lighting solution

Kristall-99 · 10/10/2012, 01:36 PM

Hello all!

Im am currently in the making of a 40g breeder coral/fish tank, Though I'm in a bind with what lighting setup to use. A few years ago I had a 55gal but tore down to move, and had a 250watt mh (magnetic ballast), later moved to a 48" 8 bulb t5ho fixture. Awhile back I bought the new marineland led from a pet store going out of business (Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System) in efforts to start back up again with a smaller tank.

Now im having a few issues deciding on what light to use, Do I get a XM bulb and just run the metal halide? get a 4-6 bulb t5h0 fixture or will the led light work (mabey buy another to have both run the 40gal)

Sorry if there is any confusion
I still have time to weigh my options as I am building my stand for it currently

Thanks Bryan

sponger0 · 10/10/2012, 01:40 PM

I would say no need for MH with only a 40 breeder, due to possible heat issues.

I would go for 4 bulb t5 or LEDs based on your budget.

Mr. Bill · 10/10/2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sponger0

I would say no need for MH with only a 40 breeder, due to possible heat issues.

I would go for 4 bulb t5 or LEDs based on your budget.

It depends on what you want to keep. The 4-bulb T5 will grow anything, especially with high-PAR bulbs like ATI; however, from the reviews I've read, the Marineland LED that you have will only work for softies and some low-light LPS if placed high and near the fixture. You would definitely need a better quality LED if you want SPS and/or clams.

Kristall-99 · 10/10/2012, 10:04 PM

Yea which was one thing i was concerned with if i used the MH, would it help if i got another marineland led fixture to keep higher end lps (2 in total)? or should i just go with a 4bulb t5, Ati's would be a definite, i loved them on my 48" fixture

theatrus · 10/10/2012, 10:17 PM

I'd vote for the MH in the "why not" category (mounted as a pendant), but also love T5.

I'm currently running T5s in my main system and am happy with the look and performance.

Mr. Bill · 10/11/2012, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristall-99

...would it help if i got another marineland led fixture to keep higher end lps (2 in total)? or should i just go with a 4bulb t5, Ati's would be a definite, i loved them on my 48" fixture

Two would cover a wider footprint, nothing else. Their main problem is that they use low-power diodes, and not enough of them; therefore, they cannot produce a suitable level of PAR for higher light-demanding corals. They also lack penetration for the same reason. A 4-bulb T5HO fixture would be your best option.

Kristall-99 · 10/11/2012, 12:33 PM

sounds good Mr, Bill But what ati bulbs combo would you go with, ati blue, fiji and 2 daylight? whats a good combination people have gone with.

Kristall-99 · 10/15/2012, 11:17 AM

well guys and gals im just now starting to look for a t5ho fixture. would a 4 bulb fixture be capable of everything I throw at it or would i be better off getting a 6 bulb, Also what kind of bulb combinations should i go with?

Thanks!

Mr. Bill · 10/19/2012, 04:11 PM

Yes, the 4-bulb will grow anything you want.

As far as which ATI bulbs to use, I like the Coral Plus. Just the right combo of white and blue with a slight hint of purple, and lots of PAR. FTR, both bulbs in my 2 x 24 fixture are ATI Coral Plus.

slavver01 · 10/19/2012, 11:07 PM

I have a 6 bulb t5, thanks for the advice on bulbs. These things get pricey! Not sure how much life the old bulbs had tho, so need to get new ones

10/10/2012, 01:36 PM	#1
Kristall-99 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 25	lighting solution Hello all! Im am currently in the making of a 40g breeder coral/fish tank, Though I'm in a bind with what lighting setup to use. A few years ago I had a 55gal but tore down to move, and had a 250watt mh (magnetic ballast), later moved to a 48" 8 bulb t5ho fixture. Awhile back I bought the new marineland led from a pet store going out of business (Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System) in efforts to start back up again with a smaller tank. Now im having a few issues deciding on what light to use, Do I get a XM bulb and just run the metal halide? get a 4-6 bulb t5h0 fixture or will the led light work (mabey buy another to have both run the 40gal) Sorry if there is any confusion I still have time to weigh my options as I am building my stand for it currently Thanks Bryan

10/10/2012, 10:17 PM	#5
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	I'd vote for the MH in the "why not" category (mounted as a pendant), but also love T5. I'm currently running T5s in my main system and am happy with the look and performance. __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

10/19/2012, 04:11 PM	#9
Mr. Bill Native Floridian Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Top of the Bay Posts: 256	Yes, the 4-bulb will grow anything you want. As far as which ATI bulbs to use, I like the Coral Plus. Just the right combo of white and blue with a slight hint of purple, and lots of PAR. FTR, both bulbs in my 2 x 24 fixture are ATI Coral Plus. __________________ Enjoying the saltwater hobby since 1974.

10/10/2012, 01:40 PM	#2
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	I would say no need for MH with only a 40 breeder, due to possible heat issues. I would go for 4 bulb t5 or LEDs based on your budget.

10/10/2012, 10:04 PM	#4
Kristall-99 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 25	Yea which was one thing i was concerned with if i used the MH, would it help if i got another marineland led fixture to keep higher end lps (2 in total)? or should i just go with a 4bulb t5, Ati's would be a definite, i loved them on my 48" fixture

10/11/2012, 12:33 PM	#7
Kristall-99 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 25	sounds good Mr, Bill But what ati bulbs combo would you go with, ati blue, fiji and 2 daylight? whats a good combination people have gone with.

10/15/2012, 11:17 AM	#8
Kristall-99 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 25	well guys and gals im just now starting to look for a t5ho fixture. would a 4 bulb fixture be capable of everything I throw at it or would i be better off getting a 6 bulb, Also what kind of bulb combinations should i go with? Thanks!

10/19/2012, 11:07 PM	#10
slavver01 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Springfield, MA Posts: 125	I have a 6 bulb t5, thanks for the advice on bulbs. These things get pricey! Not sure how much life the old bulbs had tho, so need to get new ones