Lighting for 2' x 4' Frag tank

jmckdvm · 07/03/2008, 07:23 PM

I plan to connect a 2' x 4' x 8"H Frag tank (SPS) to my 500 gal tank and am debating whether to use T5s or halides (on the frag tank). I'm guessing the answer might be "either one" or "its personal preference"....but I'd like to get some strong opinions and reasons for them.

I was at first leaning toward 8 Icecap T5s, but a friend who has been using them for years on his frag tank is switching to halides, which is making me second guess myself.

I do have some extra IceCap 250/400 DE pendants or mini-Lumenarcs (DE) that I could use. Unless someone convinces me to do otherwise, I'm now leaning toward two IceCaps with 250W DEs.

What are the pros and cons of each for a frag tank: T5s vs halides?
I know there is a large selection of T5 bulbs; Halides are probably more economical (although not a major factor). What else?

Thanks for your input!
Jim

D to the P · 07/03/2008, 10:20 PM

What about putting the 2 halides on a moving light rail? Then all the corals could get light, and you wouldn't need as many fixtures. Just a thought.

07/03/2008, 07:23 PM	#1
jmckdvm Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Hillsborough, NJ Posts: 52	Lighting for 2' x 4' Frag tank I plan to connect a 2' x 4' x 8"H Frag tank (SPS) to my 500 gal tank and am debating whether to use T5s or halides (on the frag tank). I'm guessing the answer might be "either one" or "its personal preference"....but I'd like to get some strong opinions and reasons for them. I was at first leaning toward 8 Icecap T5s, but a friend who has been using them for years on his frag tank is switching to halides, which is making me second guess myself. I do have some extra IceCap 250/400 DE pendants or mini-Lumenarcs (DE) that I could use. Unless someone convinces me to do otherwise, I'm now leaning toward two IceCaps with 250W DEs. What are the pros and cons of each for a frag tank: T5s vs halides? I know there is a large selection of T5 bulbs; Halides are probably more economical (although not a major factor). What else? Thanks for your input! Jim

07/03/2008, 10:20 PM	#2
D to the P Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amishville, USA Posts: 2,047	What about putting the 2 halides on a moving light rail? Then all the corals could get light, and you wouldn't need as many fixtures. Just a thought. __________________ Nature V.S. Nurture: Nature Always Wins. Current Tank Info: 12 gallon Aquapod reef with LED's, multiple nano's at work.