Lighting

dognfish · Aug 6, 2010

I have a 265 mixed reef tank. Very light in sps for now. Don't want to give up chance to get into more sps, clams, etc. I currently run 3 250 10k de mh with 2 vho for actinics and no chiller.
During summer days in FL my takns gets to 80. I was thinking of going to t-5s. Any opinions on this considering it's a 30in. deep tank?

Dasani · Aug 6, 2010

dognfish said:
I have a 265 mixed reef tank. Very light in sps for now. Don't want to give up chance to get into more sps, clams, etc. I currently run 3 250 10k de mh with 2 vho for actinics and no chiller.
During summer days in FL my takns gets to 80. I was thinking of going to t-5s. Any opinions on this considering it's a 30in. deep tank?

80F is fine. Just don't let is get over 83. I just got a Nova extreme pro for my 40B an I love it. Very bright. They make a 72" (I'm assuming this is how long you tank is). It's 12 bulbs. It's pricey but I think it's worth it.
It's on sale at foster and smith aquatics. Aquarium Lighting for Reef Systems: Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5 Fixtures

Murfman · Aug 6, 2010

I just switched to the Evolution LEDs, that Reefkoi sells. They punch down in my 30" deep tank.

dognfish · Aug 6, 2010

Thanks for the input guys, led's would be nice but out of budget. My biggest concern is, are the t-5s going to handle clams and whatnot at the bottom.

TopNotchCorals · Aug 6, 2010

My tank has hit 83.7 and no probs,but my tank in the past hit 85 and all shot to boo boo:cry:

dognfish · Aug 6, 2010

murfman, how many units did yo buy for that 300, what I just looked at was 16'' uints for 300 buck per.

soccerbag · Aug 6, 2010

I run a 12 bulb T5 fixture over my 31" deep tank and have clams and SPS towards (and on) the bottom. It is doable for sure. You will need to run a good fixture with good bulbs and reflectors. I run a Sfiligoi 12x54w Stealth (which is not the cheapest fixture) and it is incredible. When it comes to T5 fixtures, you get what you pay for. ATI Powermodule or Sfiligoi would do the job but it's pricey. While LED's are expensive, the overall cost in the longrun in more cost-effective. Still fairly new to the hobby but there are lots of guys running LED's here and the tanks look great. You have options, just keep heat and price of replacement bulbs in mind.

dognfish · Aug 6, 2010

Those fixture are definately top of the line. What size is that stealth. Haven't seen the Sfiigoi anywhere, do they make a 72''.
Also, what do you think of the Nova extreme pro. Found a 12 bulb 72'' for a good price.

soccerbag · Aug 6, 2010

Yeah, they are nice and have a price tag to prove it! Aquatics Elite is the North American distributor for Sfiligoi (AND they are a sponsor here!!!!!). Tim is a top notch guy and knows everything there is to know about the fixtures. I'm sure they have 72" models. They have all LED, T5+LED, and halide combos to choose from. They are all beautiful pieces of furniture!!! Built like tanks! I would pm Tim and strike up a conversation with him. Look at the ATI's as well. The active cooling on both of these is worth the extra money. I have not personally used a Nova. Just make sure you get a fixture with individual reflectors for each bulb and active cooling (which will extend the life of the T5 bulbs). Replacement bulbs are required every 8-12 months so keep that in mind.

There are several vendors here that are offering incredible LED deals too so I would not rule that out. I can only speak to my T5 knowledge. If you have any particular questions about it, feel free to shoot me a pm. Happy to help. I'm sure some of the LED fanatics will chime in here soon...: )