Lighting suggestions

[brandonmason]

OK guys I've decided I'm going to set up a sps tank. I've got a 75 gallon tank but I can't decide what lighting to use. I've got a 150 mixed reef with LEDs in which all the sps will come out of and go into the 75 once its cycled. What's your thought on T5.

Oh also let me know what you think of the aquascape?

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[bycjoe]

If I had to do it again I think I'd do MH with T5 or led supplement, that's a safe bet for an SPS tank IMHO

 

[cedzaquaddiction]

I'm an LED man myself. I once had MH, T12, and LED under the same canopy with my other tank, and used the LED's 85% of the time, T12's at the same time as LED's 30% of the time, and MH along with the other lights ony about 15% of the time. Growth may be better with MH, but it was just too much maintenance to bother with changing the bulbs (MH and tubes), and making sure the tank temp was stable.

Also: Love the aquascaping. That's definetely different, and dimensional. It'll be interesting to see how it looks with coral on it...

 

[snowmansnow]

T5s will grow ANYTHING, given that you have quality components. The verdict isn't out, and it isn't out for debate. If you're looking into t5, and asking if they will grow sps corals and help them thrive... the answer is yes. It is only ONE component of the machine, but it is a proven one.
I'll help however I can.

B

 

[brandonmason]

What about color? I mean in your opinion do you get better color under T5 or MH. Obviously LEDs have good color but I found with my LEDs my pink bird nest isn't as pink as I've seen in other stores or other members

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[snowmansnow]

BrandonMason;881533 wrote: What about color? I mean in your opinion do you get better color under T5 or MH. Obviously LEDs have good color but I found with my LEDs my pink bird nest isn't as pink as I've seen in other stores or other members

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MH is a VERY viable option. But, the color of your coral can be just as vibrant under t5... yes. You won't get "shimmer", but you swap it out for heat issues and so forth. Is it better than MH? Its according to who you talk to. For me.. yes.. for others.. no.

Edit: personally Id light your tank with T5 then supplement some LED for shimmer if you can't live without it.

 

[snowmansnow]

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There are other, more awesome tanks in the club, but here is my 120 SPS tank. It has always been under t5.

 

[brandonmason]

I'm thinking T5 is where I'm heading. I had halides on the 150 and hated the heat, constant replacing of bulbs every six to eight months, and evaporation.

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[snowmansnow]

I've since cleaned it up haha

Edit:

BrandonMason;881537 wrote: I'm thinking T5 is where I'm heading. I had halides on the 150 and hated the heat, constant replacing of bulbs every six to eight months, and evaporation.

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You'll still replace T5 lamps.. so don't think you're getting out of that aspect of the game

 

[brandonmason]

Thanks Brandon maybe I'll get some frags from you once I'm set up... I would love to get some more sps now but have no more room to store in the 150

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[snowmansnow]

if you build a T5 setup the VUE 660 ballasts are OD and are awesome. If you don't want to OD the lamps I actually have some good ballasts for sale if you're interested.

 

[brandonmason]

Possibly... pm me with details.

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[snowmansnow]

It's on the FS section. U can run 8 lamps w them at 54w / lamp

 

[brandonmason]

Oh let me check it out

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[glxtrix]

If you go t5, make sure you have high quality individual reflectors per bulb....it'll make a world of difference! I love my mh setup...3x175 in lumenbright reflectors and actinic r vho supp. Personally i'd go t5 before led. T5 will put out the same amount of heat has mh, just make sure your cooling (fans) are setup right...unless you dont have a canopy, then you dont need to worry as much. Ati hit it right with their active cooling, hence why their setups are so amazing! You really cant go wrong with either option....really, a huge deciding factor could be your canopy...do you have the height to deal with mh??? If not, and you want a canopy, t5 may be the only option.

 

[brandonmason]

I have all the height I want as I will end up building a custom canopy. Which will house 6-8 cooling fans built into the canopy, plus I have a chiller. I just want this tank to be perfect as if I had things to do differently in my 150 I certainly would have. My wife loves LPS and Shrooms, I've gone to the dark side and want a sps tank that will house my stuff

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[brandonmason]

The only thing I need now to get the tank up and running is lights and sump.

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[nickg]

Halides... With T5

 

[snowmansnow]

T5 will NOT produce the same heat as MH

 

[brandonmason]

yeah I think Im going to go with t5, bulbs are cheaper, not as much heat, and more color options with a 6-8 bulb fixture. Snow I havent had a chance to look at the ballast but what else would I need to make them retro fit in a hood? reflectors obviously and bulbs but what else and where can I get the reflectors?