T5HO or MH for 90g

[SaltyTX]

Typical 90g tank, 4' long, about 20" high about 18" deep

I have 2 175 MH bulbs I could use or sell...

The other option...I have an 8 bulb 4' long T5HO fixture I could use. The bulbs are 54w each and have highly polished individual reflectors. What if I only ran 6 bulbs would that be enough light?

As of now, just some soft corals/zoas and a gbta. two clowns two damsels. Thats what I have now to go in the tank once its up and going.

I might do a little fragging in the future, but not at the moment.


Which would you prefer and why?

 

[stooges3tx]

Go with the T-5s. At that depth they will do the job and look better than the Halides. IMO.

 

[Nereaga]

A standard 90g is 48''x24''x18''. Those dimensions you gave is of a 75g tank, just an FYI...

IMO, once again IMO, I would go with the T5 setup. 8 bulbs would be great! And I would think the 6 bulbs would work aswell. I had a 75g tank and used 6x54w bulbs and kept everything under the sun, and it all grew fast!

Where you live, Mh's in the summer will be heating up the tank quite a bit. You could use them but you might want to look into a chiller if things get too hot and temp is unstable.

HTH,

Brad

 

[ellinas]

I agree T5s are the way to go. I have the Aquactinics Constellation (7x54) and they are fantastic. Look sleek and put out some great light. They can support pretty much anything in the tank.

 

[SaltyTX]

Well. Sweeet! I'll sell the MH setup. I dont really like them personally (due to heat and the color is just....well, washed out most of the time) Yaay. More money for me to buy stuff with!!


Sorry about the dimensions I was just guessing on the height and such as its still in the back of my pickup! I dont have anyone to help unload it yet Hopefully tonight.

 

[SaltyTX]

Eh.......what about a 3 foot 6x39 watt? still enough coverage ya think?

Hopefully it will be 8x39w, but it depends on what is wrong with those 2 bulbs..

 

[SaltyTX]

un bumpola

 

[Logzor]

I would not use a 3 foot fixture on a 4 foot tank. It will look very awkward.

 

[SaltyTX]

it would be in a canopy..unless you mean light splash somehow?

 

[doublejesus]

I have 6x 36" running on an icecap on my 90gal and it was great! just centered it and it looks good, my corals grow fine but I don't have anything way out on the extreme edge of the tank either.