Which one should I get?

[albert_dao]

Can you PM me your phone number? I talk faster and more elaborately than I type :P

[Myka]

Originally Posted by sharuq1

I don't have a sump nor a chiller nor an auto top off unit (wish I had one though). Basically this tank is going to have to be ghetto. Corals that for sure will go in once params are stable and I have a light are: toadstool, frogspawn, hammer, rics, gsp, m. digitata, mushrooms and candy cane; I realise those are mostly lower light needing, but I would like to be able to diversify.

I would still like the option to put in a clam at some point if possible. I am really having trouble deciding what to get. Help very much appreciated especially if it is a specific light you recommend.

Considering heat will bea serious issue for you I would recommend you go with T5s. Your tank is a bit deep, but as long as you keep good water quality and specifically clarity (run carbon) you should be ok. All those corals would be quite happy undr T5 lighting, and if you get a clam you can always make a little shelf out of liverock that you can then put a mini sandbed on, and put the clam on that. I have seen that work well. Also some clams like to be right on the rocks anyway.

So I'd recommend the Sunlight Supply Tek T5 4-bulb unit. I think the 6 bulb unit would be too wide for your tank. It runs WAAAY cooler than Metal Halides. You need to replace bulbs a bit more often - about every 8 months. With the 4 bulbs, I'd try a combination of two URI (UVL) AquaSun, one Giesemann AquaBlue+, and one Giesemann Pure Actinic. Should give you a nice color.

Fixture: http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...ID=sl-t5tl3604
Giesemann bulbs: http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...ategory_ID=378
URI bulbs: http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...ategory_ID=379

[sharuq1]

So from the sounds of it, it is recommended I go t5 and not mH? Keep your opinions coming, I want to do this right the first time and not be kicking myself in several months.

[Myka]

The only reason I could think of that you might end up wishing you went MH is if you started to fancy the SPS corals. Otherwise, I think T5s are better suited to the needs that you listed.

[Slick Fork]

There is no reason whatsoever that SPS cannot do well with t5 lighting. If you have doubts, search RC for the many many pictures of sps dominated reefs with nothing but T5 lighting over top.

The issue you'll have with MH's on a 36" tank is that 1 bulb isn't quite enough and 2 is probably a little too much in terms of coverage. The t-5 fixture will give you much more versatility in a smaller package. I have a 36" teklight that I'm going to put over my 33 gallon and am quite pleased with it.

[sharuq1]

Ok you have sold me on the t5 fixture, now all I need to do is find one to buy. If anyone finds a deal links dropped on this thread would be very appreciated.

Thank you so much for all the advice.

[Myka]

You just missed the Boxing Day sales!!! One of the guys on here had Tek fixtures on sale for 20% off. I'll go find a link to that thread...maybe he'll still sell to you at that price...?

Also, the Aquactinics brand is really good as well. They do odd bulb sizes, but I think their smallest is 5 bulbs and that would be too wide for your tank. Someone feel free to correct me on that.

Originally Posted by Slick Fork

There is no reason whatsoever that SPS cannot do well with t5 lighting. If you have doubts, search RC for the many many pictures of sps dominated reefs with nothing but T5 lighting over top.

I have SPS doing well under T5, but it's pretty easy to say that MH lighting is better for novice SPS reefers.





EDIT: Here's the link for the 20% off Sunlight Supply (Tek) fixtures. http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=38108