Lighting recommendation

ethuman · 08/07/2016, 05:53 PM

Ive had the 72g bow up and running for about a year now as im really enjoying this hobby. Learning a lot along the way both from others and my own mistakes. When I started I bought the Orbit Leds without doing enough research in the early days and its time to upgrade. Corals have been doing "ok" with these but not really growing that well. All of my parameters are within acceptable levels so im assuming the lights have a bit to do with it.

Basically im looking for suggestions on a new lighting setup that will help my corals grow better. I have LPS, polys and softies. What is everyone else using on similar sized tanks?

C.Eymann · 08/07/2016, 06:21 PM

I use a 2x250watt/ 2x54watt halide/ t5 fixture from hamilton and have had some pretty insane growth. If I were to do it over again I would probably get an ATI T-5 fixture or a ATI- t-5/LED hybrid as I think T-5 can achieve better coloration than halide but not as great of growth rate.
just my 2 pennies. Im just old school

ethuman · 08/07/2016, 06:47 PM

I have a used coralife lunar aqualight t5 laying around ive been thinking about trying. I assume its better than the leds im currently using. Bulbs are a couple months old I was told when I bought it and since ive only ever had the leds on there how often should I change the t5 bulbs?

NAClFiSHy · 08/07/2016, 07:06 PM

I use T5 just get good bulbs and a fixture with good reflectors. I change mine out yearly and use ATI bulbs.

C.Eymann · 08/07/2016, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ethuman

I have a used coralife lunar aqualight t5 laying around ive been thinking about trying. I assume its better than the leds im currently using. Bulbs are a couple months old I was told when I bought it and since ive only ever had the leds on there how often should I change the t5 bulbs?

Ehh, big difference between a coralife T-5 fixture and a ATI fixture, they really are not comparable, other than their salt, coralife makes some pretty crappy products. IMO. crappy ballasts, bad cooling system, not great reflectors (big variable with t-5s)

not sure what you are running now, but Im not very familiar with LEDs if that is what you are currently running.

NAClFiSHy · 08/07/2016, 07:07 PM

And if you decide to get into sps you can just add a kessil.

NAClFiSHy · 08/07/2016, 07:12 PM

Yeah all T5 lights are not created equal. I've seen par readings someone did between tekk or ati lights and some of the value lights from ebay. And there was like a 50% diff in readings.

C.Eymann · 08/07/2016, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NAClFiSHy

And if you decide to get into sps you can just add a kessil.

If going kessil he will need t-5 supplements to deal with shading issues, esp if keeping any Acropora.

Capsle · 08/07/2016, 07:17 PM

I have Maxspect R420r 180w on a 65g tank. I like them so far. Great presets, and are programable to whatever you like. My tank is 24" deep and the lights are strong enough to get all the way to the bottom with no issues.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NAClFiSHy · 08/07/2016, 07:25 PM

A good T5 fixture will go along way. And if needed you can always add led pendant.

djbon · 08/07/2016, 07:29 PM

I custom built all my LED light and so far so good. SPS's are encrusting well, LPS are growing. Color is good, should be better as nitrate was totally none existence when running fallow.

ethuman · 08/07/2016, 08:06 PM

Currently using the Current USA LEDs but if the Coralife t5 fixture isn't much better then I think Ill begin the research for new lighting altogether

08/07/2016, 05:53 PM	#1
ethuman Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 194	Lighting recommendation Ive had the 72g bow up and running for about a year now as im really enjoying this hobby. Learning a lot along the way both from others and my own mistakes. When I started I bought the Orbit Leds without doing enough research in the early days and its time to upgrade. Corals have been doing "ok" with these but not really growing that well. All of my parameters are within acceptable levels so im assuming the lights have a bit to do with it. Basically im looking for suggestions on a new lighting setup that will help my corals grow better. I have LPS, polys and softies. What is everyone else using on similar sized tanks?

08/07/2016, 06:21 PM	#2
C.Eymann Cnidaria lover Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Winterpark FL Posts: 1,483	I use a 2x250watt/ 2x54watt halide/ t5 fixture from hamilton and have had some pretty insane growth. If I were to do it over again I would probably get an ATI T-5 fixture or a ATI- t-5/LED hybrid as I think T-5 can achieve better coloration than halide but not as great of growth rate. just my 2 pennies. Im just old school __________________ "I glue animals to rocks" Current Tank Info: 80gal build in the works

08/07/2016, 07:17 PM	#9
Capsle Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Posts: 385	I have Maxspect R420r 180w on a 65g tank. I like them so far. Great presets, and are programable to whatever you like. My tank is 24" deep and the lights are strong enough to get all the way to the bottom with no issues. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Caps Current Tank Info: 65G DT with custom overflow, 35G custom sump, maxspect R420r 180w 15K, reef octopus classic 150 skimmer.

08/07/2016, 06:47 PM	#3
ethuman Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 194	I have a used coralife lunar aqualight t5 laying around ive been thinking about trying. I assume its better than the leds im currently using. Bulbs are a couple months old I was told when I bought it and since ive only ever had the leds on there how often should I change the t5 bulbs?

08/07/2016, 07:06 PM	#4
NAClFiSHy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 61	I use T5 just get good bulbs and a fixture with good reflectors. I change mine out yearly and use ATI bulbs.

08/07/2016, 07:07 PM	#6
NAClFiSHy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 61	And if you decide to get into sps you can just add a kessil.

08/07/2016, 07:12 PM	#7
NAClFiSHy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 61	Yeah all T5 lights are not created equal. I've seen par readings someone did between tekk or ati lights and some of the value lights from ebay. And there was like a 50% diff in readings.

08/07/2016, 07:25 PM	#10
NAClFiSHy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 61	A good T5 fixture will go along way. And if needed you can always add led pendant.

08/07/2016, 08:06 PM	#12
ethuman Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 194	Currently using the Current USA LEDs but if the Coralife t5 fixture isn't much better then I think Ill begin the research for new lighting altogether