Lighting Question Clarification

meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
OK, I have cf.lights, 384w total..I have been told they are not enough wattage for an anemone.
(225g tank 30" depth)
I have been researching MH lights to possibly purchase after December. (I still would like suggestions on a good one)
My question is this....I keep reading that a lot of people have T-5's....Are they not just brighter fluorescents????
Can I use T-5 Lights in my aquarium? (and have an anemone)
 
wangotango

wangotango

Active Member
T5 high-output (T5ho) are the type of T5 you want to use. The produced a lot of light per watt, combined with their small size makes it easy to use an individual reflector per bulb. If you're using a good fixture with a good bulb combination then you can easily get PAR comparable to a decent metal halide fixture.
Don't know what the dimensions of your tank are, but IMO three 250w metal halides with T5 suppliment might be the way to go.
-Justin
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
it's 72" Long by 24 wide, X 30" deep...Can you recommend a specific light. I really want a good one and I also want one that has the blue led moonlights
As much money as this is going to cost I want some advice....(or opinions)
 
natclanwy

natclanwy

Active Member
I am assuming you want a complete light assembly, look at Outer Orbit, Coralife, Sunpod, and Hamilton fixtures all are good fixtures I am sure there are others too but this is all I can think of at the moment. You want a MH fixture that has three bulbs.
 
perfectdark

perfectdark

Active Member
As mentioned a HO-T5 fixture is an option and will be good for some anemones in your tank, it depends on the species your interested in. On a tank 30" high IMO the T5's do not have the intensity to reach the bottom of your tank with enough light for some anemones to thrive. Metal Halide is where you need to look. This light will reach the depths necessary to give ample light to any species you decide to get.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by PerfectDark
http:///forum/post/2837398
As mentioned a HO-T5 fixture is an option and will be good for some anemones in your tank, it depends on the species your interested in. On a tank 30" high IMO the T5's do not have the intensity to reach the bottom of your tank with enough light for some anemones to thrive. Metal Halide is where you need to look. This light will reach the depths necessary to give ample light to any species you decide to get.
Thanks, I kinda figured because of the depth I would have to go MH..there are so many though....I do want a fixture that sets on the tank, and one that has the blue led moon lights...Do you have any suggestions....I know it is going to cost a lot, so I just want to make the right choice.
 
perfectdark

perfectdark

Active Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/2837422
Thanks, I kinda figured because of the depth I would have to go MH..there are so many though....I do want a fixture that sets on the tank, and one that has the blue led moon lights...Do you have any suggestions....I know it is going to cost a lot, so I just want to make the right choice.
I have the current sunpod fixture... 150W with white and blue LED's...I love it, its been a sound fixture no heat issues, no ballast issues, fans work perfectly.
If you get one I agree 3 MH lights @ 250Watts ea is what I would suggest. A MH light typically projects a light column 2'x2' obviously height of fixture will vary that a tad. The supplied bulbs in the current fixture arent great but they arent horrible, just not as blue as I would like them. My next bulb is most likely a radium 20k. HTH. Good luck.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Hmmmm it seems the one you have only goes to 48" What do you think of this one???
Outer Orbit Pro Series HQI/T-5/LED Lights
High performance, combination light fixture offers the highest light output in its class. Combines HQI metal halide, high-output T5 fluorescent, and LED Lunar Lights to satisfy 24-hour light requirements of even the most demanding reef aquarium. Features anodized aluminum housing, electronic ballasts, cooling fans, and dual electronic timers. Includes double-ended 10,000°K HQI metal halide bulb(s), T-5 actinic (420/460 nm) bulbs, docking mounts and hanging bracket. Measures 15" x 4-1/4" high.
The 72" one comes in 72" 1,080 watts 3-250 watt 8-39 watt 12 blue & 12 white OR
72" 780 watts 3-150 watt 8-39 watt 12 blue & 12 white
There is only about $100 difference, so I think I would probably go with the 1080W.
This is from Drs. and the 1080W sells for $1120 Do you know any places with better pricing?
 
perfectdark

perfectdark

Active Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/2837489
Hmmmm it seems the one you have only goes to 48" What do you think of this one???
Outer Orbit Pro Series HQI/T-5/LED Lights
High performance, combination light fixture offers the highest light output in its class. Combines HQI metal halide, high-output T5 fluorescent, and LED Lunar Lights to satisfy 24-hour light requirements of even the most demanding reef aquarium. Features anodized aluminum housing, electronic ballasts, cooling fans, and dual electronic timers. Includes double-ended 10,000°K HQI metal halide bulb(s), T-5 actinic (420/460 nm) bulbs, docking mounts and hanging bracket. Measures 15" x 4-1/4" high.
The 72" one comes in 72" 1,080 watts 3-250 watt 8-39 watt 12 blue & 12 white OR
72" 780 watts 3-150 watt 8-39 watt 12 blue & 12 white
There is only about $100 difference, so I think I would probably go with the 1080W.
This is from Drs. and the 1080W sells for $1120 Do you know any places with better pricing?

Unfortunately I dont, but that fixture will be perfect for your tank IMO.
 
gatorwpb

gatorwpb

Active Member
try googling the name of the fixture and you might find other retilaers. There has got to be places cheaper than the DRs.
Check out hello lights dot com also. Not sure if they have your fixture, but they will have other options if not. also, I have never had to, but you can call them and they will help you pick something out.
 
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