help me decide please

[ladyfsu]

I am helping a teacher set up a 75 in school. We HAVE to use DrFostersSmith. I believe it is 48" long and maybe 30-ish deep? He wants to grow plants and softies in it, maybe LPS. We don't have a lot of money to spend. Can you please tell me which do you think I should go with. They are the same price.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=15491&N=2004+113175

or

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11419&N=2004+113347.


One is 48" T-5's (48" 108 watts, 2-54W 460 nm)

and one is

48" compacts.( 48" 4-65 watt 2 Dual Actinic and 2 Dual Daylight Lamp)

From all I've heard, I assume it is the T-5's, but I really don't know.

 

[mflamb]

I vote T-5.

 

[Gimplar]

Defiently T5's just make sure you set it up right, as in very close to the water (about 4 inches, give a little take a little) With T5's ive heard people not having any problems with SPSs. Of course thats all affected by tank depth and coral placement

Edit: and it also depends how many bulbs you're running.

Sounds great though! ive been meaning to donate some anthelia, but college is my life ATM and i cant find time to come up, but i defiently want to before summer starts. if thats ok with you. Maybe ill donate some xenia and zoas if you want them

 

[ladyfsu]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9693061#post9693061 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gimplar
Maybe ill donate some xenia and zoas if you want them

if i want them ???? lol of COURSE I do ty I'm hopefully going to USF in 2 weeks for an inservice.

 

[darylb72]

i think for what you are doing either will work I would look into the bulb replacement costs of each since you are on a tight budget

 

[Gimplar]

Yeah bulbs are a pain and either way they are going to be expensive, but ok, ill frag some for you ladyfsu and i wont mount them in that way your kids can mount them or yourself to whatever you please.

 

[ReefArtist]

T5's all the way! (JMO - )

 

[preimo]

260 watts or 108 w i'd go 260 at least u would get 3.5 watts per Gallon