is t5 lighting enough?

[GQ22]

anyone know if the general rule of thumb 3 to 5 watts per gallons holds true for the tek light t5's? i am thinking about getting a setup for my 125 gallon but dont want to scrap is all when i find out i need to get halides also. They only comes in around 39 watts per bulbs. If anyone can offer advice that would be appreciated.

 

[stingnyc]

Hi GQ22,

I think T5's are great, I currently have a 72 gal bowfront with 8x54watt T5's. At the moment I have about 6watts per gallon. The growth has been explosive, some of my monti plate are growing about 1/4" per day!!!

I would go with the most watts per gallon as possible. The T5 reflectors are excellent and focuses more of the light output into your tank. Hope this helps.

-Steve

 

[Justin_NY]

if i were u, i go with a halide. u dont get disapointed. speciall tank that big, halide is my choice. other few thing also, what stuff are u trying to keep?
if only soft, t5 is alright, but other than that go with halide, they thrive better.

 

[marrone]

GQ22

T-5 are really good and will grow sps just find but you may not get the same colors as using MH. If your going with softies or LPS then T-5 are the better way to go. Less electric, less heat, bulbs are cheapier and last much longer and they're just as bright as MH. Check out this thread from RC:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=401937

Michael

 

[ap714]

I can vouch for T 5's that they will grow SPS and Clams....!!!! Not because I use T 5's but because I have seen STINGNYC'S tank in person and I can tell you this....He has awesome colored SPS and clams, His Tank is Awesome!!!!! Just get as many as you can fit over your tank....

 

[stingnyc]

Hi,

I think the Tek T5 lighting system is great. I have taken in bleached and/or browned out corals and colored them up nicely. Shown below is the parent colony of a plate I have and the colors are exactly the same. When I bought the plate from Marko 2 months ago it was brown out. Now it looks like the one below.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/75907montigreen-bright_blue_flowers.jpg

ATI makes a assortment of bulbs that are excellent. I currently have about 40 different speices of SPS coral and all have great color. You are welcome to stop by and see how well my corals are doing under T5's.

-Steve

[ January 25, 2005, 12:00 PM: Message edited by: stingnyc ]

 

[heuerfan]

I say go T5 and add 2-70watt metal halides for the shimmer effect, you won't be dissappointed! LOL

Hey Steve, lets see a pic of your tank, heard its awesome!

[ January 25, 2005, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: heuerfan ]

 

[stingnyc]

Steven (heuerfan),

I'll post some pics later today... I'd like to stop by your place and checkout your setup as well. I've been getting rave reveiws about your tanks!!! I currently planning on setting up a small softy tank and I heard you have one of the nicest. I pickup some rare yuma's and ric recently and wanted to seperate them. Thanks

ap714 (Anthony),

Thanks for the kind words... My tank is a work in progress thats why I haven't posted pics yet... But love your setup, I might replicate your rock work for my softy tank (you know duplication/replication is the highest form of flatery). I'll check you out later this week. Thanks

-Steve

BTW: I'm not saying T5's are the best solution, it just works for me... In an idea world I would make my own hood and run T5's and MH. But I just don't have the time for it right now.

[ January 25, 2005, 12:30 PM: Message edited by: stingnyc ]

 

[GQ22]

im just concerned that t5's wnot be able to reach the bottom of my tank as well as halides and vho's. I would love to convert to t5's and save money on the costs. my tank is is about 2 feet to the bottom. Whats the deepest depth you guys have stuff growing that is doing well under the t5s?.

 

[stingnyc]

Hi GQ22,

If I'm not mistaken, my tank is 18" tall and my SPS on the bottom are thriving and hold excellent color. Obviously keep in mind I keep my lower light speices on the bottom and the more light intense speices up top...

-Steve

 

[stingnyc]

Steven (heuerfan),

Here are a few pics of my tank... Sorry about the crappy pics, I don't know how to take pictures. Keep in mind it still needs alot of work.

-Steve

ALEX's Clam

RICH's Cap

SPYRO's Ric

[ January 25, 2005, 11:10 PM: Message edited by: stingnyc ]

 

[ShaunW]

Your tank looks great. Can you maybe resize it and get us a little closer?

 

[jackson6745]

Steve if you're not sure how to resize it send me a full size pic and I'll do it for you.

[email protected]

 

[stingnyc]

Thanks Rich,

But I just put a few macro's on...

-Steve

[ January 25, 2005, 10:44 PM: Message edited by: stingnyc ]

 

[stingnyc]

VICK's Purple Nanna

BRETT's Candy Cane

[ January 25, 2005, 11:11 PM: Message edited by: stingnyc ]

 

[jackson6745]

WOW nice stuff Steve!

 

[ShaunW]

Thanks for the close ups! Beautiful!!

Your tank is a testament to keeping SPS colorful under T5's.