Need your thoughts on lighting a reef tank?

[photobret]

I am currently using a Tek 6 bulb 36" T5 setup and its great. I just purchased a LumenArc III reflector for MH so I could run 250w Phoenix 14k's on an E-Ballast. I had MH before but switched to T5 to try it out. I just installed the 250w and it doesnt seem as bright as my T5 system. IS the PAR going to be better for SPS with MH? My tank is 36x18x18....

Reason being I am trying to work out what to use on my new 48x30x24 150 gal tank. A T5 system for this is going to be soooo expensive but I already have everything for my MH setup for the 150gal, bar one more reflector.

So what I am trying to say is would you go with T5 or MH for a system like this?

Thanks,

B

 

[Mchava]

well it really depends on what you want to do. I am in the same delima as you. But if you go with t5s your best bet is the ati 8x54 or the 10x54 but then your looking at 1000-1250 for the set up alone. where as mh you only need 2x250 mh but you will most likely need a chiller.

 

[puttytang]

i had the same tank size with (2) 250w moguls (radiums)...i had one for a few months but the corners were not well lit.

 

[Mchava]

I think the one mh is not enogh for a tank. but if you add two then its a bigger difference. Now nice thing about t5 is that you can use less wattage but still lit the whole tank and that is why you see it brighter over all the mh will have more par.

 

[ODShaun]

sounds like your trying to be within a budget, My .02 is whats gonna be most beneficial to you in the long run. Yes you can do a retro kit with a MH and save very little money with the MH (maybe), but with your new tank demensions, 250's will do the job, but if your gonna do MH, do 400's.. So with that being said, you'll obviously have to deal with the heat that MH produces, bulb replacement (every 6 months @ 60.00 at least) Then your electrical bill...

If you go with the T5 route, do a solar flare 6 bulb w/ led's, or the constellation 7 bulb no led's, both have icecap ballasts, with individual reflectors, Or even the 8 bulb tek light. I would do any of those three i just mentioned. No need to explain the T5 since your a current T5 user... but hope this helps on your choice of a fixture. good luck to you..

 

[photobret]

My thoughts are this: If I'm going to do T5's I am going to do it properly, I have used the Teklite and its good, I would prefer something that is cooled hence a 10x 54w ATI module. I have had tanks before using 250w and this combined with the lumenarcs gives great coverage and is fine for the depth, also because of the pendants being 16" off the water heat isnt much of an issue. My Teklite produces amazing amounts of heat!!! Almost as much as a MH... I think I might have to bite the bullet and get the T5 system....