T5 vs. Metal Halide fixtue

[msl5078]

Hi Everyone,

So I would like to get some opinions on lighting for a 90 gallon mixed reef (SPS Dominated Tank). Awhile ago I got a 6x54 watt Nova USA T5 fixture, but I also just picked up the coralife aquapro that has 2x150watt metal halides and 2 pc lights w/ moonlights. What fixture do you think I should use for my SPS tank and what fixture should I get rid of?

thanks,
mike

 

[nikon187]

T5 will be fine for a standard 90 gallon tank ( 24 inch depth) If i was going to go halide, it would be 250w ( better bulb options )

 

[troyman]

i would go with halides lighting is more intense

 

[bearface]

yeah i also would go with halides or 2 ai sol's
halides will be a better choice but only if you went with 250w,150watt mh's would act similar to the 6 bulb t5's

either go with 250's or two ai sol's both will cost close to the same if you buy everything but in the long run the aqua illumination sols will be better.

 

[bearface]

oh and forgot to add...you could just sell those two you have and easily fund 3/4 of the money needed for the sol's

 

[Playa-1]

It sounds like unless you're going to keep the sps in the top of the tank then you will likely want more light. Consider a MH 2x 250w system or a high end in LED system.

 

[ganjero]

oh and forgot to add...you could just sell those two you have and easily fund 3/4 of the money needed for the sol's

You need at least 4 sol to properly light a regular 90g tank.

to the OP.

Is the nova the pro version? if it is, that can perfectly work for a your tank as long as you have the right bulbs.

The coralife could work but it would need to be really close to the tank if you want to keep SPS anywhere, but this can create heat issues. Proper coral placement would be important too.

 

[msl5078]

The nova is the model with 6 T5HO bulbs, not that fixture that has eight.

 

[ganjero]

The pro has 6 bulbs. Does it have just one big metal reflector? or the one that is bent to form individual reflector for each bulb? If it has the "individual" reflectors formed that fixture along with good bulbs should big a good fit for a 90g tank, and I would sell the coralife.