Need opinions on lighting options...

kolokefalo · 07/01/2007, 03:21 PM

I am setting up my new reef tank. It will have 2 live rock structures on the right and left 3rds of the tank. This will leave the middle 1/3 an open sand area.

My conundrum is this:

Do I purchase the Aquatinics T-5 36" fixture even though all the corals (mostly SPS) will be on the left and right 1/3rds of the tank?

or

Do I purchase the Current Sun Pod 36" which has 2 x 150 14k bulbs which would essentially place themselves either directly over or very near to directly over the SPS.

I have never had T-5s before and I don't know if having the SPS corals on the side 1/3rds of the tank will give them enough lighting vs. the direct overhead illumination of the halides.

Any help appreciated with regards to the concept or if you have experience with Current Sun Pods or Aquatinics that opinion will be very much appreciated as well.

Reefghoul · 07/01/2007, 03:39 PM

if your only option is the sunpod, then I would go with t-5s, but I would at least get 250 watter bulbs, I have had both t-5s and halides and you could not pay me to go back to t-5s...This is simply because I do not like the look that they offer but they will grow SPS just fine.

Peter Eichler · 07/01/2007, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Reefghoul
if your only option is the sunpod, then I would go with t-5s, but I would at least get 250 watter bulbs, I have had both t-5s and halides and you could not pay me to go back to t-5s...This is simply because I do not like the look that they offer but they will grow SPS just fine.

Saying you don't like the look they offer is a bit misleading. With the multitude of bulbs available it's fairly easing to find a bulb combination that suits you. Unless of course you much have the MH shimmer then of course stick with MHs.

Kolo, the Aquatinics fixture is a good one and will allow you to keep just about anything. I think for 48" and under tanks T5s are a great choice and are tough to beat from a cost standpoint. They look great and are very easy to manipulate in color spectrum, you just won't get the shimmer.

kolokefalo · 07/01/2007, 09:14 PM

Peter,

I am leaning towards the aquatinics...however the only thing holding me back is the actual placement of my corals in the aquarium.

My thinking is all that wasted overlapping light in the center of the tank, whereas with the dual MH I could have direct light over the SPS colonies. Still trying to decide in my head. Each side of the tank will have a type of "reef face" at about a 45-60 degree angle.

07/01/2007, 03:21 PM	#1
kolokefalo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tarpon Springs FL Posts: 71	Need opinions on lighting options... I am setting up my new reef tank. It will have 2 live rock structures on the right and left 3rds of the tank. This will leave the middle 1/3 an open sand area. My conundrum is this: Do I purchase the Aquatinics T-5 36" fixture even though all the corals (mostly SPS) will be on the left and right 1/3rds of the tank? or Do I purchase the Current Sun Pod 36" which has 2 x 150 14k bulbs which would essentially place themselves either directly over or very near to directly over the SPS. I have never had T-5s before and I don't know if having the SPS corals on the side 1/3rds of the tank will give them enough lighting vs. the direct overhead illumination of the halides. Any help appreciated with regards to the concept or if you have experience with Current Sun Pods or Aquatinics that opinion will be very much appreciated as well. __________________ People who run BB are the type of people who sniff their socks after a day of wear, and look inside the tissue after they blow their nose. It is just not right. Current Tank Info: 58g Reef

07/01/2007, 09:14 PM	#4
kolokefalo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tarpon Springs FL Posts: 71	Peter, I am leaning towards the aquatinics...however the only thing holding me back is the actual placement of my corals in the aquarium. My thinking is all that wasted overlapping light in the center of the tank, whereas with the dual MH I could have direct light over the SPS colonies. Still trying to decide in my head. Each side of the tank will have a type of "reef face" at about a 45-60 degree angle. __________________ People who run BB are the type of people who sniff their socks after a day of wear, and look inside the tissue after they blow their nose. It is just not right. Current Tank Info: 58g Reef

07/01/2007, 03:39 PM	#2
Reefghoul Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 161	if your only option is the sunpod, then I would go with t-5s, but I would at least get 250 watter bulbs, I have had both t-5s and halides and you could not pay me to go back to t-5s...This is simply because I do not like the look that they offer but they will grow SPS just fine.