90 gallon mixed reef lighting suggestions?

Leandrae · 01/21/2008, 10:47 PM

So its getting close to being able to afford to do something with my lighting with tax season upon us. I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts and suggestions on lighting.

Right now, I have a 6x54 Tek T5 fixture which I am not impressed with. Perhaps I just have the wrong bulbs in it (I have no idea what they are, I bought the fixture used with em already in it), but the tank just looks dimmer than my old 2x150 DE MH fixture I had. Perhaps the bulbs just desperately need to be replaced.

I have a standard 90 gallon tank, 48"x18"x24". Current inhabitants include BTA's, a lot of Kenya Trees, and a metic ton of algae. Ideally, I'd like to keep a mixed reef, SPS, LPS, some softies, and clams.

I would like to find either a retro fit to put inside a new canopy or a fixture on legs that will fit inside a canopy. Right now I am using glasstops which I really want to get rid of. My fish are avid jumpers so eggcrate really isnt a good idea. I'd like to have the lighting inside a canopy that I can eggcrate off the open back on it to keep em all in. Under $1000.00 if at all possible.

Oh, if suggesting MH, nothing above 175 watts please, my electrical system in the house does not seem to like starting 250's

Anyone have any suggestions? If at all possible, put a link in the post to the fixture or retro you're suggesting. There are so many out there, I'm getting myself all confused!

Thank you so much!

-Janel

scotmc · 01/21/2008, 10:52 PM

I would read the T5 bulb thread. Odds are you using the wong combinations of bulbs. I am using a 6x 54 tek fixture and are happy with the results. This is what I use.

Actinic Plus
UVL Super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
Gmann Actinic Plus
Gmann Aquablue
Actinic plus

revclyburn · 01/21/2008, 11:00 PM

hey Scotmc

do you have any pics? I have the same tek 6x54 and I need to change the bulbs, looking for good combo.

edwin

01/21/2008, 10:47 PM	#1
Leandrae Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Thornton, CO Posts: 286	90 gallon mixed reef lighting suggestions? So its getting close to being able to afford to do something with my lighting with tax season upon us. I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts and suggestions on lighting. Right now, I have a 6x54 Tek T5 fixture which I am not impressed with. Perhaps I just have the wrong bulbs in it (I have no idea what they are, I bought the fixture used with em already in it), but the tank just looks dimmer than my old 2x150 DE MH fixture I had. Perhaps the bulbs just desperately need to be replaced. I have a standard 90 gallon tank, 48"x18"x24". Current inhabitants include BTA's, a lot of Kenya Trees, and a metic ton of algae. Ideally, I'd like to keep a mixed reef, SPS, LPS, some softies, and clams. I would like to find either a retro fit to put inside a new canopy or a fixture on legs that will fit inside a canopy. Right now I am using glasstops which I really want to get rid of. My fish are avid jumpers so eggcrate really isnt a good idea. I'd like to have the lighting inside a canopy that I can eggcrate off the open back on it to keep em all in. Under $1000.00 if at all possible. Oh, if suggesting MH, nothing above 175 watts please, my electrical system in the house does not seem to like starting 250's Anyone have any suggestions? If at all possible, put a link in the post to the fixture or retro you're suggesting. There are so many out there, I'm getting myself all confused! Thank you so much! -Janel

01/21/2008, 11:00 PM	#3
revclyburn Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Neptune, N.J. Posts: 1,853	hey Scotmc do you have any pics? I have the same tek 6x54 and I need to change the bulbs, looking for good combo. edwin __________________ " In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God" Robert F. Kennedy Current Tank Info: One day I'll get it right. 55 Gallon, reef, softies, gorgorians, ricordia, EVENTUALLY!

01/21/2008, 10:52 PM	#2
scotmc Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 765	I would read the T5 bulb thread. Odds are you using the wong combinations of bulbs. I am using a 6x 54 tek fixture and are happy with the results. This is what I use. Actinic Plus UVL Super Actinic UVL Aquasun Gmann Actinic Plus Gmann Aquablue Actinic plus