|
|
Have a question?
Our experts have the answer!
|
|
Registered Members don't see these ads. Register now it's free!
07-14-2006, 03:43 AM
|
#1
|
|
squid
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: eastcoast usa
Posts: 9
|
how many t5 ho's needed
ive decided to go with t5 ho lighting for my 50 gal 36x18x18. I dont think i can do HQI (bummer) because the tank has a plastic center support which will partially block a single hqi bulb (and possibly melt it).
How many t5 ho bulbs do i need to keep sps corals?
If i provide enough light for sps can i still keep LPS and softies or will they burn/bleach? (the tanks only 18" deep)
I've heard mixed opinions on necessary lighting for the elegance coral. Some say they need lots of light and others say it now being harvested at deeper water (20-30 meters) and therefor prefers low light.
|
|
|
Registered Members don't see these ads. Register now it's free!
|
|
|
|
|
07-14-2006, 05:11 AM
|
#2
|
|
uber-stupid
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Biloxi, MS
Posts: 3,394
|
As many as you can fit.
__________________
Jason
My girlfriend says bigger is better, so I am going to build the biggest skimmer I can.
|
|
|
|
|
07-14-2006, 06:18 AM
|
#3
|
|
Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,604
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by three90s&125sump
As many as you can fit.
|
Exactly!
__________________
Double your drive space. Delete Windows
|
|
|
|
|
07-14-2006, 12:32 PM
|
#4
|
|
Professor Chaos
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Arkham Asylum
Posts: 9,771
|
What about 95w vho instead?
__________________
I mix twinkies and ding dongs all the time, in Europe they call it a Dinky -- Homer Simpson
|
|
|
|
|
07-15-2006, 08:41 AM
|
#5
|
|
Clown Fish!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester, MN
Posts: 273
|
From what I understand t5's are the way to go over VHO. The PAR on T5's is much higher, and from my observations the color choices are much better. I had planned on 4 VHO's on a new tank I am starting, but decided to go the T5 route instead. With 6 T5's I am going to get beautiful color and the power of MH's. I will post pictures soon as my tank is up and running.
|
|
|
|
|
07-15-2006, 08:44 AM
|
#6
|
|
Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,604
|
Ok now Justin remember you get no shimmers without MHS 
__________________
Double your drive space. Delete Windows
|
|
|
|
|
07-15-2006, 09:19 AM
|
#7
|
|
Clown Fish!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester, MN
Posts: 273
|
Yeah, I am not bashing MH's and saying not to use them. In my case I am trying to save money and still be able to keep SPS. In all my past tanks I have went heavy MH, but this tank I am trying to save some money and keep what I want to keep. I hope I did not seem preachy or anything, I am not one of those people that thinks things have to be one way only. From a VHO to T5 stand point though I think T5's are the way to go. In my case the shimmer is a small price to pay! But my invest is lower for now.
|
|
|
|
|
07-15-2006, 09:32 AM
|
#8
|
|
Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,604
|
No Justin I was just teasin with ya,I love t5s and MHs together they are an awesome combo,I completly understand you trying to save on the electric bill
especially since I just got mine in at $400 this month 
__________________
Double your drive space. Delete Windows
|
|
|
|
|
07-15-2006, 09:36 AM
|
#9
|
|
Clown Fish!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rochester, MN
Posts: 273
|
Yeah tough having to decide between two kids in daycare or my tank! Daycare is a killer these days.
|
|
|
|
|
07-15-2006, 09:41 AM
|
#10
|
|
Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,604
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Reefer Dude
Yeah tough having to decide between two kids in daycare or my tank! Daycare is a killer these days.
|
I know trust me I have 4 kids. 
__________________
Double your drive space. Delete Windows
|
|
|
|
|
07-15-2006, 09:57 AM
|
#11
|
|
Electrical G "EE" k
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 456
|
T5 is far superior to VHO. They are physically smaller so you can fit more in there and for the same wattage, T5 will outdo the VHO in terms of par. I believe its something generally like 80W VHO = 65W PC = 24W T5. Dont quote me, but there definitely are differences.
|
|
|
|
|
07-15-2006, 01:26 PM
|
#12
|
|
uber-stupid
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Biloxi, MS
Posts: 3,394
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by PowerManJ316
T5 is far superior to VHO. They are physically smaller so you can fit more in there and for the same wattage, T5 will outdo the VHO in terms of par. I believe its something generally like 80W VHO = 65W PC = 24W T5. Dont quote me, but there definitely are differences.
|
I think the VHOs have more long term par than PC. I would never recomend PC to anyone over VHOs I have had VHOs and PCs and I am very disapointed in the PCs. I have how ever never had T5s but maybe I will retro some into my hoods when I have to change my PCs.
__________________
Jason
My girlfriend says bigger is better, so I am going to build the biggest skimmer I can.
|
|
|
|
|
07-16-2006, 03:05 PM
|
#13
|
|
SLASH Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 384
|
I have not seen t5s cheaper than MH anywhere
I have a 24x18x18 tank and need good lighting for it
4x24w t5 is only 96w, how will that possibly be enough light?
I am thinking of going with 1x175 MH with actinic support of some sort
|
|
|
|
|
07-16-2006, 04:43 PM
|
#14
|
|
uber-stupid
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Biloxi, MS
Posts: 3,394
|
I would definatly recommend MH with VHOs. I would up the wattage to a 250 watter and hang it high for better coverage and penatration. Use a 400 watter if you really want some growth, you would have to be careful with acclimation to the light with new additions though. The price differance between 175s and 400s is minimal.
__________________
Jason
My girlfriend says bigger is better, so I am going to build the biggest skimmer I can.
|
|
|
|
|
07-16-2006, 04:52 PM
|
#15
|
|
Little Fishy
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Chicago burbs
Posts: 89
|
<<< 4x24w t5 is only 96w, how will that possibly be enough light? >>>
Stop thinking 'watts', that's 1980s thinking :-) Think PAR!
A 4 X 24W T5 HO setup with individual reflectors such as a Tek fixture using the individual reflectors that come with the Tek or even upgrading to Ice Cap reflectors (slight increase in PAR) with top line bulbs like Giesemann Aquablues, blue +, GE Starcoat 6500K, etc. will be a ton of light for a 24" tank. In fact, on that 18" wide tank the 6 X 24W Tek will be enough to grow SPS and clams on the sandbed, and melt most anything else.
edited to add: ....and not to mention a lot less power consumption and heat than a MH, and longer bulb life too.
__________________
Florida Live Rock Addict.
|
|
|
|
|
