Wtb

[dvmsn]

Lumenarc reflector any size

 

[chad508]

and the build begins. have you decided on a size yet?

 

[dvmsn]

I am going with a rimless neo90 from Deep Sea Aquatics. It is 36 x 24 x 24. I am going to go open top with a single 20k pendant. I think I am going to go 400W since I already have a ballast. I don't know if you remember that built in hutch in my kitchen, but it is a perfect spot for a tank. I want it real modern and neat. I just can't decide if I want a center or corner overflow.

 

[dvmsn]

This thread has really got me going. I like the look of the t-5's but nobody I personally know who has them is overly happy.

 

[Rpierce]

Thats a cool size Dave. I was/am considering downsizing and thought about that size myself. I will probably wait until there arent 20 tanks for sale to try and downsize. I cant wait to see it.

 

[chad508]

rick hows your tank doing with the t5s

 

[Rpierce]

It's doing and thats about it. I'm not getting extreme growth or anything crazy like that. I do like the fact that I can make the color just the way I want it.

After saying that about the growth, I know it doesn't completely depend on lighting, but it sure does make a hell of a difference.

How about your's?

Rick

 

[chad508]

about the same. everything is doing good just no great growth.

 

[dvmsn]

Are your lps still bleached?

 

[Rpierce]

I think you were talking to Chad on that question but my LPS look 100% better since switching over to T5s. I never really had luck with LPS until switching over. I think with the T5s over LPS, you can really see more of the true color of the coral.

 

[dvmsn]

Hmm. I don't want to speak for Chad, but I think he had the absolute opposite experience. How many bulds and what are you running Rick?

 

[Rpierce]

I only run 6 bulbs. I think Chad started off with 8 and has cut back to 6. I have the same as Chad, I overdrive the bulbs with IceCap ballasts

 

[dvmsn]

I am thinking maybe 4. I also like the flexibility with colors. I am not sure if you get the pop you do from vho and halides. I am even thinking vho actininc and t5 for the white. Vho have that pinkish hue in the white that I dont really like.

 

[Rpierce]

Why VHO for actinic? Im sure you can find a T5 bulb that is comparable to that of a VHO actinic. There are tons of bulbs available.

 

[dvmsn]

I think VHO has more pop. IMHO. I could be wrong

 

[chad508]

i ran the uri vho attinics and you did not even kow they were on. granted i was running 6 othe t5s with them. i think you could get a fiji pink to get some pink added in instead of the vho. as far as lps they have come back since dropping to 6 bulbs and i may even drop to 4 one day. i dont think they look as good a they did under my 400 watters though.

 

[dvmsn]

What would you pick?

 

[chad508]

are you wanting to go all t5s if so i would do 4 bulbs atleast 2 blue plus, attinic white, and maybe a bulb in the 10k range. the blue plus will give you all the blue you need plusmore par than the 10ks. the attinic white will give a little pink tint plus some more white light. and the other 10k i belive is called a sunpro will just brighten up the tank. i have all the bulbs as extras if you decide to run t5s we can try them out. the other thing with t5s is you can move this same bulb choice around and it will look completely different

 

[dvmsn]

My goal is to keep mostly open brains. I am still leaning toward halides. I am open to any lighting possibilities. What do you think is the best for open brains. I know you have had much more success with them then I have. Do you think 400 would be too much with only 20k bulbs?

 

[buhumphrey]

That is a great size for a tank I think, mine is 36* 24*25 H approximatley 95 gal. I am finally getting water and sand in it this morning.