Hypothetical thinking.....

[ReefNeck]

Ok, Let's think Hypothetically for a minute.

Let's say I have a 120G tank. 48X24X24

Let's say I have 150Lbs of Liverock in it and I want to have a mixed reef with anemones, Clams, SPS, LPS and softies.

Now let's say I do this with 4 T5HO Actinics and 2 10K 250W SE Metal Halides. 716 total watts
This comes to approx 5.9 WPG.

The other option is to do it this way:

Let's say I do it with a total of 10 T5HO bulbs totaling 540 watts.
this comes to approx 4.5 WPG.

Which one do you believe will do me better and why?

If you choose the completely T5HO setup what bulbs in what order would you suggest. Not necessarily brand but 10K or what and how many daylight vs actinics. Also placement of daylights and actinics.

Main question is what is the best setup for my tank? Heat is really a non issue since I have a 1/3HP chiller I can use if needed but if I don't need it that's great.

[ReefNeck]

Anyone?

[salt-rookie]

I'd go with the MH for the SPS and the photosynthetic properties of the SPS, Clams and some LPS. Its always better to have too MUCH light than not enough! BTW...I think the watts per gallon method is VERY passe'!!

[Wiskey]

I think it really depends on the bulbs themselfs. I think 2 XM10K at 250W would be more than enough to light that tank at 500W.

If you want the bluer MH bulbs then you tank is probably getting less light then the T5's, but then you could go for 400W ers.

If you use T5 bulbs with plenty of PAR I think 8 would be more than enough. This means staying away from the true atinic bulbs and using the atinic pluses instead.

But don't forget that with the T5's the Reflector is the only thing that makes them worthwhile,.. so you need SLS or IceCap reflectors.

Just a opionion,
Whiskey

[Loverotties]

I agree with Phil.The Mh will reach deeper in the tank also!

[ReefNeck]

Thanks, Still looking for more opinions. Perhaps from those of you with full T5HO tanks.

I have heard from one friend that I'd be better off with the T5's. He gave these reasons:
#1 Less Heat
#2 With Individual Reflecters will penetrate as deep or deeper than MH.
#3 Longer bulb life
#4 less expensive bulbs.
#5 with 8 or more bulbs the potential for the perfect coloration is enhanced.

I like the idea of not having to use the chiller. I also know another reefer that went all T5HO's on a tank close to the same size and he is seriously in love with the amount of light and the coloration. I have never seen it in person since he is many states away but he says they blow away the halides he has seen. I think he has 8 bulbs and does keep anemones and clams. I can have 10 with the setup I am considering.

[Geoff]

i am sorry, i completely dissagree with point #2. there is no way a flourescent can penetrate deeper than a point source light of equal wattage. there is just no way.

the other points are ok. not sure a T-5 bulb can outlast a Iwasaki MH.

G~

[Hop]

I have to say that I'm not really impressed with the t-5 lighting yet. On shallow tanks up to 20" deep, they are great. With a 24" deep tank, you would need to run 8 of those suckers across the top and the heat would still be a factor IMO.

The watts I would only use a guideline for your electric bill. There is only a small connection between the watts and the par rating. There are 250 watt MH that knock the socks off of some 400 watt bulb/ballast combos.

There are 250 watt bulbs that put out some incredible par, Even moreso if you overdrive certain single ended bulbs with a HQI ballast. Personally I would look at 2 250 watt MH. If needed, I would then use 2 t-5s for supplemental lighting.

[ReefNeck]

Well, Again.....Thanks everyone. This has really been one sided. Not what I expected at all.

Truth be told is that I already have this tank setup with 2X250W MH's and 4 T5HO Actinics. I have the opportunity to change to a full 10 bulb T5HO setup at zero cost to me. (Trading the 2 250W MH's).

I really hoped this would point toward the T5's being as good or better to eliminate the blasted heat in the canopy. Tank gets up to 86F some days without the chiller. I have a 1/3HP chiller on it and that cools it very easily to 80F but OMG does it heat up the living room. So I not only have the heat from 2 tanks, both with MH lighting in the living room but also the heat from the chiller. The chiller is a Drop in so putting it outside is out since the hose for the coil would be way too short.

Oh what to do.....Perhaps time to sell a tank. Gets so Hot in the house and the light bill due to the central A/C running all day....OMFG!

I kid you not! I have 4 reef tanks total in the house. The 120 with the 2X250W MH's and 4 T5HO actinics, A 75 with 2X150W HQI and 2X130W PC Actinics, a 75 with 4X65W PC's & a 75 with 8X65W PC's. Electric bill has hit $250 a month for the last 2 months straight!

Too bad I can't afford a Solaris or 4. lol

[Geoff]

all you said was which was better, you never put requirements on the suggestions.

if heat is that big of a deal then going with T-5's would help. if you were to make that tank a softie/LPS tank then you can easily get away with not having MH's on it.

just get shallower tanks.

G~

[J_T]

I know people that have been using T5's on tanks that we would say 'need' halides.

The thing is, you MUST have individual, good quality reflectors for EACH bulb. It is not an option. If you have just one big reflector, then you might as well go back to overdriving NO output flourescent tubes with an Icecap 660.

You will have to weigh in what you will gain, and what you will loose.

[ReefNeck]

Originally Posted by J_T

I know people that have been using T5's on tanks that we would say 'need' halides.

The thing is, you MUST have individual, good quality reflectors for EACH bulb. It is not an option. If you have just one big reflector, then you might as well go back to overdriving NO output flourescent tubes with an Icecap 660.

You will have to weigh in what you will gain, and what you will loose.

I agree with you on this!

I had said that going with the T5's would be with individual reflecters. The 4 T5 Actinics currently on the tank have individuals.

No interest in making this tank for LPS & Softies only. Have clams and a couple SPS corals in it currently. Guess I'm stuck to either deal with it or get shallower tanks or give up the clams & SPS or.....