Lighting Q

[firecrackerbob]

Hi guys,
I'm planning my latest setup/consolidation into a 55 and am trying to decide what lighting configuration to use…

I'm thinking what I might do is (with parts I already have):

2X 24w (24in)T5-HO, aquablue (may change to daylight)â€"individual reflectors
1X 110W (48in) actinic VHO
1X 110W (48in) 50/50 VHO


This will be for a SPS reef. Do you think this is enough?? I also have a 70MH and two 250W MH that could be put in instead of the T5s… what do you think????


Thanks,
Eric

 

[arivera747200]

Just me, but I would go with the MH setup for SPS. The only issue would be the heat generated.
Andy R.

 

[firecrackerbob]

yea, im on the fence on this one.....
I think the t-5 route will be easier, but I think its marginal on providing enough light. Im thinking about putting in 1 250W MH and the two VHOs. That approach will definitely have enough light, will run a bit hotter, and possible see a shadow on the cross brace...
E

 

[cdangel0]

I'd be cautious with the MH over the cross brace - I have heard more then 1 horror story of them melting because the light was too close.

I am keeping a few SPS under T5s without any issue, nice coloration, good polyp extensions and growth.

Do you mean 2x24w on each side or total (i.e. end to end across the whole tank)?

 

[firecrackerbob]

For the T5 layout I was thinking the following:
----------VHO----------------
-----T5----- -----T5--------
----------VHO----------------
the VHOs are48 in, the T5s are each 24in


The MH layout will be similar:
----------VHO----------------
----MH-----
----------VHO----------------

Either way, the hood I build will probably be 8-12in high. If I do go the MH route, I will be putting the 250w MH in towards the top of the hood(at least 8in off the cross brace to make sure light is distributed as much as possible)....

Do you think that would be too close to the brace???

 

[ronert]

if you decide to go the t5ho route, i have some t5ho ballasts (they're good for 1 or two lamps, 4 foot lamps only)

lmk if you're interested

- ted

 

[Tank Predator]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10716084#post10716084 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by firecrackerbob
For the T5 layout I was thinking the following:
----------VHO----------------
-----T5----- -----T5--------
----------VHO----------------
the VHOs are48 in, the T5s are each 24in


The MH layout will be similar:
----------VHO----------------
----MH-----
----------VHO----------------

Either way, the hood I build will probably be 8-12in high. If I do go the MH route, I will be putting the 250w MH in towards the top of the hood(at least 8in off the cross brace to make sure light is distributed as much as possible)....

Do you think that would be too close to the brace???

question for you - i see you said canopy you will build well my question is have you done this already ? and do you build this kinda stuff alot

 

[firecrackerbob]

Its in progress... ive built a few before, but nothing really nice. I dont claim to be any kind of decent woodworker. my hoods are functional thats about it...
Eric

 

[Tank Predator]

HAHA thats ok you at least have an idea what going on with it though and not to mention you more then likely have the tools for it as well

 

[wds21921]

T-5's and VHO.

Ken proved to me that you can grow more than what's rated if the wattage is high enough, also helpful in less energy waste and heat.