t5 or MH?

[Jedbreitsch]

So i want to set up a 30 gallon tank, either a breeder tank (36x18x12) or the regular dimensions... I want to keep LPS (torchs are my favorite, along with frogspawn, and hammer) but also some other corals as well but what lighting should i get? 250W MH with some t5's or a 4x24 W t5? wattage on the t5 fixture seems low... only 96. but im not sure what go get. Help me out here

 

[Jedbreitsch]

actually i found a t5 fixture 36" with a total of 156 w... 4x39... so is this good enough to keep all sorts of corals in a 30 gallon tank?

 

[jaybfresh]

With good reflectors and bulbs that would be good enough for any softies and LPS and a lot of SPS as well

 

[spinoleo]

As long as the t5 has good reflectors you can keep lps or sps

 

[mr86mister]

+2 on the good reflectors. The t5's are great on shallower systems. They also run cooler overall so you don't have to be too overly concerned about overheating your system.

 

[Jedbreitsch]

sounds good t5 fixture it is.. im going to have to DIY hanging kit

 

[titoav15]

I dont know if you are looking for new or used but check out tek lights at marine depot, the are on sale now

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

I think its a chicken or beef for dinner tonight type of question, but I do think 250W halide might be a wee bit strong for an lps tank. I might choose a higher end reflector and a smaller watt mh for that tank. For me it might come down to and electrical usage vs bulb replacement cost.

 

[Jacwil]

Although not listed as one of your options, maybe consider 2 or 3 Par 38's?

 

[museumguy]

T5 lighting with single bulb reflectors and you won't regret it

 

[klink88]

Although not listed as one of your options, maybe consider 2 or 3 Par 38's?

Agreed

LED's have the shimmer and intensity without the heat and electric bill of halides.

To save a lot of moneyif you want T-5 you could get this

http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-48in-4x54W-T5-HO-Light-Fixture-Extendable-p/52304.htm

And put in ice cap reflectors and ati bulbs.

If you just want softies and lps then you will be good without the mod. I am very happy with the stock 20" t-5 system. The bulbs on it are good but you can get a little more output with german bulbs.

 

[dubcity03]

i have a 24" 8x24w T5 on my 45 gal and i love it http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=71_190&products_id=1412

 

[klink88]

Not only is that expensive but it may be to wide for his tank.

 

[klink88]

So i want to set up a 30 gallon tank, either a breeder tank (36x18x12) or the regular dimensions... I want to keep LPS (torchs are my favorite, along with frogspawn, and hammer) but also some other corals as well but what lighting should i get? 250W MH with some t5's or a 4x24 W t5? wattage on the t5 fixture seems low... only 96. but im not sure what go get. Help me out here

Did you go to williamsville north high school?

 

[dubcity03]

ok but T5 is good

 

[Jedbreitsch]

yeah jedbreitsch is me.. klink must be brad.. i figured and i think im going to go with the tek light

 

[klink88]

Yeah its Klinkman

The tek light is good but it really doesnt have the look that a halide or led does. If you want the best quality T-5 fixture I would look into an ATI. They have the best reflectors and ballasts.

http://www.aquadirect.com/store/product.php?productid=34181&cat=0&page=43

Since the tek is around the same price, this is the best value. ATI is known for having the best T-5 systems out there.

 

[klink88]

Just checked marinedepot and that is a really good price for a tek, but the ati is still better.

 

[klink88]

the tek doesnt have true individual reflectors. It has "bent" reflectors which arent as good.

 

[Johnny C]

I vote T5!

I vote T5!

the tek doesnt have true individual reflectors. It has "bent" reflectors which arent as good.

False; Tek lights do in fact have individual parabolic reflectors, unlike the Odyssey and Catalina fixtures linked earlier which do have one single ''bent'' reflector.

Coming from someone who has owned both Tek and ATI; unless you are trying to keep high-light SPS, the Tek is a good quality fixture and will work great (especially with German bulbs). JMO!

PS- Jed; have you considered a 40BR? It's probably the most commonly used reef aquarium under 65G. Great viewing dimensions, and the extra 10G of water can help.