T5 vs hqi vs compac lighting

reefsahoy · 03/02/2006, 07:49 PM

I am considering upgrading my 80 gal bowfront lighting (currently 4x65 compac lighting ) I would like to be able to keep the full spectrum of corals from stonies to soft corals. My concern for hqi metal halides is obviously heat ( i live in florida). Should i increase the amount of compac lighting or go T5's. I've heard that T5's can penetrate deep waters equivalent to metal halides. any suggestions? Has anyone out there have any success with T5's. If so, how many bulbs vs gallons of water and depth of tank?

DesertBandits · 03/02/2006, 08:09 PM

T5s are the new hotness. 6T5 with individual reflectors would be good for you. Look for the TEK hood by sunlight supply. Try a site like Reefgeek.com

horkn · 03/02/2006, 09:17 PM

6 t5s would work quite well on that bowfront

assuming the dimensions are fairly "normal"

what brand is the tank? i know all glas makes a 72 bowfront, but no 80 g...

www.aqualuxlighting.com will price match any deal you may find on any t5ho unit.

reefsahoy · 03/03/2006, 01:43 PM

the tank is a perfecto 80 gal bow front. It did not have a overflow but got it drilled in the bottom and built an overflow. i drilled 2 1" holes for return and supply.

thrlride · 03/03/2006, 02:24 PM

I'm a shimmer line fan so I say go halides but I hear the T5's are quite nice.

dannieboiz · 03/03/2006, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thrlride
I'm a shimmer line fan so I say go halides but I hear the T5's are quite nice.

actually, I noticed shimmering from my T5 as well, but it's no where near my HQI.

reefsahoy · 03/03/2006, 08:09 PM

anyone out there using t5's for sps corals? if so how much watts per gal?

h20cooled · 03/03/2006, 08:36 PM

Yes they are and they look amazing, but there are a lot more factors then lighting for nice SPS. Check out this tank http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...5&pagenumber=1

03/02/2006, 07:49 PM	#1
reefsahoy I can see thru you! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Milky Way Galaxy 3rd planet from the sun, in a country called USA! Posts: 2,685	T5 vs hqi vs compac lighting I am considering upgrading my 80 gal bowfront lighting (currently 4x65 compac lighting ) I would like to be able to keep the full spectrum of corals from stonies to soft corals. My concern for hqi metal halides is obviously heat ( i live in florida). Should i increase the amount of compac lighting or go T5's. I've heard that T5's can penetrate deep waters equivalent to metal halides. any suggestions? Has anyone out there have any success with T5's. If so, how many bulbs vs gallons of water and depth of tank?

03/02/2006, 09:17 PM	#3
horkn Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: milwaukee wisconsin Posts: 4,125	6 t5s would work quite well on that bowfront assuming the dimensions are fairly "normal" what brand is the tank? i know all glas makes a 72 bowfront, but no 80 g... www.aqualuxlighting.com will price match any deal you may find on any t5ho unit. __________________ people write stupid things in this space Current Tank Info: 200g DIY wood reef, 2x 250w SE 10k MH 2x80 t5ho, 75g sump, Geo Ca RX, ASD 6" recirc skimmer

03/03/2006, 02:24 PM	#5
thrlride Aka lemmywinks Join Date: May 2003 Location: Harrisburg, NC Posts: 8,017	I'm a shimmer line fan so I say go halides but I hear the T5's are quite nice. __________________ Beer Snob Current Tank Info: 210 gallon FOWLR (H&S 200a-1260 , panworld 50px-x, 2x Vortech w/ WWD)

03/02/2006, 08:09 PM	#2
DesertBandits Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Central Jersey Posts: 430	T5s are the new hotness. 6T5 with individual reflectors would be good for you. Look for the TEK hood by sunlight supply. Try a site like Reefgeek.com

03/03/2006, 01:43 PM	#4
reefsahoy I can see thru you! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Milky Way Galaxy 3rd planet from the sun, in a country called USA! Posts: 2,685	the tank is a perfecto 80 gal bow front. It did not have a overflow but got it drilled in the bottom and built an overflow. i drilled 2 1" holes for return and supply.

03/03/2006, 08:09 PM	#7
reefsahoy I can see thru you! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Milky Way Galaxy 3rd planet from the sun, in a country called USA! Posts: 2,685	anyone out there using t5's for sps corals? if so how much watts per gal?

03/03/2006, 08:36 PM	#8
h20cooled Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Milwaukie, OR Posts: 1,016	Yes they are and they look amazing, but there are a lot more factors then lighting for nice SPS. Check out this tank http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...5&pagenumber=1