Halide or T5

[amylynnfloyd]

I am setting up my 20 gallon long aquarium. I have a 150 watt halide laying around I could use. Some have told me this is an overkill. Should I use the 150 or go with a T5 setup instead. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks

 

[reefman23]

I started my 20L with a 150 watt pheonix lamp. About 6 months later I switched over to a 4x24 Tek setup... I am much happier with the T5s. It distributes the light better throughout the length of the tank.

HOWEVER... a 4x24 watt Tek fixture can be as intense as a 150 watt MH if you have the right reflectors and lamps. What are you planning on keeping in this tank?

Jesse

 

[amylynnfloyd]

Thank you for the reply. I am wanting to keep a mixed reef. I like the look of sps corals, so I would want to make sure I could keep them in the aquarium. Thanks

 

[norcal99]

Agreed w/ reefman. I too started out with a 150W 14K phoenix and am currently running 4x24 Tek Kit. Lots of options with bulbs and they run a heck of a lot cooler than a halide. Evaporation and temperatures are greatly reduced with the T5's.

Reefman - what bulb combination are you running? I'm currently running 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI aquablue, and 1 UVL Super Actinic... might swap the UVL for another aquablue...

 

[reefman23]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9419480#post9419480 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by norcal99
Reefman - what bulb combination are you running? I'm currently running 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI aquablue, and 1 UVL Super Actinic... might swap the UVL for another aquablue...

Same as you! Curious, why are considering swapping out the Super Actinic?

BTW, norcal, if you arent running a fan on your lights, do it... it will increase your output I they appear to run a little bit bluer when cooled properly... not to mention it increases the life of the lamps.


Jesse

 

[jski711]

t5 all the way, im switching to the dark side from halides and can't wait. make sure you have individual reflectors and talk to people about bulb colors. hth

 

[amylynnfloyd]

Looks like everyone is for T5. I guess, by everyone's response, I can keep sps under the T5's with no problem? Thanks for all the help.