Lighting question

SWFirstTimer · 05-08-2008, 09:03 PM

We have been trying to decide which way to go. Keep looking for an affordable, larger tank with T5 or MH lighting or to just keep ours and look for a new light. We currently run compacts, 2x96 W. If kept ours, we are thinking T5's after some reading. I did find a system that says T5 HO, but comes with T6 bulbs. In reading, it sounded like bulb size is really the difference. Are there other differences between T5 and T6? Could one replace the T6 with T5 bulbs?

If someone has a 36" T5 and/or MH setup they are looking at selling at an affordable price, let me know. If we decide to not look for a larger tank, I may be interested.

Thanks!

tito · 05-09-2008, 08:11 AM

Never heard of T6 bulbs, just T5, T8 & T12. If you decide on T5's make sure you spend the extra cash and get a fixture with individual reflectors. The cheapest route would be to build a canopy and install some T5 retro setups. You could also get away with a single halide over your 36" tank. I have a 250w pendant over my 58 gallon and I am pleased with the light disbursement.

oyam123 · 05-09-2008, 08:57 AM

Id keep what you got for now, until you know what you will do.
Keep this tank, get larger tank, get out of the hobby????
Come to a few meeting and See other tanks.
See how much time and $$$ you are willing to put into the hobby.
What you want to keep in a tank is the #1 reason to change lighting.
SPS and clams? just LPS, or just soft coral, FOWLR????
Lots to think about before you spend $300-$500 on a new light.
LMJ
Take it SLOW!

mjsandbe · 05-09-2008, 09:16 AM

SWFirstTimer, are you coming to the meeting next week?

I believe that David (oyam123) has the right idea. No harm will come if you take your time in the hobby, and you may save yourself a considerable amount of money & frustration. Over my 36" 58 gallon I have used VHO (T12s) that worked well. I replaced them with a single 400w MH bulb. I have also used T5s & PC in the past over my old 90 gallon. Over time you will always run out of space, so a single larger tank is a good thing to think about.

SWFirstTimer · 05-09-2008, 03:22 PM

We have been happy with what we have, but would like to add more coral, probably just LPS. So, we had planned on buying a new light, but in seeing some posts for sale, looks like we could spend a bit more and move up in size with a used one...thus the contemplation. We are not in a hurry, just keeping our eyes open and trying to read and get others opinions before we do something.

I appreciate the feedback! Thinking if we just replace the light, might lean toward a pendant, as would probably be a bit more flexible in use in future than locking into a 36" light.

Thanks!

oyam123 · 05-09-2008, 04:40 PM

Id just keep the PC's for now, T5 is a good light to look into.

MedicineMan · 05-10-2008, 12:07 PM

Back when I was keeping an aquarium, the research I did suggested that an MH light was really only good for a 2 foot expanse. Which would leave about 6 inches of darker area on each side of a 36" tank.

This could be an advantage as it would allow a couple of areas for less light loving critters on each end. Also, if you plan on expanding to a 48" tank, you'd only be required to purchase a single light.

The best thing to do is plan out what you ultimately want to have and build from there. This is quite difficult as you may decide that you want a 180 gallon tank (72") and it would look bare in the beginning (unless you have unlimited funds and would stock it completely at start-up!)

As has been mentioned before, it's best to decide what you want to keep and research the needs of it before buying anything. You may end up wanting to keep two 36" tanks, one for light/current loving critters and the other for darker, still loving animals. The confines of an aquarium make it almost impossible to provide both in a single tank!

Loverotties · 05-10-2008, 07:20 PM

Not much choises in T-6,but alot in T-5s.