My lighting options... pros and cons
- Thread starter jcjrogers
- Start date
I had thought about 26HDs but was thinking 4 fixtures. I read that (2) 26HD fixtures have 25% more output than (1) 52HD, meaning (4) 26HDs would be equivalent to (3) 52 HDs. I backed off the idea due to the mounting costs ($100 per fixture), which seemed like a lot and even though the 26HDs could be better placed, the (3) HDs would have 12 pucks compared to only 8 pucks with (4) 26HDs. I can see where (5) 26 HDs would be better than (4), but if I mount to the tank, that's $500 just for mounting, which makes it pretty expensive.
I also appreciate the civility and am not trying to tout one technology over the other as my only experience is with MH/PCs and stand alone VHOs so I'm ignorant in regards to the newer technologies. I openly admit that my opinions are solely based on what I've seen on videos, read, etc.
I also appreciate the civility and am not trying to tout one technology over the other as my only experience is with MH/PCs and stand alone VHOs so I'm ignorant in regards to the newer technologies. I openly admit that my opinions are solely based on what I've seen on videos, read, etc.
Thanks for the kind words.
You can see how mine are mounted, just on the AI rails suspended. Wasn't any more expensive to mount 1 26 or 5.
I would happily have less pucks if they are split up more.
I am NOT saying it's the case in this thread at all, but I do want to restate how important I feel it is to see people's tanks before taking advise. I see so many threads about people poo-pooing this technology or that one while really advocating some particular equipment but when you see their tank it's less than impressive. It's easy to forget that and just blindly follow advise. Again, not saying it's the case here, just something to keep in mind.
Really there are great lighting choices with any tech, sit back and enjoy the tank!
You can see how mine are mounted, just on the AI rails suspended. Wasn't any more expensive to mount 1 26 or 5.
I would happily have less pucks if they are split up more.
I am NOT saying it's the case in this thread at all, but I do want to restate how important I feel it is to see people's tanks before taking advise. I see so many threads about people poo-pooing this technology or that one while really advocating some particular equipment but when you see their tank it's less than impressive. It's easy to forget that and just blindly follow advise. Again, not saying it's the case here, just something to keep in mind.
Really there are great lighting choices with any tech, sit back and enjoy the tank!
For an SPS tank, I would use 150W HQI halides and a few T5 bulbs. They are low energy and put out more and higher quality light than an equal wattage LED panel. You can get 14k phoneix and 20k radium bulbs for them - you can use the 14K phoenix for two years. You can probably get a used AquaMedic or Giseman fixture for a fraction of a panel that will run flawlessly for years to come. Many people have upgraded their LEDs since I last changed my MH bulbs - there is not as much savings there as everybody thinks or says.
I have heard people say that 150W HQI are a "good compromise," but they are really best of breed for a low-wattage SPS tank.
I have heard people say that 150W HQI are a "good compromise," but they are really best of breed for a low-wattage SPS tank.
ReefCowboy
New member
If I were to go brand new light, would go Giesemann Spectra, with E5's T5 Led bulbs for blues.
I went Led and am very happy with the results, but if ever went back old school, giesemann makes "Old" look very sharp and contemporary!
I went Led and am very happy with the results, but if ever went back old school, giesemann makes "Old" look very sharp and contemporary!
For an SPS dominant tank especially, you wont find a better option than Metal Halide + T5. It's the best you can do IMO. I'd make that your first choice.
If you are set on the 3 choices you listed, I'd go with the ATI fixture 1st. (Frankly, I think it is way over priced though.)
Kessil had their AP700 on their booth tank at RAP and the first thing I noticed was how much shadowing it had. You wont have that issue with the T5 unit
If you are set on the 3 choices you listed, I'd go with the ATI fixture 1st. (Frankly, I think it is way over priced though.)
Kessil had their AP700 on their booth tank at RAP and the first thing I noticed was how much shadowing it had. You wont have that issue with the T5 unit
zooman72
New member
IMO, four of the 26's would do it, and fit well within your budget - $350x4 + $75x4 = $1700, and the new tank mounts would allow you to keep them up a bit higher than what is typically seen, which really helps with spread and reduces shading with multiple fixtures.
hart24601's aquarium is a great example of what can be done with that fixture, and think he would probably be able to run with 4 of them if they were a bit higher, which the new tank mounts allow one to do too.
