t5 lighting

[jgsensor]

Any one know of any links/sites documenting t5 lighting only use on large tanks (30" deep)? I am trying to research replacing my MH on a 375gal 30" deep tank with T5's. It would save a ton of energy out in Ca. if it is possible.

 

[sedor]

Everything i've always read (and its been a lot because I almost went T5) says that T5 i just as good as MH at depths up to about 30". Anything deeper than that is pushing the limit and you probably won't be satisfied with the results. On a tank that size I wouldn't put anything other than 400W MH's. I know thats basically the worst case scenario for you, but larger tanks cost more money.

I could be wrong, don't take my words as religion.

 

[jgsensor]

Thanks Ryan, I am running a mix of 250/400 MH with T5's and yes I know these tanks cost a lot to run. Even more so out here with our high energy costs. I have heard rumor T5 can be run on 30" deep tanks but have never seen results or growth rates/color on it. Would love to save the energy cost, but don't really want to spend lots of money on something I won't be happy with. Would rather spend my money on my MH and be happy with the tank.

 

[RoWall]

Here's a link to the T5 only TOTM that's 30 deep. I say go T5, you wan't regret it!

 

[RoWall]

sorry, here it is

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-10/totm/index.php

 

[Lightsluvr]

Re: t5 lighting

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15546480#post15546480 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jgsensor
Any one know of any links/sites documenting t5 lighting only use on large tanks (30" deep)? I am trying to research replacing my MH on a 375gal 30" deep tank with T5's. It would save a ton of energy out in Ca. if it is possible.

I would recommend that you go over to the RC T5 Q&A Thread and pose your question to GrimReefer. IMO, he is the T5 guru and has the experience to back his advice. He won't steer you wrong.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1677547

JME.

LL

 

[jgsensor]

Thanks for the links guys. I checked out Pauls latest build thread, amazing tank, and looks like it is possible to run the T5's as long as I can run enough. On that note 1500w is the same power use no matter what type of lighting it is, the only savings would be the heat issue. Since I run an Eco-cooler, not a chiller my cost to cool my tank is minimal. I will try to browse the T5 thread later tonight when I have more time (that's a long thread). Thanks again for the help.

 

[zachtos]

Based on the last 2.5 years of my usage, T5 can't do better then 250-500 PAR at 6-12" depths. I have never been able to get my SPS to grow (atleast at a good rate) at depths over 15". I can grow everything else at the bottom though, but not SPS. I also have a hard time getting Blue corals in particular to have colored polyps, they tend to go brown on me very fast, as do many others... even at the 500 PAR zone. I have 25,000 gph surges in my 240G SPS reef and no nitrates/phosphates, so it has to be lighting preventing me from getting colored polyps. coral flesh is colored though, just not the polyps.