Light question...

[MikMcgyver]

Ok got a good one for ya here. Seeing as I only have a 20" deep tank do I really need MH or can I get away with PC's or T5's?

What I am looking has these specs:
2-96 watt 10,000K Daylight
2-96 watt 03 Blue Actinic Compact Fluorescent Lamps
2 built in ballasts,
4-3/4 watt Lunar Blue Moon Glow LED Lamps
2 cooling fans
Link below...
Coralife Lunar Aqualight Powercompact Aquarium Lighting

Approx 3.1 watts per gallon. I know, not enough for high end stuff(anenomies, etc)

My conundrum(spelling) is the next one up has 576 watts for more than twice the price. Would it be possible to add a 2nd light bar, same specs as above, bumping me to 6.2 watts per gallon and be effective for anenomies, and light intensive livestock? Just set them next to each other, they are skinny enough to place both on top on the tank...

I honestly do not want to do MH. Heat will be an issue and will be forced to purchase a chiller. Want to avoid it if possible...

Thanks ahead of time...

 

[hibye]

which tank ,the 125 gal i would go with halides
12 gal try aquatraders

 

[MikMcgyver]

Whoops sorry, 125 gallon

72"long, 18"front to back, 20" deep


MIKE

 

[yote]

With a 20" deep tank,You'd love T-5s.
Less heat than halides,you only have to replace the bulbs every 18 months or instead of every 6 to 8 months,the bulbs are cheaper.
Plus you can keep anything under them that you can with halides.

 

[UnderwaterWorld]

T-5's are always good, I'm not sure about PC

 

[matthew1048]

How easy is it to find T5's that are 72 inches long? been a while since I looked a lights and equip, but that would be one thing to think about.

 

[yote]

I would stay away from PCs.

 

[hibye]

72" 1134W Metal Halide System (Electronic Version) - 504042
you can go with this if you have the money but im getting a 48" on my 125 760 watts is enogh for hardies

 

[yote]

Check with Reef.I think his T-5 fixture if 72"

 

[reeffreak]

Go with this T5 fixture,its not much more than the lights you linked to and you will be unlimited on what corals,anemones and clams.BTW,be careful of that site,it use to known as Aqua CON,as in con artist!

This is the light and where I bought it.....Constellation Series Aquactinics 72" 14 lamp T5 fixture - no lamps: Premium Aquatics

 

[MikMcgyver]

You use that light Reef? If so, will that be enough for anything I want in my tank? If so, this is the one I will go with. Looks sweet..

 

[reeffreak]

Yeah that whats on my tank.You can keep anything you want and since your tank isn't as deep as mine,you can place SPS corals high or low.

 

[MikMcgyver]

Gonna talk with my LFS guy, see if he can get that one for me, or something equivilent....

 

[reeffreak]

Good luck,I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[Bifferwine]

Definitely go T5s over PCs. And I too have heard bad things about AquaCON.

 

[MikMcgyver]

Ok, I think I might do it. This is the light I might possibly get...

Constellation Series Aquactinics 72" 14 lamp T5 fixture - no lamps: Premium Aquatics

Freak, master of all lighting, what bulbs should I get for it? In what quantity, and configuration? I get so confused on 14k, 10k, 6.5k, acitinics, etc... you get what I mean...

 

[reeffreak]

Well this is the thing...........

What look I'm going for may not be what you like.I prefer heavy on the bluish but with a hint of purple and pink.Give Premium Aquatics a call and maybe they can help or give Reefgeek a call,they can definitely help you out.I do recommend the ATI and UV bulbs for best PAR and GE for best 6500k or 3000k bulbs.

 

[MikMcgyver]

thanks, ordering it on friday, will call and see what they say..

 

[reeffreak]

Good luck and if you decide on the Aquactinics,I sure you'll love them.With 14 bulbs you can have any look you like and still have the proper light for everything.I still get tickled looking at how my corals and fish really stand out under those lights.

 

[UnderwaterWorld]

here's a combination of halide and T-5's
Reef Aquarium Metal Halide Lighting: SunPod HQI Metal Halide Fixtures with Lunar Lights

but T-5s just by themselves are awesome