Lighting Upgrade but need advise

nightOwl · 09/25/2006, 09:39 AM

Hi all,
I am thinking about upgrading my lighting on my 90 gal tank. I currently have the Current USA Outer Orbit HQI Metal Halide 48" MH PC (2x150 HQI MH and 2x 130 PC ) combo suspended above my tank. I have seen a few tanks with T5 lighting (amazing color)and after some research found that the PAR rating on T5 is better thank the PC. It also helps that the bulbs are cheaper to replace

and supposedly last longer. I am thinking about upgrading to 2x175 MH and 4x54 T5 or 2x250 MH and 4x54 T5. All of which will put in custom built hood. Any suggestions on brands/best PAR raitings will be helpful as I am clueless on MH lighting at this time.

Please suggest the following:
1. brand of bulbs
2. brand of ballast
3. type of reflector

Thanks in advance,

Henry

Ti · 09/25/2006, 10:26 AM

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...33#post8216533

nightOwl · 09/26/2006, 07:35 AM

Thanks TI,
After reading that thread I have decided I will be using T5's I just have to decide if I want a retro or the standard light fixture.

Thanks,

Henry

Jeremy B. · 09/26/2006, 11:16 AM

Here is another thought, even though it sounds like you are doing all T5's....

Use a couple electronic 175w ballasts and run the Iwasaki 14k lamps in a good reflector. Then run a couple of T5 actinics to go with it, and you're good to go. Personally I would think this setup would net you more par, with less electricity used than a 6 bulb overdriven T5 setup. The colors would be exceptionally nice with this setup too.

theatrus · 09/26/2006, 11:20 AM

I agree with Jeremy. If you're going to be throwing 4 T5s on that tank, go for the 175W. Its cheaper in electricity and prevents you from bleaching every LPS you throw in there

If you go retrofit, I'd do a mix of ATI Blueplus and UVL Super Actinic with the icecap SLR reflectors.

09/25/2006, 09:39 AM	#1
nightOwl Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,799	Lighting Upgrade but need advise Hi all, I am thinking about upgrading my lighting on my 90 gal tank. I currently have the Current USA Outer Orbit HQI Metal Halide 48" MH PC (2x150 HQI MH and 2x 130 PC ) combo suspended above my tank. I have seen a few tanks with T5 lighting (amazing color)and after some research found that the PAR rating on T5 is better thank the PC. It also helps that the bulbs are cheaper to replace and supposedly last longer. I am thinking about upgrading to 2x175 MH and 4x54 T5 or 2x250 MH and 4x54 T5. All of which will put in custom built hood. Any suggestions on brands/best PAR raitings will be helpful as I am clueless on MH lighting at this time. Please suggest the following: 1. brand of bulbs 2. brand of ballast 3. type of reflector Thanks in advance, Henry __________________ To check out my pictures of my tank and trips just click on my name and visit my homepage. Tank Build Thread (Miracles Custom) - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2628737

09/25/2006, 10:26 AM	#2
Ti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7,927	http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...33#post8216533 __________________ Hair algae is my Macro algae.

09/26/2006, 07:35 AM	#3
nightOwl Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,799	Thanks TI, After reading that thread I have decided I will be using T5's I just have to decide if I want a retro or the standard light fixture. Thanks, Henry __________________ To check out my pictures of my tank and trips just click on my name and visit my homepage. Tank Build Thread (Miracles Custom) - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2628737

09/26/2006, 11:20 AM	#5
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	I agree with Jeremy. If you're going to be throwing 4 T5s on that tank, go for the 175W. Its cheaper in electricity and prevents you from bleaching every LPS you throw in there If you go retrofit, I'd do a mix of ATI Blueplus and UVL Super Actinic with the icecap SLR reflectors. __________________ 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

09/26/2006, 11:16 AM	#4
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	Here is another thought, even though it sounds like you are doing all T5's.... Use a couple electronic 175w ballasts and run the Iwasaki 14k lamps in a good reflector. Then run a couple of T5 actinics to go with it, and you're good to go. Personally I would think this setup would net you more par, with less electricity used than a 6 bulb overdriven T5 setup. The colors would be exceptionally nice with this setup too.