Who's running HO T5s on their large reef tanks in Vancouver?

Rippin · #1 10-28-2008, 11:34 PM

If you are (and keeping LPS and some SPS) I'd love to come over and see your tank and discuss your experiences with the lights and fixtures.

I currently run a MH fixture, but I am thinking of going T5s strictly to keep down the noise and heat.

Just PM me. Much appreciated.

Leah · #2 10-28-2008, 11:46 PM

Rippin,
I had a halide for awile it is now sitting in storage. I switched to HO T5's so glad I did.
Don't think you could pop over however. My tank ain't that big tho. How big is yours?
I am really glad I switched just sorry I hadn't gone T5's from the get go. Oh well live
and learn. Isn't that what it's all about in this hobby!!!!
Leah lol
________
buy iolite vaporizer

Rippin · #3 10-29-2008, 12:01 AM

I'm looking to light a 120g tank 48x24x24.
It's either a 2x250W MH or an 8x54W HO T5 fixture that I'm looking at.

I've read the debates between the two and based on what I'll be keeping in this 120 g tank (LPS, some softies, some Montipora and Acropora, possibly an anemone) I think the 2 options listed above would do the trick, but I'd like to SEE what T5s look like in a reef tank, preferably in a 24" tall tank.

JDigital · #4 10-29-2008, 12:27 AM

I can post pics later tonight of 2x 36" Tek T5 -6bulb units over a 110G that is 20" deep...

Rippin · #5 10-29-2008, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDigital

I can post pics later tonight of 2x 36" Tek T5 -6bulb units over a 110G that is 20" deep...

Cool, that will help. Thanks.

trilinearmipmap · #6 10-29-2008, 01:08 AM

I suggest you consider an ATI Powermodule T5 fixture rather than the more commonly chosen Sunlight Supply Tek-light.

I have an 8-bulb Tek-Light over my 120 and it is fine for BTA's, LPS, montiporas, and softies.

However from what I have read the Powermodule has better light output because it has active cooling. Now that I am looking to switch more to SPS I wish I had the ATI lights.

A lot of the really nice European T5 tanks I have seen online have been running Powermodules.

lorenz0 · #7 10-29-2008, 01:36 AM

^^^^^^
The sunlight Tek is an excellent t5HO fixture. esspecially with 8 bulbs. you should look more into your bulb selection rather than the fixture, thats really what it comes down to. what i am doing is going with a growing set up with my bulbs than moving more towards looks with less grown once the sps has filled in to where i want it to be.

alot of people complain about t5's and their coral not growing, but the output from my NEP on my 10 is growing birdsnest and monti.

also check out this thread

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=421647

here is the bulb selection i want next fall (all ati bulbs, 2 blue+, 2 blue special, 2 pro color)

Canadian · #8 10-29-2008, 02:59 AM

The ATI Powermodule's are great fixtures. Unfortunately they take in excess of 4 months to get your mitts on. ATI is ridiculously slow with orders and no one actually stocks these lights so they have to be ordered from Germany.

I've tried on two occasions now to get one and the wait time was unacceptable. I've resigned myself to building my own canopy using Tek 2 retrofits, some fans for active cooling of the lamps and ballasts, and a glass shield to protect the stain prone Tek reflectors.

fkshiu · #9 10-29-2008, 03:01 AM

If you don't want to wait for an ATI you could always get an Aquactinics fixture which are comparable.

dreef · #10 10-29-2008, 03:26 AM

Yes good luck getting an ati,my buddy ordered one 2 months ago.He asked if they were shipped yet,told MAYBE another 2 months,and no guaranttees even then.He went with another highend fixture.