150W MH or 96 Watt T5?

[BlazinNano]

Ok so someone in my local club wants to trade me lights. I have a Current USA 150W Mh. He wants to trade me for a 4x24W T5s fixture. I really one have zoas and LPS. The tank is 20" wide, water is at 16" top of tank is 18" deep. It is rimless so there is a gap. Will the T5s be enough to maintain my reef? I need you advice. I do have a evaporation issue because of the fans to keep the tank temps right. Evaporation during the summer is almost a gallon a day on a 28 gallon tank. What do you guys think?

 

[CoralBandit]

Do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[BlazinNano]

Do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

You think it is a good idea?
The fixture is the Current USA Sundial.

 

[TopNotchCorals]

Definitely worth the trade especially if you only have lps and cant keep sps for the life of you.It will definitely be enough light for your tank.

 

[BlazinNano]

Would I ever be able to keep simple SPS under that light?

 

[TopNotchCorals]

Would I ever be able to keep simple SPS under that light?

Yes you can with a 4 bulb fixture on that size tank,you should be able to keep any sps.What bulbs do the fixtures come??

 

[BlazinNano]

Yes you can with a 4 bulb fixture on that size tank,you should be able to keep any sps.What bulbs do the fixtures come??

Just got an e-mail from him.1 kz fiji purple, 2 ati blue plus, 1 ati blue special.

 

[TopNotchCorals]

Just got an e-mail from him.1 kz fiji purple, 2 ati blue plus, 1 ati blue special.

That is a very good bulb config and definitely worth the trade and will definitely help out with your heating issues.I see a lot more pros than cons in this trade

 

[BlazinNano]

That is a very good bulb config and definitely worth the trade and will definitely help out with your heating issues.I see a lot more pros than cons in this trade

Well I told him about the bulb and the extra bulb I have for it. Lets see what he says. I will do it if he still wants to trade.

 

[hwntunda]

yup,yup do it! but its just my $.02!... cheaper, cooler, and the par is there for the depth... go for it!

 

[BlazinNano]

If he still wants to trade how do I acclamte the tank to the new light. Right now the bottom of my fixture is 5" from the top of the water. Where do I need to do with the T5s if I get them?

 

[CoralBandit]

Do it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BlazinNano]

Alright Mark I will. If he still wants. Waiting to hear back from him!

 

[CoralBandit]

I would put them up the same height if possible if not a little higher then move them down over time. T5's will surprise you! One major awesome feature is the even growth b/c the light is everywhere. I Agree with skimmate totally I was just cutting to the chase ahahhaha

 

[BlazinNano]

Should I run them the same length of time or shorten it?

 

[CoralBandit]

Cant go wrong by shortening for a half hour on each side of timer. Just keep an eye out. Did you get an ATO?

 

[BlazinNano]

Cant go wrong by shortening for a half hour on each side of timer. Just keep an eye out. Did you get an ATO?

Not yet. Unemployment does not pay enough for one. Have to save up.