Lighting help

[hhughes]

Ok, I admit it. I'm a lighting noob. When I set this 55 up, I found the most reasonably priced fixture that people said would support some soft corals -- after all, at the time, corals were not my *main* interest. That's changed somewhat.

I'm about to buy new bulbs for this thing... a compact flourescent fixture (4x65w)...looks like I'm about to spend around $150 including shipping. I've been wanting to upgrade my lighting, so if there were something for not *too* much more that would be better....

I don't know, anyone got any ideas? There's a 216w t5 wavepoint fixture for $240 on the intertubes, would that be better enough to justify the expense?

Money is somewhat limited, but I'm working a crazy week this week and planned to spend the week's bounty on something for the tank to make life a little better

 

[weaglereefer]

Yes, T5's are worth it over PC's any day of the week!

 

[gnashty]

Does it come with bulbs? if so I say jump on it, if not figure another $80 or so for decent bulbs and jump on it...

just make sure you light acclimate....dont want to torch your softies

 

[gixxer600]

the T5 fixture is the way to go anyday of the week and will support most all corals. Plus if i am not mistaken T5's run cooler than PC's anyway so its a win-win situation.

 

[hhughes]

Yes, this one comes with bulbs. It's the t5 wavepoint for $240 or the coralife for $220.

How do I light acclimate? Start out higher and lower the fixture slowly?

So 216w of t5 is better than me 260ish watts of PC lights, is that correct?

 

[weaglereefer]

hhughes;566973 wrote: Yes, this one comes with bulbs. It's the t5 wavepoint for $240 or the coralife for $220.

How do I light acclimate? Start out higher and lower the fixture slowly?

So 216w of t5 is better than me 260ish watts of PC lights, is that correct?

Go with the Wavepoint. I think Jenn has some T5 fixtures on sale.

Yes, if you canc raise the light above the tank, and lower it over a week or two.

Yes, 216w of T5 is better than 260w of PC.

 

[jehuggin]

I am currently using this fixture over my 55 (4 bulb):
http://www.aquaticlife.com/t5ho/index.html">http://www.aquaticlife.com/t5ho/index.html</a>

I am very happy with it thus far. For corals I have mainly LPS and softies, but I do have a clam that appears to be very happy (I put him/her near the top though).

I got the fixture for just under $300. My reasons for purchasing it was that it had a single power cord, built in timer, and had moon LEDs. I am extremely happy with the light. Like you I wasn't planning on going "BIG" into corals, but wanted the versatility to be able to put interesting pieces in, my focus has changed as well. MHs were never a consideration, nor are they now.

 

[jead85]

definitly t5, not to mention the bulb replacement cost is much less! and they are availible everywhere.

 

[thbrewst]

With the set-up that I just purchased I got a combo 96w pc (4) with MH (3). What is the reason that folks always claim that T5 is better than PC? Are they not basically the same light in a different housing?

 

[hhughes]

Well, once again life sucks. Literally had my finger on the place order button when hubby informed me that he wasn't getting a fall bonus, and decided that I couldn't spend the money yet. I'm not even sure I can afford new bulbs for my current fixture, which sucks.

Boo.

 

[dakota9]

Tim of Keen Reef just posted some used T5 fixtures for sale, try looking at bthem, they seemed reasonable.....

 

[theplatypus]

Check with Tim at Keen Reef, I'm pretty sure he has some t5 fixtures for sale.

 

[dakota9]

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=49189">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=49189</a>


Tim's fixtures

 

[tehawesome]

There is also a place called aquatraders.com that has some t5 lights for cheap. Check them out. They atenttp of the line but they work just as good.

 

[markl]

All my sps are doing great under my 8 bulb t5 set up.

 

[jase75]

Even though a PC may have more wattage, it is hard to get a good reflector around the odd shaped bulbs. Look for a T5 with individual reflectors and it will throw alot more light into the tank. Wavepoint looks like a nice light. From what I read on Current, single reflector and noisy fans. Tek is supposed to have some really nice T5 systems too. Watch the trade/sell forums as well.