Lighting recommendation for SPS Corals

[ashnat]

I would like to get into more of the SPS corals but I'm not real sure what my lighting options are for my tank. I have a 55gal reef tank that is doing very well and has some SPS corals that don't require as high a level of light as others. I have a power compact system but I know metal halide is needed for most. Will a T5 system work as well or is it only comparable to power compacts?

 

[dragonforce]

I would go with 2x250 MH fixtures over that 55g.

http://cgi.ebay.com/250-watt-MH-Gro...ryZ42225QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

You need 2x of these ballasts

http://cgi.ebay.com/250W-14k-SE-Met...5QQihZ015QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

A few 14k bulbs would be nice

http://cgi.ebay.com/14-Metal-Halide...ryZ46314QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Some nice reflectors, and a few extension chordes to wire it all up.

This will set you back about 300 bucks and you will have a totally dialed in 55g reef with enough light to support anything you want at the lowest cost possible. Good luck!

 

[ashnat]

Thanks for the feedback. Are metal halides that much better then T5's? I'm not sure I want to build my own light system. How easy is it to do what you are proposing?

 

[REMF]

MH are NOT necessary for SPS coral growth, T5ho is a very good option if done correctly, if you did not want MH for whatever reason. There are many thread's that compare the 2 of them.

There are also some great pix by a few members with outstanding coral growth with just T5's. NewSchool04 comes to mind right off the bat, see link
HERE

 

[ashnat]

I am looking at a 4X54Watt T5 TEK Light for $230 without the bulbs. I assume that would be sufficient for my 55gal tank. When you say T5's are a good option if done right, what do you mean. What bulbs should be used?

Thanks

 

[REMF]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9037757#post9037757 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ashnat
When you say T5's are a good option if done right, what do you mean.

There are many units with T5ho's that do not have indv. reflectors. You really need indiv. reflectors for the punch of T5's. The tek light is a very good light.

 

[EnderG60]

honestly I love Halides, but for a 55g 2 250's would get that thing pretty hot. T5's would probly be a better choice.

For the same basic costs(about $300) you can do a 6 bulb setup.

 

[NewSchool04]

Thanks for the plug REMF! Kind of surprising to see your name pop up when you're just cruising RC.

Those T5's would be great for your tank but remember ashnat that it really doesn't matter what lights you chose between T5's or MH, it's how healthy your tank is. You could give any of the TOTM winners MH or T5 and they would be successful. Not because of the lights, but because they keep their systems stable and water quality is near perfect.

 

[ashnat]

Thanks NewSchool. I think I will go with the 4X54Watt Tek light system since it will fit my tank. The seller carries the Geisemann T5 bulbs. Could you recommend a set of four bulbs for me?

 

[NewSchool04]

Both the Giesemann and the ATI's are very good. I would say a mix between two of the Giesemann 11K Aquablues and two of Giesemann Actinic Plus should give you a nice 14K'ish look and great growth.

Good luck!

 

[ashnat]

Thanks for the feedback. Love your tank by the way.

 

[NewSchool04]

Thanks ashnat!

 

[REMF]

NewSchool04,

Hope you don’t mind me using your tank as a great example of what T5’s can do. I have admired what you have done with T5’s since before your crash (sorry to bring up bad memories) and what you have done since.

It just bothers me when people say you NEED MH to grow SPS.

I have a 5 x 54w retro on my 75g sys and it’s 2 much light for some of my monties at mid level so they are at the bottom.

BEARS win the NFC , I am a vikings fan but wo ho for the NFC N.

 

[NewSchool04]

I don't mind one bit REMF, it's a compliment.

How bout dem' Bears!!!!