options on getting more light

[sm fragman]

here we go i have a 3'2'2' tank sps i have about 6 spsp right now in there doing ok curent lighting is 1 250 watt hqi 20k and 2 36" vho atinic and 2 36" atinic white ,,most intence light being in the 12 inch center of the tank ,,thinking of getting a little more light in there ,,opion 1 adding 4 t5 inplace of the vho 2 atinic pluss and 2 blue .option 2 add another 250 watt hqi the extra hallide will coast 100 more then the t5 addition ,,what do you all think ,,, thanks shawn

 

[jciotti]

I would add another halide or upgrade your reflector to a lumenarc or something simialr to get better coverage.

 

[RichConley]

replace the VHOs with T5s.


More light, less electricity. you win,

 

[sm fragman]

we are at 1 for 1 i do win bothe ways wiht the t5 though

thanks guys

 

[rockindacheeks]

i was trying to decide if i wanted to add another halide lamp on my tank...(36x16x24)

 

[sm fragman]

anyone else have a thought on the matter

 

[coreno16]

I'd say go with the extra halide. I think that would give you the most noticeable improvement over your current setup.
What also might be interresting to try out is a small angle of each reflector towards the middle of the tank. Something like an 8# angle would be subtle but would also give your tank a cool dusk/dawn effect with your halides. Something like actinics on at 10:00, Left halide on at 11:30, Right halide on at 12:30. Left halide off at 7:30, right halide off at 8:30, Actinics off at 10:00. Just a thought.

Goodluck,
Cory

 

[msn711]

I have a 36x18x14 with 2x150w MH. If you get another mh, you won't have to upgrade later if you get a 4 ft tank. If you get the t5s, you will have to upgrade again later. Personally, I would go with 2x250w 14K MHs and sell the VHOs.

 

[sm fragman]

thanks guys thinking ofd the mh like you said i will have to get it sooner then later anyway for the upgrade in a couple of year,,i run hqis so i will have to get another unit too ,,thanks

 

[sm fragman]

anyopne else have a opinion or thought

 

[Wiskey]

I personally would go with 2 150W 10K MH for that tank, and leave the VHO.

Whiskey

 

[blstravler]

I would add another 250.

 

[sm fragman]

going to 2 150 s is not an option would coast to much money then the other 2 options and would be of no use to me in a upgrade ,,or woould it ,,thanks guys