Which T5 Set-up

builderguy · 04/04/2007, 04:12 PM

I have a 120g "garden reef". SPS placed high, LPS in middle, softies (zoos, etc) placed low. The tank is 4'x2'x2' with a 6" sand-bed so it's only 18" deep.

I have decided that California electricity bills are breaking me and I need to dump my two 250W MH bulbs and 4 65w PC for a T5 set-up.

I am very encouraged by what I have read here on the T5 forum for results, even with SPS.

I have settled on the Ice-Cap over-driven approach and have found two options.

1) 6-bulb hanging fixture

2) 8-bulb retro-fit

I have a 14" high canopy (remember the MH lighting currently used). So the question is: Should I get the 6 bulb hanging fixture and hang it inside the canopy closer to the water (which will kinda be a pain for getting into the tank if the need arises) or go with the 8-bulb at what would be essentially 12" off the water?

Any input before I drop over $700 on this lighting would be great!

Thanks.

bogg · 04/04/2007, 04:21 PM

IMO scrap the canopy and do the t5 pendant. Then Enjoy looking top down at your corals.

.

builderguy · 04/04/2007, 04:23 PM

I thought of that, but I have an OM 4-way with piping over the top of the tank that would look awful exposed.

04/04/2007, 04:12 PM	#1
builderguy Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Natomas, CA Posts: 1,470	Which T5 Set-up I have a 120g "garden reef". SPS placed high, LPS in middle, softies (zoos, etc) placed low. The tank is 4'x2'x2' with a 6" sand-bed so it's only 18" deep. I have decided that California electricity bills are breaking me and I need to dump my two 250W MH bulbs and 4 65w PC for a T5 set-up. I am very encouraged by what I have read here on the T5 forum for results, even with SPS. I have settled on the Ice-Cap over-driven approach and have found two options. 1) 6-bulb hanging fixture 2) 8-bulb retro-fit I have a 14" high canopy (remember the MH lighting currently used). So the question is: Should I get the 6 bulb hanging fixture and hang it inside the canopy closer to the water (which will kinda be a pain for getting into the tank if the need arises) or go with the 8-bulb at what would be essentially 12" off the water? Any input before I drop over $700 on this lighting would be great! Thanks.

04/04/2007, 04:21 PM	#2
bogg Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,174	IMO scrap the canopy and do the t5 pendant. Then Enjoy looking top down at your corals. . __________________ And God said let the water teem with living creatures and he saw that it was good. Current Tank Info: Elos 120xl, 2 planet 2's, KZs, wavy sea/Tunze

04/04/2007, 04:23 PM	#3
builderguy Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Natomas, CA Posts: 1,470	I thought of that, but I have an OM 4-way with piping over the top of the tank that would look awful exposed.