opinion on lighting for sps

[rmills]

http://reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104435.html

This is the link to lights I think I need. I want sps mostly but would like to add clams and some other species that require alot of light.
any help is appreciated.

 

[sadsak]

I would go with halides clams won't do t5s..
what size tank ? If you don't mind making your own top these are the way to go...

http://www.hellolights.com/arocu25rekit.html

all you need is a bulb i prefer 20k xm

 

[prodman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7448671#post7448671 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sadsak
I would go with halides clams won't do t5

]

Now thats completly false. You can keep sps and clams under t5. I personaly use mh but not cause I have to. sadsk check your facts before giving advise.

 

[sadsak]

prodman easy now! My facts are based on my own personal experiences . And you may have had different results, but I replied what I thought. Everyone is entitled to a opinion. (Even you concerning my reply).. I understand you can keep some sps and even a dersa clam under t5s, but he said he would like a sp dominant tank. You know as well as I that acros love light. You could only feed your dog every two weeks, but does that mean he would be happy? Or live a good life? That's my 2 cents.

 

[samsfishnchips]

I second prodman,

rmills,

as state by prodman, t-5 or mh will do clams and sps just fine, you just need to decide what you like ( the look is different, mh has shimmers, while t-5 don't, I love shimmer so mh is for me)

space, heat, ect

what size tank? on your sig you state 55g if so that light on the link is a excellent light for that tank, even four would do, but with 6 you will be able to keep just about anything,

good luck with your choice, and by any means don't do 400's mh on that little tank,

sam

 

[kellymm7149]

I agree with ? I know we have all seen some nice tanks out there with only t-5s but quite a few were also zeovit or the likes for a newbie i think the best choice would be mh. have a nice day gentleman

 

[samsfishnchips]

kellymm7149,

we have seem some t-5 tanks here in the US, but overseas, Europe t-5 is the big thing beating mh on intensity, overall coverage, longevity, custom color, efficiency, heat, ect,

sam

 

[rmills]

Thanks for all the input everyone. Its a 55 gal 48" long so if I decide to go mh what be a good choice in bulb selection, would it be better to go with 2 175 watt lights for this size tank? I want everything to be happy and grow not just barley get by.
Thanks again for all the input for a newbe

 

[sadsak]

2 175 watt lights.. Lights will work great if they're 20k then That's all you need, maybe some l.e.d. lights for moon lights and you may need a chiller and or fans. I live in Oklahoma and it gets hot here, and all I have is fans in my canopy. I stay about 80 and have had no ill effect so far... There is no wrong or right here... I use Hellolights and have liked their prices and service...


The bad thing is ...that everyone runs their own tanks diffently and so everyone's opinion is different. There are general rules but hopfully you know what I mean...

 

[s3aL]

A proper T5 setup will allow you to keep anything you desire. Matter fact, 4x54w T5's running on a IC ballast puts out more PAR then a 250w 14k MH bulb. It has already been tested by "Grimreefer". Matter fact, some people are having problems with TOO much light for some coral, but never not enough.