T5 Set Up Users? What Do You Think

[nicolicious]

HI,
this is to all the T5 users out there.....I have a 55gall and want to start a reef tank started with any coral but the clams and sps.....is this set up the best i can get for around 350 dollars or is it overkill....and are the reflectors that come with this set crap? Ive done lots of reading of everyones thoughts on lights for a reef tank and this is what i have come up with....

CoralVue 48" Dual T-5 Retro Kit.
Includes reflector, 4 bulbs, electronic ballast,
waterproof endcaps, and power cord.

to see image:
http://www.captivereefs.com/captiver...D=LT-CVT5RK4-4

I have read about the slr relectors and the icecap 660 ballast and i am most likely going to replace the ones they come with....

or will 4-48 inch VHO's with the icecap660 be better?

who has T5's and likes them.....what would you do with about $350 dollars to spend on a lighting system for a 55gallon.....someone please make up my mind for me?
I am overflowing with data!

nico

thanks...

[TrojanScott]

From everything I've been reading, I would go with the T5's. You would probably be able to even do the SPS and clams in that size tank with T5's. Check out reefcentral's tanks of the month... all on T5's. I'd say for what you want to keep, PC's would be just fine, but T5's seem to be more bang for the buck, and run cooler as well. From all I've been reading, it seems like you go with Halides for the absolute best, (but, heat and cost is an issue) then the next best thing is the T5's. Still learning myself, especially with all the different color spectrums these lights offer, but I'm gonna save my pennies for either the T5's or take the halide plunge, after my PC's need to be changed.

[wanareef]

T-5's are great- but the reflector make the bulb. Reefgeek carries some nice reflectors - I would think if you can DIY it would be cheaper (maybe) but you will know how it's wired up and eaiser to trouble shoot just in case

And if you go woth the workhorse 7 ballast it's cheaper than a icecap 660 just need a couple of the 7's. Same electronic as the ice cap