t5 lighting-need help

[saltank]

I have a 46gal bowfront reef tank currently with 206 watts pc; considering switching to T5 high output due to a ballast going in one of the pc fixtures - how much T5 HO would be sufficient - house softies, some lps (torch, frogspawn) and one sps that actually has done pretty well under the pc bulbs

thanks for the input

:wink:

 

[Anonymous]

Get as many bulbs as you can fit and afford to power.

 

[Ben1]

Remember good reflectors go a long way with T5. If you are going to retrofit then get nice SLR like the ice cap ones.

 

[Anonymous]

Remember good reflectors go a long way with T5. If you are going to retrofit then get nice SLR like the ice cap ones.

You can get them prewired now as well.

 

[Anonymous]

It would certainly be smart to make the switch to T5. It will not take long to make up for the cost of the switch. T5s are cheaper, brighter and last longer than PCs. And yep, pay attention to the reflectors. Individual parabolics are best.

 

[saltank]

thanks for the replies, however I am looking for advice as to how much wattage would be sufficient? I am not interested in overkill, budget won't allow it....

LFS said that based on my inhabitants, 2x39watt would probably do; I would think that would be too little, any input on this?

What is a good brand of fixture; I don't really have the time to build a retrofit

thanks again

 

[Anonymous]

Why not get a 250 watt MH pendant?

That way when you get bit by the SPS bug you will not need to upgrade. The price difference from a T5 fixture to a MH pendant is not that much and the replacement bulb cost will be marginal.

This would be my first vote:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... cespotpend

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... =hreefstar

or T5

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... Current-T5