Lighting

[Oklahomareefer]

Ok guys and gals,

We are getting ready to start ordering items for the 112g. We want to get everyones opinion on the two light systems that we are choosing between. They are

Odyssea 48" 216W (4 x 54W) T5 HO x 2

or

Odyssea 48" Metal Halide System 608W total output


Which would you pick and why?

Our tank is going to be 48x30x18 and we want to be able to have a COMPLETE mixed reef tank

Thanks in advance :beer:

 

[cjilge]

t5's all the way! less heat, and easy to change the look or color of the tank with the change of a single bulb. Usually about the same $$ on bulb replacement. I run t5's and love them. however they don't have the shimmer that MH has.

 

[Oklahomareefer]

I like the shimmer but am after the glowing. With the deminsions of the tank the T5's should allow us to keep a well mixed reef right? like clams, LPS and SPS

 

[mikencarol]

Nice NEW avatar...that looks familiar.........!!!!!

 

[Oklahomareefer]

Thanks Mike! I need to stop being lazy and take recent pics but you know how that goes lol

 

[Lytehouse]

t5's all the way! Less heat, and easy to change the look or color of the tank with the change of a single bulb. Usually about the same $$ on bulb replacement. I run t5's and love them. However they don't have the shimmer that mh has.

+1

 

[Oklahomareefer]

Would a black light work for the glowing effect of the corals at night?

 

[mikencarol]

I think cjilge uses the color combination of bulbs that Reefgeek suggests...but I'n not sure where everybody buys bulbs....I know I need 16 new 48" bulbs...I'll have to sell my oldest son to afford it........

 

[madkat]

This is where I get my lamps from.

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/

 

[gws76]

Would a black light work for the glowing effect of the corals at night?

No

 

[cjilge]

if you want them to "glow" use more actinic or blue led's something around the 420nm. Here is the list of bulbs in order from front to back. Mine looks a little whiter but all corals pop pretty good. I plan on adding a few leds for a more blue look.

ati blue+
ati pro color
ati blue +
ati aquablue special
ati blue +
ati aquablue special

 

[madkat]

on my 150 this is what I ran from front to back.

ATI
Blue plus
Fiji Purple
Blue Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus
Aqua blue


on the new 180 this is what I will run, per grim reefer

front to back
ATI Blue plus
ATI Purple Plus
ATI Blue plus
GE 6500 K Daylight
ATI Blue plus
ATI Purple Plus
ATI Blue plus
ATI Blue plus