New to This!!! Need help with light options

[Jvalent]

Ok so I have dabbled with aquariums for a few years now and an ready to take the next step. I want to go ahead and build a nice aquarium that can be used for corals and reef structures. I have a good idea on most of the parts, but the lighting is giving me problems. The dimensions of the tank are 4 ft long by 2 feet high by 18" deep. So that gives me a 90 gallon tank.
If I want to eventually grow reef structures and anemones and the like, what are my best lighting options. I know MH lights are the best, but they are kinda pricey as well. Would a VHO setup or PC be better? Or would a simple T5 setup be sufficient?
I guess I would like to have the best bang for my buck and still have enough light to help the coral grow. Any help would be great. Thanks

[crvz]

I'd avoid VHO and PC unless you're certain you'll only want to keep low light corals, such as softies and some of the LPS corals.. A good T5 setup would be plenty for a tank of those dimensions, I run an 8 bulb setup on my 150 gallon tank (60"x24"x24"). For your tank, I think a good 6 bulb assembly would work very well. Consider a tek fixture.

On the front end, it may not be a lot cheaper than MH, but the extended bulb life and reduced electrical costs will surely make up for it over a couple years. You could save a couple bucks with a retrofit kit, but whatever you do if you chose T5, ensure it has individual reflectors. Otherwise, it's no better than PC or VHO.

And welcome to TRT!!

[Jvalent]

ok well if I go with the 6 bulb T5 configuration I have a couple of questions.
If I do a retrofit kit, would I need to make some sort of canopy for it, or would it be fine hanging over the tank about a foot?
Also do T5's run hot or cool. Just wondering if a fan would be needed o help ventilate since I don't plan to purchase a chiller in the near future.

[scoop]

The T5's are not nearly as hot as MH, the idea being not needing a chiller. I am running the Tek 6 x 54 over a 75 and I still have to run my heater all the time to keep the tank warm enough. I can't get it to 80. It only changes about 1 degree after the lights have been on 9 hours. That said, I put a small ice cap fan on the end just to increase the bulb life. I don't think you have to have a canopy per se for the retro kit, but you do have to build something to attach it to.

[chrischris]

t5 run kinda hot but it doesnt heat up the water like the metal halide

[betamed]

Originally Posted by Jvalent

ok well if I go with the 6 bulb T5 configuration I have a couple of questions.
If I do a retrofit kit, would I need to make some sort of canopy for it, or would it be fine hanging over the tank about a foot?
Also do T5's run hot or cool. Just wondering if a fan would be needed o help ventilate since I don't plan to purchase a chiller in the near future.

they come in a 48" length. Fan will help but they don't get that hot. Anyway the lights like the tek by sunlight supply with the individual reflectors are the best.

[crvz]

Originally Posted by Jvalent

ok well if I go with the 6 bulb T5 configuration I have a couple of questions.
If I do a retrofit kit, would I need to make some sort of canopy for it, or would it be fine hanging over the tank about a foot?
Also do T5's run hot or cool. Just wondering if a fan would be needed o help ventilate since I don't plan to purchase a chiller in the near future.

If you don't have a canopy, you're much better off with getting just the fixture. They don't run too hot, and you don't have to cool the tek fixture (though it's not a bad idea). I'd probably try to get it a bit closer than a foot, though. Maybe 6-8".

[Jvalent]

ok, so is 324 watts of the individual reflector T5's enough wattage for that size and depth of a tank if I want to eventually grow some corals and have some anemones or something? If so it sounds like this is the way to go.
At the price of 500 bucks for the 6 bulb, is there no better options for about the same price? Just want to make sure I buy the best for the money the first time.
Thanks again

[hng]

6 of the 54 watt T5HO bulbs will be enough for a 90 gal tank. If you do a retrofit, you will need to build some kind of canopy to mount the bulbs to. If you don't want to build a canopy, then get a prebuilt fixture. The bulbs are not nearly as hot as halides, but they are still hot. It is recommended that you cool the bulbs with a fan to extend the bulb life and improve the light output. The lights are expensive, that's just an unfortunate fact about this hobby. The good thing about T5's is that they don't use much electricity, and the bulbs last 18-24 months.

BTW, welcome to TRT. I see you live in the Upstate, you should consider joining the local reef club we are starting up. Check out our club forum for the Palmetto Marine Aquarium Club.