Lighting question

cy88 · #1 12/23/2007, 02:34 AM

Hi all,

Question - Is this light good enough for a 48"x13"x13" tank (Approx 33-35G) to be able to keep most corals: http://www.bigalsonline.ca/StoreCata...Type=0&offset=

I chose this over the MH because:
1) Cost is significantly lower
2) Heat is lower (I am in a small condo)

Thanks for all advice!
Chris

bigfruits · #2 12/23/2007, 03:42 AM

that would be good for softies, lps, shrooms and zoas i think. i was going to get one of those for a tank of your depth and try to add a couple reflectors to the day lights.

for sps and clams you might want to find a fixture with individual reflectors like the tek.

if you decide to buy that, look around for a better price. i think ive seen that fixture for more than $100 less.....

demonsp · #3 12/23/2007, 07:57 AM

This would be a great light for a wide variety of coral. Though a setup with individuel reflectors would be much better.

http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchan...roduct_Count=3

bigfruits · #4 12/23/2007, 08:00 AM

6 bulb tek might be a little much for some coral in a 12 inch deep tank, dont you think?

im looking at getting the exact same tank and im hesitant about buying the 4 bulb tek

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...unlight_Supply

returnofsid · #5 12/23/2007, 08:01 AM

I'd suggest looking into Tek5 T5HO fixtures. The more bulbs you can fit over the tank the better!! I have a 6 bulb unit that I just love and it keeps just about anything happy. I say "just about" because I've had to keep Acros very high in the water to get them enough light. Also don't know that I'd try a Maxima Clam, although my Derasa and 2 Croceas are doing just great.

cy88 · #6 12/23/2007, 02:34 PM

Thank you all.

Yup, I am aware of the price difference. They can be had on ebay for $240USD shipped to me as well

I will look into the Tek as well, but so far I've been seeing some good reviews on the Current one. I just wanted to know that I am on the right track!

JUNI0R · #7 12/23/2007, 02:45 PM

I would second the recommendation for Tek retrofit. Don't forget to factor in the cost of lights. Reefgeek offers a 4 light tek retrofit (48") for $330 and it includes lights. If you buy the ebay light you may still have to spend an extra $80 on lights, plus the tek light has individual reflectors.

cy88 · #8 12/24/2007, 01:37 AM

Now, if I were to go for a 48"x13"x21" (WxLxH) 55Gallon, would this T5 be too weak for anything?

cy88 · #9 12/24/2007, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cy88
Now, if I were to go for a 48"x13"x21" (WxLxH) 55Gallon, would this T5 be too weak for anything?

No one?

JUNI0R · #10 12/24/2007, 02:52 PM

You could try asking/looking here...

The T5 Q&A Thread

ihavtats29 · #11 12/24/2007, 02:54 PM

thats about 6 watts per gallon it will be fine for softys and other corals lps , you mits get away with some stonys closer to the top of the tank

ihavtats29 · #12 12/24/2007, 02:59 PM

i kept these in a 55 gal with 4 65 watt pc's with great results

cy88 · #13 12/24/2007, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ihavtats29
i kept these in a 55 gal with 4 65 watt pc's with great results

THank you

cy88 · #14 12/30/2007, 03:42 AM

A little off topic: After looking at the tek 6 bulbs setup and adding up the costs, it hit close to the cost of MH, but minus the shimmering effects.

How well would 2x 150W MH work on the tank which is 21" in height?

cy88 · #15 12/30/2007, 12:10 PM

no one?

siwelk · #16 12/30/2007, 12:45 PM

you might want to check out the newer 48" Nova Extreme Pro 6x39w T5HO fixture from drsfostersmith.com. its still on sale for just under $350, bulbs and mounting legs included.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...0&pcatid=16770

i just got the 36" model, and theres a few other people who have picked up the 48" and 72" as well. Grim's doing some testing on them right now, you can find those results here

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1269547

i think the Pro would work well for you on a 21" deep tank, depending on what you want to keep. unless youre wanting to keep only SPS, clams, and nems i think the nova would work out for you, otherwise id go with the TEK. JMO

HTH

-kyle

crossi92 · #17 12/30/2007, 01:04 PM

If you have a canopy I would do a Icecap SLR T5 Retro, I have one on my 38g, it's amazing.

cy88 · #18 12/30/2007, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by siwelk
you might want to check out the newer 48" Nova Extreme Pro 6x39w T5HO fixture from drsfostersmith.com. its still on sale for just under $350, bulbs and mounting legs included.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...0&pcatid=16770

i just got the 36" model, and theres a few other people who have picked up the 48" and 72" as well. Grim's doing some testing on them right now, you can find those results here

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1269547

i think the Pro would work well for you on a 21" deep tank, depending on what you want to keep. unless youre wanting to keep only SPS, clams, and nems i think the nova would work out for you, otherwise id go with the TEK. JMO

HTH

-kyle

That is a very great help! I was looking at that as well but no retailer carries it in Canada yet, and the shipping from other US sites kill the deal.

I am on the phone with them now for shipping price.

Edit: Ouch, $178 to ship to Canada Fedex express.

siwelk · #19 12/30/2007, 03:46 PM

thats highway robbery. i think i paid $20 to have my 36" Nova Pro shipped to me here in the states.

cy88 · #20 12/30/2007, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by siwelk
thats highway robbery

Tell me about it! I just called up one of the sponsor and will get back to me about the availability.

As an alternative, I found some seller within Canada that can ship me the 6 bulb tek's.

Now I am thinking twice about going between T5 and MH since I do like the shimmering effect!

siwelk · #21 12/30/2007, 04:10 PM

the shimmer is nice, just remember MH = more electricity costs and more heat. you may have to invest in a chiller, maybe not. also, on a tank of that length youll need two bulbs to cover the area. ive seen a lot of people switching over to T5s from MH due to the heat issues, lower electric bills, and a wider range of bulb selections. whichever way you decide to go goodluck!

cy88 · #22 12/30/2007, 04:14 PM

Thanks!

Electricity is not an issue as my condo fee covers all (though, saving the environment would be a good initiative), heat I can turn down my heat a little and in summer turn up the AC a bit. I've read that for 150W MH's, they are alright for heat if there's a good enough distance between the light and the water.

Having that said, I totally agree with you in terms of "T5 has wider range of bulb selection" but the shimmering is just something very hard to give up on - IMO of course.

Something to think about...hmm..