T5HO Help!

YoYoel16

YoYoel16

New member
Hello everyone,
I'm posting this because over my 125 I currently have a 4X54W fixture off of eBay with 2 ATI BLUE+ and 2 ATI CORAL+
I've always wanted to keep sps but I feel like 216W even pretty high up in the tank won't be enough. After looking around (with a tight price range of $300) I found a 6X54W fixture on eBay and looks pretty promising, for $140 I think I can't beat it.
I'm posting this because I'm seeking help and advice on any fixture in my price range that I'm unaware of or any help on growing sps under T5's; anything will help really

I'll put the link to the lights so everyone can check them out and feel free to tell me what you guys think.

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/310901236151

Btw the tanks dimensions are
60" X 24" X 20"
Thanks,
Yoel
 
Have you considered a hydroponics growing light? You can get 8x54w that have individual reflectors for around $150. Output will be better than the one in the link but may not look as good.
 
Remember that quality individul reflectors can make or break a t5 system.

If you have a canopy you can get a good quality reto system for a good price.
 
like mentioned above individual reflectors play a big role in efficiency, however so does fixture cooling and ballasts.

some of the cheaper fixtures use under wattage ballasts that will fire the bulb but not run it up to output spec, also output decreases if they get too toasty.
 
ug.mac said:
Have you considered a hydroponics growing light? You can get 8x54w that have individual reflectors for around $150. Output will be better than the one in the link but may not look as good.
Click to expand...


I just looked one up on eBay and it really looks light a great deal
Thanks everyone for giving me a heads up on the reflectors, I never really considered the importance of the individual reflectors

I found this one that looks like it fits my needs because I have a pretty limited canopy hood with about 20" clearance to hang the light so I always took that into consideration.

Here's the light, looks pretty nice and I really like the setup, let me know what you guys think and thanks again, I didn't expect to get this much help

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/381450519869
Thanks,
Yoel
 
My opinion - i dont like it, looks like 1 reflector for every 2 bulbs and just a half moon shape reflector which isnt very effective. Then add in an extra $120 for good bulbs.

I know you wanna go cheap but remember besides water quality lights are what keep corals alive and thriveing. I would say if you wanna stick with softies, and most lps that light would be fine. But im not sure i would try it with sps or anemones.

To give you an idea here is a quality fixture if you can get a view of the reflectors you can see how they have alot of bends in them and are made from very reflective material.
http://www.hellolights.com/Hellolig...archPage=1&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12
 
Now thinking about it a bit, how can a stop these lamps from getting salt creed, any diy options or some acrylic slides that re sold?
 
shifty51008 said:
My opinion - i dont like it, looks like 1 reflector for every 2 bulbs and just a half moon shape reflector which isnt very effective. Then add in an extra $120 for good bulbs.

I know you wanna go cheap but remember besides water quality lights are what keep corals alive and thriveing. I would say if you wanna stick with softies, and most lps that light would be fine. But im not sure i would try it with sps or anemones.

To give you an idea here is a quality fixture if you can get a view of the reflectors you can see how they have alot of bends in them and are made from very reflective material.
http://www.hellolights.com/Hellolig...archPage=1&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12
Click to expand...


Oh wow!! You're right, I've been looking and haven't come up on something yet, I just wanna pull about 300+ Watts and have good spread and have some good growth as well.

It sounds pretty nit-picky, but I guess I just wanna find the best bang for my buck
I'm definitely gonna keep on searching and thanks shifty! You've really set up a big pointer on how and what to look for in fixtures! I'll post if I find anything and won't make a purchase without hearing both sides, again I'm new to sps so I wanna hear from people with experience!
Thanks everyone,
Yoel
 
Im glad i can help, trust me i went through what your going through now except i didnt research enough and went the cheap route to start, lets just say i've learned lol.

Good for you on researching first, you keep that up and you will do just fine in this hobby.
 
Hey guys, I know this is a bit off topic but I was thinking about it and I've been wanting to make the switch for a while...

These guys have wifi and an app that makes the fully controllable

Let me know what you guys think, they're in my price range and I'm feeling pretty good about them... Any thoughts, please let me know!

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/311503800212

Thanks,
Yoel
 
That's very true, I'm actually reading a thread on people who have readings of 500 to 700 PAR at depths of 18" with these lights
Idk I want to make the switch but I feel like I need that push...
 
If you haven't attempted SPS, may I suggest easy SPS first like a green slimmer, birds nest or platting montipora. Water quality is as important as lighting. Do your home work and keep your system up to snuff and you should have success with SPS.
 
I've been doing some research and found that one of the biggest mistakes with LED's is the acclimation process. If done incorrectly, they will bleach all of the corals.
I'm still pretty hesitant but you're right Flippers4pups, water quality is just as important

So what do you guys think, Should I make the switch?
Yoel
 
Last picture before the LED's are installed everyone!

372b6b0b0a3a916aa34da617714906dc.jpg



Got a great deal for these three fixture for $268

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/191632632359

Like I said, I've been meaning to take the initiative and make the switch and I feel there's no better time for it,
Thanks everyone for the help, can't wait to keep you guys updated!
 
There is still getting the spectrum right and par with leds along with shadeing. But alot of people use those lights so youll get plenty of help. But youll still get the shadeing. Good luck and keep us posted.
 
Thanks shifty, I read up on some threads about acclimating corals for about 1-2 months so I'll have to keep that in mind
I also got three fixtures since the tank is 5ft long and each fixture covers about 2ft each, I wanted to make sure I eliminated the "middle shadow" as much as possible; anyways thanks for everything, I might make a thread for the tank for future follows up so I'll let everyone know
Thanks,
Yoel
 
Im talking about under the corals. Youll have enough coverage accross the tank thats for sure :D but with sps when they grow leds cant reach the lower parts of them so the bottoms die off. But youll do fine, just keep your water good.

Make a build thread, we all love pics :D
 
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