Which light would be better for my Cube Tank?

will_w · 10/04/2009, 05:39 PM

I have a 50 Gallon cube. Approx dimensions are 24X24X24. I am looking at keeping some softies, zoos, etc. No SPS. Which one of these two lights do you think would be better:

AquaticLife PowerCompact CF Light Fixtures w/ Lunar LED's: Has (2) 65 watt PC bulbs

or

24 Inch 4x24 Watt AquaticLife T5 HO Light Fixture W/ 2 Lunar LEDs: has (4) 24 watt T5 bulbs

I have heard that T5s are better, but I know that wattage matters.... so 130 watt PC or 96 watts of T5.

Thanks for the help.

will_w · 10/06/2009, 04:26 AM

ttt

ycrazyy · 10/06/2009, 05:56 AM

I would say without a doubt the T5 fixture. While wattage matters, PAR also matters and the T5's are much more efficient lights then the CFL's. Although you only plan on keeping softies and zoos (for now) I would even look at a MH / T5 combo light in case you decide in the future to keep anything else.

RokleM · 10/06/2009, 07:40 AM

I can't say I have much to say about the T5 fixture (many many out there that are better, bit it is cheap). However, you won't find hardly anyone that would buy a new CF/PC system anymore. For the most part, T5's and/or MH will be your standard now a days for reef tanks.

Do you have a certain budget you're attempting to stay around (nothing wrong with that, for sure)? We can likely give you some further recommendations.

nyvp · 10/06/2009, 02:14 PM

I would personally get 1 MH in a good fixture like a lumenarc with a Iwasaki 175/w 15k and be done with it.

http://www.marinedepot.com/175_Watt_...MHSEHS-vi.html

billdogg · 10/06/2009, 02:19 PM

my 60 cube has an assortment of softies, shrooms, zoas, etc. It has been lit using 3x 24" VHO's on an icecap660 since 1992 when i set it up. At the time, VHO was as good as it gets. If I were to redo it now, I would probably go with the t5's, but IMO, there is no actinic like a VHO actinic, so i don't really know for sure. Must agree with ^^^ however - I would not waste a dime on PC. JM.02

d2mini · 10/06/2009, 02:35 PM

I may be wrong but i think a 24" fixture over a 24" tank is going to give you a lot of light spill. I'm getting a 36" shallow cube tank and was going to light it with 24" 10-bulb fixture.

will_w · 10/06/2009, 03:45 PM

any other suggestions on specific brands/models of 24" T5 Fixtures. I dont need halides, I have had plenty of SPS in my 120 and this is for my son's room. just want some softies in it. Budget is not really an issue (within reason)

10/04/2009, 05:39 PM	#1
will_w Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,005	Which light would be better for my Cube Tank? I have a 50 Gallon cube. Approx dimensions are 24X24X24. I am looking at keeping some softies, zoos, etc. No SPS. Which one of these two lights do you think would be better: AquaticLife PowerCompact CF Light Fixtures w/ Lunar LED's: Has (2) 65 watt PC bulbs or 24 Inch 4x24 Watt AquaticLife T5 HO Light Fixture W/ 2 Lunar LEDs: has (4) 24 watt T5 bulbs I have heard that T5s are better, but I know that wattage matters.... so 130 watt PC or 96 watts of T5. Thanks for the help.

10/06/2009, 07:40 AM	#4
RokleM Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,687	I can't say I have much to say about the T5 fixture (many many out there that are better, bit it is cheap). However, you won't find hardly anyone that would buy a new CF/PC system anymore. For the most part, T5's and/or MH will be your standard now a days for reef tanks. Do you have a certain budget you're attempting to stay around (nothing wrong with that, for sure)? We can likely give you some further recommendations. __________________ -Eric-

10/06/2009, 02:19 PM	#6
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	my 60 cube has an assortment of softies, shrooms, zoas, etc. It has been lit using 3x 24" VHO's on an icecap660 since 1992 when i set it up. At the time, VHO was as good as it gets. If I were to redo it now, I would probably go with the t5's, but IMO, there is no actinic like a VHO actinic, so i don't really know for sure. Must agree with ^^^ however - I would not waste a dime on PC. JM.02 __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

10/06/2009, 04:26 AM	#2
will_w Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,005	ttt

10/06/2009, 05:56 AM	#3
ycrazyy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New York Posts: 327	I would say without a doubt the T5 fixture. While wattage matters, PAR also matters and the T5's are much more efficient lights then the CFL's. Although you only plan on keeping softies and zoos (for now) I would even look at a MH / T5 combo light in case you decide in the future to keep anything else.

10/06/2009, 02:14 PM	#5
nyvp Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hollywood Florida Posts: 3,633	I would personally get 1 MH in a good fixture like a lumenarc with a Iwasaki 175/w 15k and be done with it. http://www.marinedepot.com/175_Watt_...MHSEHS-vi.html

10/06/2009, 02:35 PM	#7
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	I may be wrong but i think a 24" fixture over a 24" tank is going to give you a lot of light spill. I'm getting a 36" shallow cube tank and was going to light it with 24" 10-bulb fixture.

10/06/2009, 03:45 PM	#8
will_w Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,005	any other suggestions on specific brands/models of 24" T5 Fixtures. I dont need halides, I have had plenty of SPS in my 120 and this is for my son's room. just want some softies in it. Budget is not really an issue (within reason)