Lighting Guru's Reply

[coralfragger101]

I have one 65 gal softie tank that currently has a Current unit on it that has 2 x 96 watt PC bulbs. I supplemented that with a Coralife unit that has 1 x 96 watt PC bulb. I did that for some extra actinic.

I still don't like how that tank looks.

So currently that tank has a total of 288 watts of PC bulbs on it.

T5's supposedly give out more light and so I'm considering going to a T5 unit for this tank. Keep in mind, it's SOFTIES only.

I don't know if there is like a conversion table or something that would tell me how many T5 watts look/act comparable to the PC watts that I'm now driving or if that's even possible.

Even though I've spent an enormous amount of money on lighting for another tank of mine I want the cheapest I can find on this tank that will look great and give me great growth rates.

From a visual aspect I think I want just a tad more light than what I currently see on the current set up (if that helps at all).

What I'm finding is a very large price difference.

Take a 4 bulb, 39w, T5 fixture (only 156 watts) for example.
1) I don't know if this would even come close to being comparable to the 288 watts of PC lights that I have now.
2) I have found this unit from Sunlight - A Tek unit - for like $320 but can also find those same specs for $79.90 with free shipping.

That's a huge difference.

How about some suggestions ?????

 

[ReefWreak]

If it's mostly for softies, I would say look on the used forums for a Nova 4 bulb fixture. They're inexpensive, you're not looking for some expensive fixture with individual reflectors, they've got built in fans and splash guard, and they've got two power plugs, one for actinics and one for daylights. That should fit the bill for you, since it sounds like you're not looking for a PAR machine, just more color, more customizing, and a bit more light.

 

[jimbo78]

i would even look into some of the 4 or 6x 39w fixtures they have on e bay. that would be the cheapest, i think they have individual contoured reflectors and 5 year warrenty on ballasts.

 

[jimbo78]

or you could go with something like this and have plenty of light in case you decided you want more than softies in the future.

 

[coralfragger101]

Looking at the Nova Extreme. That's a 4 bulb which is 156 watts total. So you are saying that the 156w of T5 light "can" come close to the 288w of PC light that I currently have?

Looks like I'm still looking at some bucks though. A 4 bulb unit will be about $200 and a 6 bulb unit will be about $300.

So whats wrong with this? http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=423

 

[Ludwigia73]

Problem with that light is, you're losing quite a bit of the T-5's output by not using individual reflectors. The whole point of a t-5 is that you can pack so many bulbs into a small space with good reflectors, and they put out a lot more light for a given amount of space they take up.

I'd use a 6 bulb setup, with a dawn to dusk setup with 3 timers for 6 bulbs, 1st to come on is 1 actinic with a blue plus, 2nd to come on is a 6500k and 10000k, for growth, and 2 super blues for the last set.

There's been a lot of hype over the ATI color pro, and I got one and haven't seen much of a benefit. I'll probably change that to another blue plus. Keep a lookout for used retrofit kits, I got mine for $100 with bulbs, and individual reflectors, and built it into my hood, and have been happy. I changed 3 bulbs, and will be changing the other 3 next month.

 

[macawmagic]

i think if you're planning on keeping it a softy tank then that fixture will be fine. I'm running 2, 24" 2-bulb retros' from sunlight supply on a 29 gallon tank and I've got a carpet and monti cap in there. everything seems happy. Only diffarence is mine have individual reflectors, but if you're only keeping softies then I think you'll be fine with the single reflector. I would recommend something with individual reflectors, but if you're trying to keep costs down then get that light.

 

[AquamanE]

I have the same light Jimbo78 is mentioning, Nova Extreme Pro, 6 x 39W. I am successfully keeping LPS, SPS, and softies, and will tell you some of the softies have had to be moved to "shaded" areas. Its a good amount of light.

Another thing to consider with the $79 system is 1. its lack of cooling fans. T5's get hot! , and 2. bulb quality, unless, you are familiar with those bulbs and are satisfied.

 

[coralfragger101]

It seems that the Extreme Pro would be overkill. I will not be putting any SPS in this tank.

I don't think the $79 light even mentions "who" made the bulbs they are putting in them but for the price I'm sure they are the cheap end of the spectrum.

I do not have a canopy on this tank and I don't think I really want one although I guess it's an option.
Can you take a unit like the $79 one and mod it with individual reflectors instead of the single and buy good bulbs for it and maybe end up with a good unit for less cash?

Ah - but then you still have a heat issue.

 

[jimbo78]

i dont think you would be able to change the reflectors, but changing the bulbs can help alot. four new bulbs is $80 or so.

 

[coralfragger101]

I'm in no hurry. Maybe I'll just start keeping an eye out for a used retro kit and make canopy for it. Or just a good used unit of any kind.

 

[jimbo78]

individual reflectors is worth the wait

 

[AquamanE]

if you dont have a canopy heat can be minimized by either hanging, or most T5 units come with supports but sometimes they are pretty close to the water surface. but again no canopy= good airconditioned flow around unit.

 

[Young Frankenstein]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12911972#post12911972 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ludwigia73
Problem with that light is, you're losing quite a bit of the T-5's output by not using individual reflectors. The whole point of a t-5 is that you can pack so many bulbs into a small space with good reflectors, and they put out a lot more light for a given amount of space they take up.

I'd use a 6 bulb setup, with a dawn to dusk setup with 3 timers for 6 bulbs, 1st to come on is 1 actinic with a blue plus, 2nd to come on is a 6500k and 10000k, for growth, and 2 super blues for the last set.

There's been a lot of hype over the ATI color pro, and I got one and haven't seen much of a benefit. I'll probably change that to another blue plus. Keep a lookout for used retrofit kits, I got mine for $100 with bulbs, and individual reflectors, and built it into my hood, and have been happy. I changed 3 bulbs, and will be changing the other 3 next month.

+1

 

[coralfragger101]

I'll keep this bookmarked for reference of bulb choice once I find a unit.

Thanks

 

[Ludwigia73]

Give reef's edge a holler, they're doing some good deals on spec order t-5s, and they'll be doing geismann's soon

 

[jimbo78]

something like this might be a cheaper way to go if you just want softies.

 

[coralfragger101]

Link didn't work but I found what you are talking about anyway. Still in the same price range. $250ish but that does have the German indiv reflectors.

I saw no mention of fans though.

That's definately one to keep on my list of possibilities though.

For anyone else trying to figure out which light it is, it's a Catalina. 6 Bulbs, indiv reflectors.