I need some light help please

[sbertomen]

I am getting Joe's cube soon and want to put t5s on it - I think. But I can't seem to find the right size. I keep softies and some lps. Right now I have PCs on my 20 gal and am happy - except sometimes I think they look froogly. I am shy about MHs because of the heat and carbon footprint.

I guess I would love a suggestion that included manufacturer and model. I don't have the skill set yet to build or retro anything - I have practiced a little bit, but I don't think this is in my future.

The tank dimensions are 24.5 x 18.5 x 21.


thanks,
sara

 

[Krazy]

1: 24inch 150watt halide fixture with lunar lights... (could work possibly)

http://cgi.ebay.com/24-1x150w-HQI-C...6QQihZ016QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

2: T5 HO Aquarium light 24 inch 6 X 24 watt

http://cgi.ebay.com/T5-HO-Aquarium-...8QQihZ015QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

3: 24 inch 150watt halide with 2x65pc's ..

http://cgi.ebay.com/Current-USA-24-...3QQihZ016QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

that's just a couple choices off ebay

 

[jallard]

Sara,

After you mentioned to me that you wanted T5's I looked around...and your right 24" T5's arent easy to find I'll keep looking for ya.

 

[archer8681]

I just got my combo light fixture and I love it! Just added a few pics to my build thread. They also make the fixture for 24". They aren't cheap though. I don't know what your budget is.

Here's the link to the Current website. Current

Current also has just T5 fixture with moonlights build in. They are their Nova Extreme's

 

[Ken668]

Make sure you go with individual reflectors. It's the only way to go when using T5s.

I think 6 bulbs is too much for a tank that size, unless you're looking to get into SPS. 4 bulbs seems like a good amount.

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104186.html

 

[jallard]

or my current lighting is gonna be forsale
24" current HQI with lunar lights.....its on my tank now and I grow anything I want

 

[Krazy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8649307#post8649307 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jallard
or my current lighting is gonna be forsale
24" current HQI with lunar lights.....its on my tank now and I grow anything I want

Sounds like thats the way to go

 

[sbertomen]

Ken - One reason I got a little confused about lights is that on my 20 gal I have 110 watts - with only 4 T5 bulbs that would only give me 96 watts on the bigger cube, but you think that would be OK? Would 6 be too many - or just overbuying ( I am OK with over buying - I think I do it all the time).

Joe do you have a price on your old lights yet? You were OK with just fans for temp control right?

and thank you everyone for the replies - I don't know why this is way to confusing for me.

thanks,
sara

 

[Krazy]

I would think you'd want more wattage for a bigger tank... Right?

I know you guys are T5 gung ho, but I'd seriously get the HQI halide (then you can put anything you desire in there)

 

[gary greguire]

I think 4 bulbs will be plenty for softies & lps even some low light sps up high. 6 may be to much if you go with the good reflectors.

I recommend reefgeek they have great service..

 

[Ken668]

When you're talking about T5s, the old method of watts/gallon goes out the window. T5s, when utilized with individual reflectors, are far more efficient than PCs, HO, and VHO. Until you see how bright T5s really are, people don't think they are any different. My 4x54w (216w) fixture is brighter than my 4x96w (384w) PC setup. PLUS, the recommended replacement interval for T5s are 2 years! Think of how much money you would save over PCs or MHs (6months & 1year) when replacing bulbs. Then you have the heat factor. My T5 fixture is cool enough to touch. Should I mention the depth penetration?? Hehe....I could go on all day.

I also recommend ReefGeek.com too.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any T5 related company what so ever.

 

[sbertomen]

I'm convinced - now I just need to figure out what bulbs to get. I really like being able to avoid the heat thing.

 

[Ken668]

Hehe, don't take my word for it! I'm just one guy with my own opinion. Do some research and see what you think is best for your application.

At least see what Joe's offering for his lighting setup. Might be a good deal for a good set of lights.

 

[sbertomen]

Thanks Ken - I have to rely on the clubs expertise - I am just not a hw person. Of course I tried to weasel every thing I could out of Joe first - but I think I really want T5s. But I am listening to what Krazy K has to say too about HQI halide - and I guess what I am going to do is go with T5s and if I have to rebuy down the road so be it.

wait a minute - maybe I should just borrow Joe's old lights for a year or two to see if I am happy with them!

 

[Ken668]

Now that sounds like a good idea!

 

[jallard]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8658413#post8658413 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sbertomen
wait a minute - maybe I should just borrow Joe's old lights for a year or two to see if I am happy with them!

Hey they are not old :lol: well less than a year