Lighting info over-load

msmommy4 · 02/07/2010, 06:40 PM

Help I'm looking to change from 30" T5's to a 36" to fit my 46g bow front. The 30" was given to me to start me out. Whats better t5, compact,... it get endless or so it seems.

bertoni · 02/07/2010, 06:45 PM

A good T5 HO setup will provide the most light for the dollar. You'll want a system with a high-quality reflector per bulb, plus a good ballast. The equipment forum people might have some information on various brands.

PC (compact fluorescent) is fine for soft corals, but it's not as energy efficient. VHO tends to be less effective as well, although lots of people have had nice tanks using VHO.

Chiefsurfer · 02/07/2010, 06:52 PM

I have heard VHO's(t8 i believe) have some of the nicest color, but t5's will provide the most light per watt, and are about the best bang for the buck system.

As stated, quality reflectors on every bulb is key. You can get some decent systems for a good price, like the current usa nova and aquaticlife fixtures. I'd say a 4-bulb or 5-bulb would be great for that tank.

sdc19982002 · 02/07/2010, 07:01 PM

I would look at the nova extreme pro 6 bulb fixture. I have it on my 58 gallon and keep sps, clams and all others. Great light for the price.

bluetang66 · 02/07/2010, 07:04 PM

It's hard to beat a good t 5 set up.

02/07/2010, 06:40 PM	#1
msmommy4 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Cleveland,OH Posts: 64	Lighting info over-load Help I'm looking to change from 30" T5's to a 36" to fit my 46g bow front. The 30" was given to me to start me out. Whats better t5, compact,... it get endless or so it seems.

02/07/2010, 06:45 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	A good T5 HO setup will provide the most light for the dollar. You'll want a system with a high-quality reflector per bulb, plus a good ballast. The equipment forum people might have some information on various brands. PC (compact fluorescent) is fine for soft corals, but it's not as energy efficient. VHO tends to be less effective as well, although lots of people have had nice tanks using VHO. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

02/07/2010, 06:52 PM	#3
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	I have heard VHO's(t8 i believe) have some of the nicest color, but t5's will provide the most light per watt, and are about the best bang for the buck system. As stated, quality reflectors on every bulb is key. You can get some decent systems for a good price, like the current usa nova and aquaticlife fixtures. I'd say a 4-bulb or 5-bulb would be great for that tank. __________________ Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank

02/07/2010, 07:01 PM	#4
sdc19982002 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wills Point,Texas Posts: 925	I would look at the nova extreme pro 6 bulb fixture. I have it on my 58 gallon and keep sps, clams and all others. Great light for the price.

02/07/2010, 07:04 PM	#5
bluetang66 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ga. Posts: 160	It's hard to beat a good t 5 set up.