lights

[tjake68]

i know metal halides are best but witch are better t5s or power compact or vho floressants im cant get metal halides at this point but wjtch ever i do get im going to try to go at least 5 to 6 watts per gallon and do vho give of heat like metal halides im going to use them on a 125 gallon with corals that dont need halide lighting :help:

 

[tjake68]

ok i just read a post and i understand watts per gallon mean nothing that its par what u need to calculate

 

[wangotango]

imo lighting system quality starts at the lowest of PC, then VHO, T5, then halides at the top. T5 are a great substitute for halides in a shallower tank(maybe 20" max). VHO do give off some heat, so if they will be in a closed canopy you'll probably want a couple of fans. i think for your set up a VHO retrofit would be best until if/when you get halides. for a tank this size, you'd need a lot of T5's. hope this helps.

 

[acrylic51]

T5's if pair with the right; quality reflectors to get the most out of the bulbs....IceCap or SunlightSupply T5 reflectors......best on the market....