another halide to T5 converter, but confused ...

[lReef_lKeeper]

i am finally making the jump from halides to T5s, BUT with all of the bulb choices, im having a hard time deciding !!

my tank is 36"x18"x18", but with the DSB ... its only about 12" of water. My question is this ...

i am looking for the best bulb combo and config for such a shallow tank, and i want excellent color AND growth. i am keeping chalices (20+), and SPS from montis to more demanding acros ... what would you guys suggest for a T5 newb ?? thanks in advance, i know these config and combo questions get old, but i have no clue when it comes to these bulbs !!

[SunnyX]

A 36" 6x39w ATI Sunpower would be more than enough for your tank but you may want to go with the 24" version. I just added a 36" 6x39w ATI Sunpower over my 36"x24"x18" frag tank and it is extremely bright. The 24" version would be great for SPS and it would be easier on the chalices.

For bulbs I would go with something like this:

FRONT
Ati Blue+
KZ Fiji Purple
Ati Aquablue Special
Ati Blue+
Ati Blue+
Ati Aquablue Special

Good luck,

Sonny

[lReef_lKeeper]

thanks sonny, everything i have read about the TEK lights is the 24" is not sufficient for an SPS dominated tank. i can only find 4x24w 24" fixture where i have to buy from (premium) and TEKs are in my price range. could using a lower par bulb config help ?? the light will also be suspended and adjustable.

[chilwil84]

sunny has it right. one of the biggest drawbacks to t5s is that everything under the bulbs gets the full blast of lights so when u put a fixture the same length as your tank you really get little shade areas for lower light corals.

[BlueCoast]

I run a 40 breeder which has very similar dimensions. It is bare bottom with a 4x39watt retro kit with individual reflectors. I have SPS frags at the bottom of the tank that grow fine. 6 bulbs would be a lot of light, but you do get better color options with 6 bulbs vs 4.

[chilwil84]

do you have a little diy abilities cause you could go for a retro kit and stay in the tek price range.

[Flowbot]

Is there a bulb that's a little bluer than the aquablue special? I find it too white.

[lReef_lKeeper]

ok, so if i go with a 24" 4x24w fixture, will acros be a possibility pretty much anywhere there is light ?? or would going with the 6x39w be the way to go ?? i can only afford a TEK right now, and the reviews are great on them.
if i end up going with the 24" 4 bulb setup ... any combo and config suggestions ?? thanks guys ... did i mention, I HATE FIGURING LIGHTING !!

[SunnyX]

Originally Posted by lReef_lKeeper

ok, so if i go with a 24" 4x24w fixture, will acros be a possibility pretty much anywhere there is light ?? or would going with the 6x39w be the way to go ?? i can only afford a TEK right now, and the reviews are great on them.
if i end up going with the 24" 4 bulb setup ... any combo and config suggestions ?? thanks guys ... did i mention, I HATE FIGURING LIGHTING !!

Are you talking about the new Tek elite? If it is the regular Tek make sure that you keep the reflectors clean and bulbs cooled.

For 4 bulbs:

FRONT

Ati Blue+
Ati Aquablue Special
Ati Blue+
Ati Aquablue Special

This would give you an even and "natural" look. For something bluer you could replace one of the aquablue's with a Blue+.

If you really want a unique look try 3x Blue+ and 1x Fiji Purple.

Sonny

[rtparty]

A 6x24w ATI Sunpower is what I would go with. I would go with 6 bulbs at a minimum and get the 24" version. I see no need for going with a 36" fixture. The 36" T5's are the worst performing and you will have a lot of wasted light.

For 6 bulbs I would run:

ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

Maybe put a GE 6500 in place of the ATI Aquablue for a whiter look.

[lReef_lKeeper]

done deal, i went with the ATI sunpower 6x24w 24" fixture. more than i wanted to spend, but i worked it out. i got all of the bulbs listed in this thread ... thats the good thing about t5s !! thanks fellow reefers and t5 junkies !!