dapple
Salty Dog
75 gal. Tank I need opinions on whether a 6 bulb t5 fixture can sustain corals. Or should I just go with the metal hallide. :question:
lighting help
- Thread starter dapple
- Start date
NanoReefer
Reefing newb
you will be able to keep anything you want with a 6 bulb t5...
dapple
Salty Dog
Are the 6 bulb lights on ebay any good. I ordered a rodi 5 plus from bulk reef today. All components are here and ready to go. Light is last item to order.
dapple
Salty Dog
What brand should I be looking at? Reliability is a issue to me.
little_fish
Reef pro
This is a great light fixture for t5.
Aquarium Lighting for Reef Systems: Current Nova Extreme Pro T-5 Fixtures
Make sure that if you get an off brand light that it has individual reflectors, and having them on either separate power cords or individual build in timers is REALLY handy
Aquarium Lighting for Reef Systems: Current Nova Extreme Pro T-5 Fixtures
Make sure that if you get an off brand light that it has individual reflectors, and having them on either separate power cords or individual build in timers is REALLY handy
NanoReefer
Reefing newb
+1 lil, the reason for the price being higher, is individual reflectors, higher quality, and the bulbs are good. with the cheap ebay lights they bulbs deteriorate faster
R3verb
Time to add some coral!
LEDs all the way
NanoReefer
Reefing newb
yeah, i have leds and i defiantly would recommend them also. i didnt know that that was an option, buy yeah leds are whats up!
dapple
Salty Dog
Ok tell me a unit to have on my 75 g. Cash is burning a hole in my pocket. Can Leds penetrate that much water. I don't intend to spend a fortune on them thou.
little_fish
Reef pro
Im not sure of any cheap LED units that would work for a 75, you might have to go DIY for a tank that size.
R3verb
Time to add some coral!
If you have the cash, I have 2 AI Sols and they are awesome! Check them out (just google AI Sol)
Ulta
REEFER
I still don't feel safe recommending LED's. There are a lot of crappy systems out there. Even some that you can pay up the bum for and still end up with non-sufficient color spectrum to make your corals really happy. Some people even bleach their corals out using them.
Even though they are getting better and better the market HASN'T stabled out yet and people buying LEDs could find themselves with outdated technology fairly quick.
I would reccomend a 2x250w MH (possibly with 2 actinic t5's) or like you said a 6-8 bulb T-5 fixture.
The cheaper fixtures like you would find at aquatraders.com are going to have crappy bulbs. Plan on replacing the bulbs within a pretty short time-frame(3-6 months) for your more demanding corals, and to avoid bad algae growth due to bulbs going out and burning in the wrong light spectrums. For T-5 bulbs with the most PAR I recommend ATI Blue Plus, and ATI AquaBlue Special (12k).
Even though they are getting better and better the market HASN'T stabled out yet and people buying LEDs could find themselves with outdated technology fairly quick.
I would reccomend a 2x250w MH (possibly with 2 actinic t5's) or like you said a 6-8 bulb T-5 fixture.
The cheaper fixtures like you would find at aquatraders.com are going to have crappy bulbs. Plan on replacing the bulbs within a pretty short time-frame(3-6 months) for your more demanding corals, and to avoid bad algae growth due to bulbs going out and burning in the wrong light spectrums. For T-5 bulbs with the most PAR I recommend ATI Blue Plus, and ATI AquaBlue Special (12k).
dapple
Salty Dog
I was told the same at my LFS they don't trust them either. When I walk around their store they have t5 everywhere. And a few mh. Mh are hard on the power bill. I'm really checking out the unit lil fish showed me.
I felt the same way about LED's... I am not sure that they are "there" yet. I was not comfortable buying the LED's ( especially considering the cost )... but there are folks here showing good success.
I am using this one on my 75g and I really like the fixture. It has one cord, built in timer for 3 different lighting tasks ( Actinic, Daylight and Lunar ).
AquaticLife 48" T5 HO 6 Lamp Fixture with Lunar Lights Aquatic Life T5
I am using this one on my 75g and I really like the fixture. It has one cord, built in timer for 3 different lighting tasks ( Actinic, Daylight and Lunar ).
AquaticLife 48" T5 HO 6 Lamp Fixture with Lunar Lights Aquatic Life T5
dapple
Salty Dog
That's a nice fixture.
NanoReefer
Reefing newb
ill have to post some pics of my tank soon.. my lfs has all led lighting only also. but im so pleased with my leds...
dapple
Salty Dog
Ok im sold on the ai sol . Im going to run two units sideways. Im going to order them next week. The thunderstorm display is jaw dropping. As soon as my tax returns hits the bank Im ordering them.
NanoReefer
Reefing newb
i think your gonna love them man, if i had the $ i would have gotten them, but i went diy!
R3verb
Time to add some coral!
That's what I have and they are amazing. Make sure you order the controller as well (they wont work without it). I don't think you will be disappointed and your electric bill will thank you.
