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#1
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![]() Quote:
Trial and error are the two things I have lots of experience with! I just didn't want to under light the tank and kill off any animals ![]() I don't think my tank needs to be seen from space but I also want to see what going on in there ![]() Thanks |
#2
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![]() My electrical knowledge is not very good that is for sure. I am still confused. Can somebody list the three different forms of lighting with advantages/disadvantages of each? Not trying to start a war here - just want to gain more knowledge. I agree that each LFS tells you a different story.
And I, too, do not think my tank needs to be seen from space! LOL.
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PIER PRESSURE 28 Gallon Saltwater Reef Aquarium |
#3
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![]() PC- power compacts: Cheap fair par output but not very efficient. Bulb life is less than 12 months.
T5HO- High Output Fluorescent, fairly expensive, very efficient, good par output, available individual parabolic reflectors are what really make these better than other fluorescents. Bulb life tends to be 12-18 months. MH- Metal Halides, very high par output in small package, not very efficient, generate high amounts of heat. Usually best bang for the buck for larger tanks especially when considering bulb replacement (1 bulb verse 4). Bulb life around 12 months. VHO: Very high output fluorescents, very high energy consumption with low par output= not efficient. Tends to be an older style of aquarium lighting. Bulb life 6-8 months. For something cheap for soft and LPS corals just use the PCs, they will give you good result for what you want. |
#4
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![]() Also note T5 comes in two variations - Regular and Hight Output, the perfered would be High Output with individual reflectors
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Robb |
#5
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Iam leaning towards the PCs as I can retro fit them into my hood while keeping the T-8 tube in the hood, a little extra light cant be bad. There seems to be some fair priced retro pc kits out there. Thanks again! |
#6
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![]() I would seriously look at this option if I was looking to retro a hood. (Look at 8th and 9th from the bottom of the page - SUN BLAZE)
http://www.prairiereefsupplies.ca/index.php?id=95 I retro'd these into an aqualight pro (replaced the painful PC's) and I can tell you the increased light makes a huge difference. They come with a ballast, can be daisy chained together (so only one plug in required) and when you buy the individual reflector you get great lighting for cheap. Just my 2cents though.
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Mark... ![]() 290g Peninsula Display, 425g total volume. Setup Jan 2013. |
#7
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![]() Very informative, thank you. This was a great thread to start as I have been wondering about lighting since I got into the saltwater hobby.
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PIER PRESSURE 28 Gallon Saltwater Reef Aquarium |
#8
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Some new LEDs claim to be more efficient but if you actuall get info on the individual LEDs used they have a Efficiency less than MH. |
#9
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![]() I looked at the sun blaze lighting and it looks like it might be a good idea but this is where I show just how little I know about light. A 2' pc fixture can be rated at lets say 2 x 65w. A 2' T-5 HO fixture can be rated at 2 x 24w. I know lumens mean everything, but on alot of Forums you hear people say you need X amount of wattage per gal. Now if thats true would you not be better off going with the higher wattage bulbs? Now iam going to stand back and put on my flame suit ( so I dont get burned ) ![]() |
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