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Old 02-03-2008, 06:54 PM   #1
nicksgt
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Im looking for opinions on lighting?

I have a 72 gal bf that Im going to be converting to a reef tank, Im new to the whole salt water thing so I dont know what kind of corals Ill be buying or anything. I think im leaning away from the metal halides but Im not sure can you guys give me some options and opinions?
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Old 02-03-2008, 07:05 PM   #2
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Wow you're brave asking for opinions on such a hot topic!

Seriously, you can do a nice LPS/Softy tank with out super high lighting. The things you won't be able to keep are going to be the really brightly colored clams (there are some that can be kept still), anemones in general (again depends on species), and most SPS corals. To be honest these are all animals that you shouldn't try to keep without some reef experience under you belt anyway.

If you want to keep the light loving animals you will need MH or a T5 setup that is done just right with good single reflectors.

BTW welcome to TRT...you'll find good folks here and some really good advice!
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Old 02-03-2008, 07:21 PM   #3
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What are the T6?
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Old 02-03-2008, 07:23 PM   #4
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Why are you leaning away from MHs? They are still one of the better options to go with imho.
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Old 02-03-2008, 07:23 PM   #5
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Welcome to The Reef Tank! You can buy T5 HO lights that you can keep just about anything under without the heat and power consumption of MH's. There are a lot of choices, but as mentioned above, you do want to make sure you get individual reflectors. (You will get a lot more opinions after the game is over.) The Tek T5's seem to be a good value (I use them). I got mine at reefgeek.com. Why no on the MH's? This will help give us an idea of what you are looking for.
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Old 02-03-2008, 07:24 PM   #6
rwlancaster
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nicksgt View Post
What are the T6?
do you mean T5? I assume you are talking about lighting still?
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Old 02-03-2008, 07:29 PM   #7
nicksgt
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Well everone I have talked to so far said the T5s basically last longer and the energy consumtion isnt as great MH are still an option. I saw T5s and T6s on aquatraders so I didnt know what a T6 was.
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Old 02-03-2008, 07:57 PM   #8
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T5's all the way!

try www.reefgeek.com
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Old 02-03-2008, 08:04 PM   #9
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I say MH. They are your best bet when it comes to being able to keep anything you want. The T-5s are very versatile but Ive seen people here locally that have tried them with SPS and ventually went back to MH. T-5s can do it but not as wll as MH in my opinion.
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Old 02-03-2008, 08:07 PM   #10
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motorslave.. i think the reasoning behind people converting back isn't due to light quality... it more of a visual stimulation... they miss the shimmer..
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Old 02-03-2008, 08:08 PM   #11
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Nope. Its a matter of coral keeping thier color. It can be done but not easily as with MH. Long run its MH.
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Old 02-03-2008, 08:12 PM   #12
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what about compacts?
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Old 02-03-2008, 08:17 PM   #13
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what about compacts?
That will do a softie tank.
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Old 02-03-2008, 08:19 PM   #14
nicksgt
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If i went with MH whats a good light to go with?
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Old 02-03-2008, 08:59 PM   #15
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Here is a link that will help you if you want 250w MH, I found it very useful.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/jb/index.php
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