The T5 bulb replacement is what eats ya! T5s
aren't cheaper than MH. That is not why I'm leaning towards them. The main two reasons I am leaning towards T5 instead of MH is bulb color choices, and heat.
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Originally Posted by StirCrazy
tank a 2X2 tank as an example, 1 250 watt MH will light the heck out of it.
it would take say 12 T5's to evenly light it, which works out to 288 watts.
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I don't think this is accurate. I'm actually going to take a closer look at PAR levels in the ole MH/T5 debate, but I'm pretty sure that comparing W to W you need a bit less T5 to get the same intensity as the MH. One 250w MH over a 24x24x24" I think would be far less PAR than twelve 39w T5s. I can't even imagine how bright twelve T5s would be over that space!!! I actually don't think it would fit.
I have seen several VERY nice SPS Euro tanks lit by 6-8 W per gallon with 24-30" depth.
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Originally Posted by tang daddy
also if you run t5 for your tank and wish to have sps thrive then you need awesome flow and to feed the sps with ultralith or similiar types aswell as prodibio.
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Flow is not a problem, and is about the easiest and cheapest thing to provide for them.
I do plan on running some sort of supplementation system. I'm leaning towards ZEOvit right now, but I'm not keen on the daily maintenance of it. Looking at options right now. I currently do feed the ZEOvit Amino Acids, and SeaChem Reef Plus (at 10% dosage). I have noticed quite a difference upon adding each additive, which I did at different times.
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Originally Posted by DanG
If you're unhappy with the giesmann bulbs, check ATI or URI bulbs. They're the ones I'm using and they have great colour output and I've had them for a bit more than 6 months without any hint of yellow.
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Awesome! I was going to try ti URI next, so it's good that there are some good reviews from them. I was really disappointed in the yellowing I've gotten from my Giesemann bulbs.
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Originally Posted by Der_Iron_Chef
I love the KZ (Korallen-Zucht) T5 bulbs. I added just one Fiji Purple and it made a real difference. That's the true genius of T5
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I haven't seen this brand of bulbs (but they have supplements don't they?) around here. I'll send an email to J&L...see if they can track em down.