:
So in summary, the Spectra comes out top in the MH/T5 Combi in terms of cost and value for money BUT the only disadvantage is the electricity consumption
T5
ATI Power Module T5 880mm 10 X 39W
Advantage
- Build-in cooling fans to extend the lifespan of T5 tubes
- Lower electricity bills $$ - 39w x 20 = 780 watt
- Color combi is just never ending with T5
- They come in 10 tubes fitting so it’s great for my tank width
- Less heat issues
- 2 unit of Powermodule will give me the flexibility of future upgrades to either an open tops, Cube, etc
Disadvantage
- Costly maintenance if we want to ensure max output of T5 (every 6 months exchange is norm for those European reefers)
- Not to mention more holders, tubes to deal with
- My distributor don’t carry them so will make the exchange a bit more tricky
ATI Power Module T5 Dimmable 880mm 10 X 39W
Advantage
- All the above
- It’s dimmable which I can hook up to my GHL Controller
Disadvantage
- Same as above but not sure if dimmable is worth the extra $
Giesemann MATRIX T5 900 mm 8 x 39W
Advantage
- Seem to be of quality build with no over heating issue, despised the fact it does not have a build-in fan
- Spoken to Giesemann and they can retrofit a dimmable ballast for these units (if I so required)
- Lower electricity bills $$ - 39w x 16 = 624 watt
- Color combi is just never ending with T5
- Less heat issues
- My distributor carries them
Disadvantage
- No build in fan to cool the T5 tubes but fixture seem to be design for good ventilation but problem is I will be using it in my Canopy so not sure if that will cause a problem?
- Untested as I’ve yet to see any user review on this so not sure if it’s advisable or if better than the ATI modules.
- Costly maintenance like all T5
- Unit only comes in 8 tubes fitting for their 39W so in my case, 10 tube ATI will be more favorable for the same amount of $$
NOTE:
This is still a toss on which fixture is better as there is just not any review done on the Matrix?? Do I dare to be the 1st to make this review?? Overall, I think both brand names should be fine with G-Mann slightly more expensive in this part of the world anyway.
SUMMARY:
At this point in time, I’m leaning towards a ATI Power Module T5 Dimmable 880mm 10 X 39W set-up mainly based on the saving in electricity (MH = 1520w vs. T5 = 780w), heat and colors, unless someone can convince me otherwise!! I have seen TOTM running on 70cm depth using T5 so I’m convince it will work but maybe only need to ensure max efficiency of the bulbs with more frequent exchange (every 6-8 months)
However, if electricity bills weren’t the issue here, my decision will surely be Spectra
GUYS â€"œ STOP ME IF YOU THINK I’M GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION?? ANY T5 USERS CHANGED TO MH AND VISE VERSA AND REGRETS??
I'm also on the fence with lighting. My tank is 26" deep x 30" wide x 72" long so I'm in a similar situation as you. I've always been a fan of MH + T5, but I'm considering all T5 simply because of energy consumption. If others can grow SPS with all T5, then why can't we? Coloration can often be better. I agree with the maintenance costs concerns, so that's a factor that needs to be considered. If you were purely concerned about costs, consider the savings in energy consumption with the T5 vs the additional maintenance cost and see which wins out. Either way, I'm really trying to make the entire setup as efficient as possible so I may just do T5's in the end. The heat issue is also a factor to consider in terms of savings, although tough to quantify.
melev
Well-known member
I know of one reefer that had T5s and his corals turned pastel. He tried everything to get his regular colors back, including overfeeding his system. After a few months, he couldn't take it anymore and went back to MH. He said within 3 weeks his corals were back to the colors he was used to.
I can't recall his username but he's got quite a long thread on here. It was an inwall tank, and if you look at his current light rack pictures, you'll see the T5 encaps still in place, unused.
---
Why do they call it 880 mm fixture? Why not 88 cm? Isn't that like saying I'm 523 months old? :lol:
---
How much space do you have over the top of your tank?
It seems like the only reason for the change is to save on electricity rather than for a new look. I have brand new T5s still sitting in the closet because I don't see the need to change out my VHOs yet.
I can't recall his username but he's got quite a long thread on here. It was an inwall tank, and if you look at his current light rack pictures, you'll see the T5 encaps still in place, unused.
---
Why do they call it 880 mm fixture? Why not 88 cm? Isn't that like saying I'm 523 months old? :lol:
---
How much space do you have over the top of your tank?
It seems like the only reason for the change is to save on electricity rather than for a new look. I have brand new T5s still sitting in the closet because I don't see the need to change out my VHOs yet.
kar93
Active member
I've tried MH before but always go back to T5. It's nothing to do with coral colour or growth. I just prefer the look of T5 to MH, I do like MH but I just feel that T5 give better colour. It's all down to person preference IMO, I can't say "Go get T5 they're better." because that isn't true and saying "Go get MH they're better" because that isn't either but I can give you my point of view. 
BigJay
New member
My vote is any T5/MH retrofit combo with quality reflectors, since the two best lighting technologies work really well together. Use any of the lumenmax/lumenbrite/lumenarc reflectors for the halides, and good individual reflectors for the T5's.
With really good reflectors, you can use 250 watt halides and run a shorter photoperiod. Thus the extra wattage shouldn't be that big of a deal since the lights aren't on as long.
Yes there's a little bit of wiring, but it's not difficult to do correctly and keep neat. Halides only have two wires and a ground to the ballast.
I'm really sorry that your Solaris fixture didn't work out for you. For your hard earned euros and time, you deserve better quality.
With really good reflectors, you can use 250 watt halides and run a shorter photoperiod. Thus the extra wattage shouldn't be that big of a deal since the lights aren't on as long.
Yes there's a little bit of wiring, but it's not difficult to do correctly and keep neat. Halides only have two wires and a ground to the ballast.
I'm really sorry that your Solaris fixture didn't work out for you. For your hard earned euros and time, you deserve better quality.
Ed Reef
New member
:eek2: U're getting me worried there Marc?? Any other T-5 user have similar experience before I hit the 'send' button??
:rolleye1: Now we all know how old u're..... hahahaha
Yeah, electricity saving is important to me
doing my part for the environment (no matter how small it is being the chairman of the Environmental committee in my hotel) Looks is not bad too (I think from the many tanks I see) not to mention the amount of color choices
Ed Reef
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13139492#post13139492 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kar93
I've tried MH before but always go back to T5. It's nothing to do with coral colour or growth. I just prefer the look of T5 to MH, I do like MH but I just feel that T5 give better colour. It's all down to person preference IMO, I can't say "Go get T5 they're better." because that isn't true and saying "Go get MH they're better" because that isn't either but I can give you my point of view.
Thanks Kane
I will update my thread to see if I missed those shimmer from MH and if yes, might just add a couple of 150w spot MH for that
Ed Reef
New member
Thanks BigJay - agree with a good reflector 250w should work for my tank !! However I'm not a DYI guy like Marc or some of you guys here (can't let this hobby take up any more time like it already has....
) so if I were to go for a combo, then the Spectra will be an great option but have to wait for a longer shipping date Yeah, sad about my Solaris but life goes on.....
What we do without a little sense of humor in this hobby :rollface: Look like I need to change my thread title :lol: anyone knows how I can do that?? 
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