PC vs T5 lighting

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10068073#post10068073 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rsw686
Thats good to know, probably why the light doesn't come with it. I defiantly want the splash shield since I'm not going to be hanging the light.

also the reflective coating used by sunlight supply stains easily i can tell you that first hand

i have been seriously considering switching from 2x250w 20k halide to a 36 inch aquatinics fixture

many people experience bleaching from too much light when they first add their t5s even when replacing halides

 

[GSMguy]

Check out these all t5 sps tanks you will be blown away

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1083336

 

[HowardW]

<<< I didn't think I could stock hard corals which required lots of light without MH thats why I've been sticking to soft corals. Your saying that the Aquatinics will give me enough light to do so? >>>


Old wives tale.....you can keep just about anything under the right T5 setup (right reflectors, right bulbs, right ballasts) up to about 2' deep or so, the point is they are overkill and extra expense for those not requiring all that light.

 

[rsw686]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10068096#post10068096 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
Check out these all t5 sps tanks you will be blown away

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1083336

Wow this is amazing. 75 gal with 6 54w bulbs. With 5 54w on a 90 I should be able to have something similar.

Thanks for all the help , I didn't even know about Aquatinics. Just gotta build the stand and buy everything.

 

[HBtank]

Get the Aquatinics and you will not need another light, and can get the corals/clams you did not think you could. It will always come back to get you if you limit yourself with equipment, but really ARE interested in keeping the species that equipment demands.

Seriously, you will regret not spending that 80 bicks.

I have a 4/65 orbit collecting dust in the garage to prove it..

I choce to retrofit my canopy with icecaps. But there was not as high quality fixtures when I was choosing. If anything I have too much light...

 

[HowardW]

If however you've already decided between the Tek and the Aquactinics, I would go with the Aquactinics hands down.

IMO, the Tek fixture is/was primarily a greenhouse fixture 'converted' for use for aquariums by adding an extra power cord and painting the shell to prevent corrosion and has no active cooling. The Aquactinics fixture is an excellent ground up design for use with marine tanks and has active cooling and a superior bulb layout.

 

[GSMguy]

im glad you have decided on the aquatinics it is a very nice light and made in the USA