whichever light I need for sps?? (Sorrry for my english)
- Thread starter Kike12
- Start date
gar732
New member
If you ask a MH guy they will tell you MH, If you ask a T5 guy they will tell you T5. In the end you're going to have to figure out what works best for your budget and your setup. I always wanted to go with MH but couldn't due to too much heat and I did not want to get a chiller. I ended up going with T5s and could not be happier. My corals look and are growing great, I have no heat issues, and my electric bill is a little less than it would be otherwise.
If you decide to go with T5s, I would suggest a 4x39w fixture with good individual reflectors and quality bulbs. You should be able to keep just about anything you want with that setup on a 30gal.
If you decide to go with T5s, I would suggest a 4x39w fixture with good individual reflectors and quality bulbs. You should be able to keep just about anything you want with that setup on a 30gal.
In 50 gallon tank only soft coral how many watts of ligh do i need....??
kaserpick
Keeping it Simple
I don't mean to come across as argumentative, but I've used a 250w MH (Phoenix) on a 30g breeder. I didn't have big temp swings, and it stayed at 78 F. I did have a ceiling fan on all the time.
On the other hand, considering a chiller wouldn't be a bad idea.
Everyone's different; I've used both on small systems, and I like them both. Find what works for you.
reefsic
New member
I don't mean to come across as argumentative, but I've used a 250w MH (Phoenix) on a 30g breeder. I didn't have big temp swings, and it stayed at 78 F. I did have a ceiling fan on all the time.
On the other hand, considering a chiller wouldn't be a bad idea.
Everyone's different; I've used both on small systems, and I like them both. Find what works for you.
Obviously, every setup is different depending on location, size, duration of use, etc. Based on my own experience, I ran 2x400w MH on a 100g RR 8hrs a day and my temp was no where near 78F bro. Dunno where your from, but I reside in CA where we get 76F climate year-round!
kaserpick
Keeping it Simple
Again, I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes.
I live in Va. Beach, and while your area of CA gets a steady temp. in the upper 70's, VA gets well into the upper 80's and 90's during the summer. Although, inside my apartment it stays around 72-74F. Location really isn't that important if you're using a good air conditioner in your home. I did have a 65g with 2x250w halides that had to have a chiller. Since the 30g breeder was only 12" tall (and if his is a 30g, it's most likely under 18 inches), I could keep my 250w over a foot above my tank. This allowed for better air circulation, which in turn, allowed my ceiling fan to do the job.
A chiller isn't a bad idea though. Once my AC broke I was screwed until I bought a window unit to keep the room cool.
So, if you can't keep your home somewhere under 76 degrees, then you should definitely get a chiller when using MH's.
On a side note, Reefsic, I in no way, shape, or form wish to tell you that you're wrong. I like T5's (have a 6 bulb ATI PM over my 30g now), but I like MH's too. I just want to make sure people get balanced information.
This will better allow them to make an educated decision, which in turn, will help keep them from wasting money on something they might not like but decided to buy because it's 'the best'. You're not wrong in promoting T5's or saying they're efficient. I stand by you on that, even though my new DT will go back to MH's w/o a chiller. Sorry if I offended.
Last edited:
reefsic
New member
^^^^
I agree!
No offense taken kaserpick...I was just trying to point out that the result will vary depeding on the tank i.e powerheads, fans, duration of photoperiod, and just as you stated...height of fixture, etc.
In Ca, the elec companies here charge an arm and a leg so we try to survive by craking a window open and avoid using the AC as much as possible. If I had the luxury of running the AC 24/7, I'm sure my Tank Temp would drop a couple degrees!!!
I agree!
No offense taken kaserpick...I was just trying to point out that the result will vary depeding on the tank i.e powerheads, fans, duration of photoperiod, and just as you stated...height of fixture, etc.
In Ca, the elec companies here charge an arm and a leg so we try to survive by craking a window open and avoid using the AC as much as possible. If I had the luxury of running the AC 24/7, I'm sure my Tank Temp would drop a couple degrees!!!
kaserpick
Keeping it Simple
Yeah, I've heard the price for power is ridiculous in CA, but I do envy your nice weather.
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