Lighting for Corals

[mikersx02]

Which lights are better for corals? t5's or Compact Flor.?

 

[bigfruits]

t5's by far. read some of this thread.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=679852&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

 

[dwdenny]

depend on what corals. I think they can be both used. I t will take more CF to match the output of T5. I have heard that with T5 murshrooms and lower light corals dont like them because they put out a lot of light. HTH

 

[mikersx02]

I still cant decide on these- help?

48'' 216watt t5's
48'' 260watt CF's...

Right now I have a fowlr, but eventually would like to get into corals and other stuff. What makes t5's better then CF's?

 

[dwdenny]

Small diameter and better reflectors(this is the key) They put out more PAR then CF(or PC as they are called often as well) With 216w of T5 you can keep SPS(high Light demanding coral) depending on tank size as well.

 

[mikersx02]

so with my 75 gal- the t5's configuration i showed above should be more then enough light to house anything?

 

[dwdenny]

Yeah should be. If you keep SPS and clams you will have to keep them up high in the tank but should be fine. If yu wanted a little more punch you could add another couple of bulbs if you wanted.