Should I switch to T5?

[Kataro]

I'm thinking of going from MH to T5.. Currently I run 2 250W 20k Radium on my 150G tank (48"x36"x20"). I wanted to go T5 to get a more even spread of light / par throughout the tank.

I was thinking of getting the ATI 8x54W fixture. How would this compare to the 2 MH I have now? My tank is SPS dominated. Thanks for your help :spin1:

 

[rtparty]

If your tank is SPS dominate and 36" front to back, I would be looking at the 10 bulb, minimum.

That or run 2 ATI Sunpowers in the 6x54w version. That will give you coverage everywhere in the tank. It might be cheaper upfront too. The extra wattage and bulb replacements will add up though over time.

 

[NYCBOB]

8x54w t5 may be enough, but really depends on ur rockwork and setup. 8x54 will cover 16 inches front to back.

 

[FTK2379]

+1 for 10 bulb for this tank size... I chnaged from MH to T-5 and never going back- Love that I have a variety of Par to work with I have all SPS and I have the Combo that I like that works and gives off the best growth and coloration... Two thumbs down for MH at least for me...

 

[Kataro]

I have 2 island as my rockword. Both are about 25" long,

 

[rtparty]

8x54w t5 may be enough, but really depends on ur rockwork and setup. 8x54 will cover 16 inches front to back.

8 bulbs will cover 24 inches front to back in most cases.

Rule of thumb is one bulb for every 3". Depending on your rockwork though you can bend the rule.

If you want to flood all 36" with light, you will more than likely want 12 bulbs. If you want to just cover your rocks and most of the sand, 10 bulbs will do.

I would not recommend an 8 bulb fixture over that tank.

Just my opinion.

 

[Crusinjimbo]

+1 on at least 10 T5s

 

[Kataro]

So can't get away with the 8 bulbs huh? I measure my SPS and currently they're within the 24" range. Though I do have stuff towards the front / back of the tank but they don't need much light

 

[NYCBOB]

my ati sunpower 6x54w measures rougly 48x13 inches. a 8x54w will cover roughtly 3 inches more directly over the corals. of course 10x54 would be better, but really depends on the rockwork and coral placement.

 

[chilwil84]

what reflector do you have for your mh. a reflector that gets better spread may be all you need. you could add a couple t5s to change the color a little if you want.

 

[nanojg]

So can't get away with the 8 bulbs huh? I measure my SPS and currently they're within the 24" range. Though I do have stuff towards the front / back of the tank but they don't need much light

With a tank that is only 20" tall I think you could hang an 8 bulb ATI fixture about 10" off the water and get decent spread and still plenty of power down at the sand.

However, with that size tank i would stick with the 2x 250 mh's and switch the reflectors to lumenarcs.

 

[nanojg]

Are you running the Radiums on a spec ballast? HQI

 

[smoyer]

why dont you just keep the MH and add a couple t5s

 

[Kataro]

Since It's not in a canopy, adding some T5 might look a bit weird (to me).

I have it on a Lumen Bright Mini Pendant. One is using Icecap Ballast and the other a Blue Wave 3 Ballast.

 

[nanojg]

Is the blue wave much brighter? Radiums on icecap = very low par

 

[Kataro]

I believe the Blue wave is much brighter.

 

[nanojg]

Yeah, radiums are made to be fired on HQI ballasts (at around 300 watts I believe). The readium on an electronic ballast is not that great, low par and I believe it shortens the life of the bulb.