Aquactinics Solar Flare or Sfiligoi Stealth 12x54w T5?

[Ironfan]

Tank is going to be 96L x 48W x 30H. I am planning a 4-5 inch sand bed. that will leave me with approx. 24-25 inches to light. I plan to place the lights down the width of the tank. I would need 6 Solar Flare @ $800.00/each or 4 Sfiligoi Stealth 12x54w T5 @ $1500.00/each. I would get more light with the Sfiligoi Stealth. Any one with any thoughts on which I should choose? I really would like to stay away from Metal Halides if possible. I also do want to be able to keep SPS and clams. Any input would be appreciated.

[kodyboy]

I would think four solar flares would be more than enough light for that size aquarium.

[aninjaatemyshoe]

T5s would not be my pick for an aquarium that size. I would say you'd be better off with a setup of 4-5 400W MHs on Luminarcs.

[kodyboy]

T5s or MH would work fine, but you do need a LOT of t5s for that tank!

[Ironfan]

I dont want this thread to be another T5 vs MH argument. I dont want to use MH. I would only need to penetrate 25inch of water.

[reef / aholic]

I can not find anybody doing this - 30"H with SPS. I have been wanting to try this also.

96"L x 48"W x 30"H = 598g x 5w = 2,990w

1. 4 Sfiligoi Stealth 12x54w T5 = 2,592w
$6,000.00

2. 6 Solar Flare 6 x 54w @ 85w = 3,060w
$4,800.00

3. 8 - Luminarc III with 400w MH = 3,200w
$1,500.00 + 4 - 2x400 Ballast = $980.00 = $2,480.00

Chiller a 3/4hp or 1hp chiller = $1,500.00

Luminarc and Chiller = $3,980.00

[Aquactinics]

Ironfan,

Why would you need 6 Solar Flares? 4 is more then enough for a tank that size.

Tom
Aquactinics

[Ironfan]

Well, I am just not as educated on lighting as most. I took the width of the fixture 15 inches and divided into 96 inches and i got 6.4 fixtures. Lighting is the hardest decision I have had to make so far in my plan for this tank design. I dont want to mess with metal halides unless I have no other choice due to increased electric cost, more equipment and so on.

[djc1026]

I think you went the wrong way on your math . 2 48"ers for the length of the tank and you could do two rows at 30 wide, equallying 4 fixtures is all you can physically fit on that tank.

Dave

[glassbox-design]

i believe money is not that big of a concern, given the nature of the post...with that in mind i would certainly go with sfiliogi.

they are very attractive fixtures and well designed....very sleek and would look great as pendants...honestly it would be a shame to hide them behind a canopy.

jmo.

eric

[Tagareef]

Ironfan,

Here is a 30" deep tank lit by 16x80w normally driven T5's. Tank belongs to Regina (I hope she doesn't mind me posting her beautiful reef!)



I've recently installed a 72" Aquatinics Constellation that replaced 3x250w/2x150w DE metal halides in a AquaSpacelight fixture. I love it so far and the corals aren't complaining either. My reef is 24" deep and the fixture is suspended 3".

Before you seriously consider anything made by Sfiligoi, do a search and read how this company handles customer service and warranty issues. It's sad that a company that makes high-end lighting fixtures can't back their own products. (Here in the US anyway)

Luis

[Ironfan]

So I should place the fixtures 2x2 down the legnth of the tank or 1x4 down the width of the tank?
so like this:
across 96 inches horizontal
3 4
1 2

or

48 inches depth vertical
1 2 3 4

[kodyboy]

I don't think it would matter either way, but since you tank is 48" wide (very jealous here) maybe sideways would be better to vent the heat out the back of the tank? Not sure, ask Tom as Aquactincs he will tell you.

[Ironfan]

tank isnt a reality yet, but plans are in the works.

[purebullet417]

i would say this way if you can
1 2 3 4

[djc1026]

I guess I did the math wrong too, actually didn't pay attention to the tank measurements. I would do the 1234 centered every 2 foot. That gives you 9" between fixtures and they vent out the back or front. Horizontally, they would be end to end, thus likely to effect the ventilation.

That's my .02

Dave