Thinking of changing halide to t5

[Balz3352]

Hey there, looking for advice on my reef tank. 225 gallon 72x24x30.

Currently run 3 250watt halides 4hrs
2 t5 80watt 10hrs
2 rapidled diy stunners

I am beginning to think that my corals need some more light, i don't think that the 2 t5 are enough.

I guess i have 2 options.

1. Increase the hours of the halides. Electricity cost is an issue with this.

2. Get rid of the halides and 2t5 and replace them with 6 bulb (maybe 8 if i can fit it). Will this use as much electricity? Or less? Id probably run full bulbs for 4- 5 hours or 3bumbs the rest of the photo period (10hrs). Id replace with ati sunpower 60".

Thanks in advance.

 

[rockskimmerflow]

Less electricity on the 6 bulb, or even the 8 bulb 60" ATI?? - Absolutely.... More light than your current setup? Definitely not.....

Depending on the reflectors you currently use for the halides you may indeed see better coverage and certainly more even distribution with the ATI fixture, but I don't think you'll get any 'more' light than you're currently hitting the tank with.

 

[mtraylor]

The halides are going to give you more PAR for less light fixture. Meaning that you will have to have more of T5 to get the same PAR and more LED's for example to get the same PAR.
What kind of light fixture or fixtures do you have. Better reflectors as mentioned would be your best bet for the money.

The main question would be. Why do you think your corals are not getting enough light? Whats the reasoning? That's a nice light setup. I wouldn't think you would need anything. Personally I would be running my Halides a minimum of 6 hours. What kind of MH ballast are you using?

Couple other options.
1. Polish the water with a 24/7 carbon reactor.
2. Add a UV sterilizer.
3. Add filter sock to setup.
4. Ozone is an option, but I"m not a fan.

 

[Balz3352]

Currently I have old reefbrite fixtures. The only reason I say more is because I would run more bulbs longer than I run my halides. Perhaps I will just increase my halide photo period

 

[Balz3352]

The halides are going to give you more PAR for less light fixture. Meaning that you will have to have more of T5 to get the same PAR and more LED's for example to get the same PAR.
What kind of light fixture or fixtures do you have. Better reflectors as mentioned would be your best bet for the money.

The main question would be. Why do you think your corals are not getting enough light? Whats the reasoning? That's a nice light setup. I wouldn't think you would need anything. Personally I would be running my Halides a minimum of 6 hours. What kind of MH ballast are you using?

Couple other options.
1. Polish the water with a 24/7 carbon reactor.
2. Add a UV sterilizer.
3. Add filter sock to setup.
4. Ozone is an option, but I"m not a fan.

Already run a uv, and filter socks. Guess I should get back to running carbon.

 

[Balz3352]

Reason is coloration of my sps is not what I think it should be. Probably more water than light now that I think about it.

 

[mtraylor]

Currently I have old reefbrite fixtures. The only reason I say more is because I would run more bulbs longer than I run my halides. Perhaps I will just increase my halide photo period

Yeah I would extend the light period between 6 and 8 hours on the MH's. You will get what your looking for. you have the perfect setup.