Currently I am running 4-160w VHO's, 1-400w MH and 1-250w MH on a 150 gal reef. Inhabitents: 4-clams, 1-green carpet, SPS corals (mostly millipora, porsillapora, many softies). My question is I am looking at decreasing my electric consumption by switching to 12- 39w T-5 lights. I know this will save energy, but what about my inhabitents? Can the clams survive? green carpet? Looking for some answers before proceeding.
Trying to save on electric bill
- Thread starter seasponge
- Start date
triggerjay
New member
If you are trying to save on your electric bill, get another hobby! 
Jason
Jason
Poorcollegereef
Future Doc
I would cut back on the amount of time those lights are on. I am not sure if a 39w t5 would be able to provide decent light beyond a 1/3 of you tank depending on the depth. I would cut out the VHO and only use 2 to supplement the 400MH. Switch to lighing the tank for 6 hours of full light (everything on). Also, other appliances might be easier for the "addicted" like myself, to decrease their power consumption. For example, I put my hotwater heater on a timer and changed over to all floresent lights not including my 400MH monster. If Air Conditioning your living space is an issue, switch the lights to run either in the the morning or evenings and not during the heat of the day
Henry Bowman
Reefing since '87
I did a BUNCH of research on T5's before proceeding with my current 90gl tank. I have previously owned MH lamps and had the same concerns.
I have found in my tank and what others have reported. You can successfully grow anything in a T5 tank that you can with MH lights. I use a Aquactinics Solar Flare and am quite happy with it. The caveat here is that you need to actively cool the t5 lamps and use good reflectors. The T5's lose a significant ammt of par if they are allowed to heat up. Individual reflectors are what really causes the T5's to be so efficient. Aquactinics makes a good light set up as well, I have heard the new ATI units are good.
I have found in my tank and what others have reported. You can successfully grow anything in a T5 tank that you can with MH lights. I use a Aquactinics Solar Flare and am quite happy with it. The caveat here is that you need to actively cool the t5 lamps and use good reflectors. The T5's lose a significant ammt of par if they are allowed to heat up. Individual reflectors are what really causes the T5's to be so efficient. Aquactinics makes a good light set up as well, I have heard the new ATI units are good.
currently my lighting schedule is as follows: 9:00am first actinic VHO's (2) come on, then at 9:30 am my second set on VHO's come on (white and blue), then at 10:30am my MH's come on. All stay on until a reverse order starts at 6:00pm with the MH going off. Then at 9:30 pm the blue and white VHO's turn off, then followed at 10:00 pm the actinic's turn off.
Yes I know if I want to decrease my electric bill to get a new hobby, just as get rid of my hot tub and pool.
no AC to worry about. As lights burn out in the house been replacing with the screw in flourescent bulbs.
Just trying to figure out ways to reduce costs, as times here in Michigan "getting" heck have been real tough.
Yes I know if I want to decrease my electric bill to get a new hobby, just as get rid of my hot tub and pool.
no AC to worry about. As lights burn out in the house been replacing with the screw in flourescent bulbs.
Just trying to figure out ways to reduce costs, as times here in Michigan "getting" heck have been real tough.
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