I posted this in the lighting forum

[bobbbm]

But it got bumped down in 5 seconds LOL... I also make sure to bug you guys at least once a day with some silly question




I had asked about lighting before but this is a bit different.


If you HAD to switch from MH to some other lighting system what would it be? The max size fixture that I can fit is 36".


I am afraid to come to a meeting now because you all might want to throw something at me

 

[shyland83]

I've been trying to make the same decision for my new tank. I think i'm going to go MH, but if HAD to switch I would definitly go with T5. I'm running T5 on my current tank I love them. You can get retros for fairly cheap, a fixture will be a little more. The general consensus is to make sure the bulbs have individual reflectors.

 

[qy7400]

I'd go retro T5's with Icecap ballast and SLR. You will lose the shimmer of the halide but growth should be about the same.

 

[d4a2n0k]

T5 with the proper reflectors without a doubt.

 

[bobbbm]

That's the way I was leaning as well...

Ok it looks like each lam is 54W's do I calculate it the same? Does this mean I have to get 6 blbs to get the same output as my MH lights?

 

[bobbbm]

hmmm can I go with 2 of these? $36.50

http://www.naturallighting.com/web/shop.php?crn=753&rn=2954&action=show_detail





3 of these 10k $12.95


http://www.naturallighting.com/web/shop.php?crn=698&rn=3303&action=show_detail


3 Atinic $14.95 ea

http://www.naturallighting.com/web/shop.php?crn=698&rn=3305&action=show_detail



12 sockets $3.50

http://www.naturallighting.com/web/shop.php?crn=692&rn=3320&action=show_detail


Then I just need 6 Reflectors, I know they go for about $18 Ea

Thats around $307 for 324W of light...

What do you think?

Frankly I think I am just Obsessed

 

[qy7400]

Those bulbs are all 48" not 36", thought you mention yor hood would only fit 36". The sokets you listed are to convert a T5 bulb to T8/T12 socket. You still need the end caps and standoffs.

With the Icecap ballasts you'll overdrive the bulbs giving you more light than the WH ballast. I think the best bet is either Reef Geek or DIY Reef

 

[rtecanoe]

I purchased t5's from reefgeek and was very happy with them. I'll be getting new ones soon for a larger tank. They're pretty easy to install.

 

[JB NY]

What type of corals are you keeping?

 

[drej424]

I got my lighting fixture for my new tank used from a club member. He got it from this place:

http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/index.php?cPath=71_136&page=2

 

[rtecanoe]

wow, that price looks too good to be true. I'm curious what the 'mid level' high output T5 means. Any thoughts anyone?

 

[bobbbm]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9549041#post9549041 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JB NY
What type of corals are you keeping?

I have mostly softies, maybe 2 SPS Corals but they are very high. I also have a nem and a clam.


Thanks for all the replies.

 

[bobbbm]

drej424 WoW those really are good prices...

the retro fits are good as well..

I wonder if 6 39W bulbs are enough to keep what I want..

 

[JB NY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9551671#post9551671 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bobbbm
I have mostly softies, maybe 2 SPS Corals but they are very high. I also have a nem and a clam.


Thanks for all the replies.

You have no need for MH then, IMO.

You could do VHO, PC or T5. If you thnk you will lean to more softies or LPS that have high light requirements get T5.

 

[DgenR8]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9549041#post9549041 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JB NY
What type of corals are you keeping?

I'm surprised that nobody asked that question sooner.

 

[bobbbm]

Ok so we have established that I can go with VHO, PC or T5. Does the amount of light vary for each technology? In other words does it matter which I use as long as I have say, 350 watts total? or do T5's penetrate the water better?

My other question is if you are keeping mostly softies and a few SPS up high in a 72 G bowfront tank that is 24" deep how much light should you actually have? Should I include atinic? If so how much of it should be atinic?



Bob

 

[JB NY]

Light penetration from less to most is VHO, PC (but PC and VHO are pretty close) then T5. T5 is pretty close to MH, not quite but close.

I would look at T5 or PC lighting. I would put around 300 watts total lighting. At least 25% actinic.

I think that the fixture with 6 T5's would work fine for you though.

 

[bobbbm]

This was my first choice but it was shot down in the lighting forum....


http://www.hellolights.com/364x96wret.html

 

[qy7400]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9551671#post9551671 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bobbbm
I have mostly softies, maybe 2 SPS Corals but they are very high. I also have a nem and a clam.


Thanks for all the replies.

I think everyone missed this, with an anemone and clam I'd either stay with T5 or halides.

 

[rtecanoe]

I switched from PC's to T5's a while ago, and I think you'd be much happier with T5's. They're not that much more money, and you can get many more watts per given space. For my new tank, I'm just wondering whether I should go with the reef geek T5 retrofits, which I know from experience are good quality, or try the catalina aquarium ones which are very inexpensive. I did a search and saw a thread where the guy had to switch out many of the parts on the Solar T5 from Catalina aquariums, so I think the quality may not be there, but the price sure is.