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What would be a alternative to using metal halides for a reef ???

post #1 of 11
9/1/10 at 7:44pm
Thread Starter 

I currently Have a 75G with a coralife compact on it. All I have right now are a couple zoa's and a couple mushrooms. And I was wondering if there was a alternative to buying metal halides for a reef. Thanks

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post #2 of 11
9/1/10 at 7:49pm

A good set of T5HO's would work.....

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post #3 of 11
9/1/10 at 8:10pm
Thread Starter 

What about powerbrites? T5 are just as good as the metal halides? And if I got some T5HO would I leave the compact on there too?

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post #4 of 11
9/1/10 at 8:15pm

I know nothing about powerbrites....I do know there are a lot of people that keep successful reef tanks with T5HO lighting

 

I think for your size tank, you may need an 8 light set up....make sure they have good individual reflectors

 

there are a lot of people here who could guide you on this better then I can...

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post #5 of 11
9/1/10 at 8:36pm

I have a 4 bulb ATI fixture on my 65. Seems to be going great as of now. I just started with SPS though.

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post #6 of 11
9/1/10 at 8:38pm

LED is an excellent alternative to MH.

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post #7 of 11
9/2/10 at 6:25pm
Thread Starter 

What LED setup would be best? 

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post #8 of 11
9/2/10 at 6:41pm
Thread Starter 

 

ecoxotic Stunner LED Strips ???

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post #9 of 11
9/2/10 at 7:16pm

I was thinking more along the lines of a DIY set up since it would be cheaper.   In order for it to be an alternative to MH's they will need to be high power 3w LED's.  The 1w LED strips that you'd normaly find such as the Ecoxotic Stunners are more for supplimental lighting to enhance color...they don't do anything for growth.  However I think if you check out the Ecoxotic Par38 lights...those may be more along the lines of what you're looking for.


Edited by 2Quills - 9/2/10 at 7:28pm
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post #10 of 11
9/3/10 at 10:13am
Thread Starter 

Great thanks. Would I need both the 12,000k and the 455nm or just maybe 2 of the 455nm.

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post #11 of 11
9/3/10 at 2:45pm

The PAR38s don't have very wide coverage, so you're going to need a lot more than two for a 75gal tank.

 

There are a lot of very informative LED threads on the "other big forum" that you should check out.

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