New Outer Orbit w/T5s

azfishgal

azfishgal

Active Member
Does anyone have the new Current Outer Orbit 2x150w 10,000K HQI w/4 T5s? I'm thinking about getting the 60" for my 6' tank. I was thinking of the 72" lights, but the 60" is less expensive and it would make it easier on my husband who's building the canaopy. I'm thinking the 72" would just be to tight. Any thoughts on that and this new light by Current?
My other option was the USA SunPod. Right now I have two 36" Aqualight T-5 Double Lamps; 10,000K daylight & True Actinic 02 Blue (42 watt). Does anyone have these lights with any type of corals in your tank?
:notsure:
(My tank is 125 gallons, 6' long.)
 
al mc

al mc

Active Member
I am very happy with my 72' outer orbit. Had it about 5 months on a 175 bow in my work place. Clients love it. Corals love it. Depending on tank depth the 150 MH's may be a little underpowered if you have stoneys.
As I remember the 60'' may have 2 MH's while the 72" has 3 MH's. So, if your
lighting demands are not huge (again lots of stoney corals and clams), then
60" should do ok for you.
 
azfishgal

azfishgal

Active Member
I would like to have clams, which is why I was going with the halids. My tank is 22" deep, will the 150 still be good. I also don't want it to become to hot, does the 250 run hotter than the 150?
One more thing, can you run the T5s independantly from the MH?
 
al mc

al mc

Active Member
IMHO I would try to put the clams 20" or less from the light source.
The T5's and MH's have separate timers and I do run them together for part of the day. MH's for 7 hours, T5's for 9 hours.. (They overlap for 3 hours in my set up)
The 250 MH's give off significantly more heat than the 150's. I, like many, use a small 'computer fan' to circulate air in the gap between the glass top
of the aquarium and the Orbit light fixture. Before I did this I did have some heat problems and I did not want to buy a 'chiller'....fan worked great for me.
Good luck..I think you will be very happy with the MH/T5 combo.....Lots of discussion on this web site about if T5's are as good as MH's.....You won't have to worry...you have both............
 
azfishgal

azfishgal

Active Member
OK, then I don't want the 250s. I live in the Phoenix area and it gets HOT in the summer, so that's already going to be a battle for me.
When you say 20" from the light source on the clams then I probably wouldn't be able to have any?
With sand my clams would be 20" from the top of the water, but then another what, 8-10" to the light?
 
al mc

al mc

Active Member
The 20" is not a rule that is written in stone anywhere....You would probably be OK with what you suggested. My solution to a similar problem was to elevate them in a secure location on/between a couple of well placed rocks. As long as they feel secure and can 'plant' their foot they should be ok off the sand.
There have been many posts by the people who love T5's that they can keep the clams going in almost any situation.........
IMHO..If you would like to keep clams..start on the sand bed. If they seem stressed..mantels not fully extended/loss of color :happyfish ..then move them to a higher location.
My biggest problem with clams has not been light, but that some fish just love to 'bug' them.....
Even though its 'dry heat' in Phoenix (We just had an ice storm on the east coast so I am jealous)...IMO the 250's would be too much unless you use a chiller.....I have never used one so I can't offer an opinion on their effectiveness.......
 
frankthetank

frankthetank

Active Member
I think Current makes outstanding lighting systems. And rather affordable too. Funny I came across this post because I was just kind of dream shopping for a 95 wave tank I'm thinking of purchasing over the Summer. I was looking at the Current models. I saw the Current MH/T5 light. Though I might just go with the MH/PC Current. Just dreaming right now anyways.
 
azfishgal

azfishgal

Active Member
Al Mc, thanks for your input and yes, I agree with you, 250 would be to much. I'm still crossing my fingers I won't need to get a chiller, but only time will tell. Whatever light I use I'll have fans in the canopy to try and keep things cool. Plus I like these current fixtures because they have T5 in them, so I won't have to run the MH all day, like during the summer I can keep them off during the hotest part of the day.
FranktheTank, seems most people prefer T5s over PC, but again, it's a personal choice I guess. I've just made this observation since I've been on this site. Have fun dreaming. :happyfish
 
drew2005

drew2005

Active Member
I noticed you said your husband is building a canopy. Just a heads up on these Current units. You can't use them under a canopy. They give off a decent amount of heat from the top vents. I would look for a nice retrofit for under your canopy. And get a couple computer fans to pull the heat out.
 
cgrant

cgrant

Active Member
I have the 72" current usa outer orbit
3x250w 10k / 8x39w t5 actinics on my 210 and it is a great fixture.
Also comes with 12 white and 12 blue led's (moon lights)
It is a very nice fixture but if you want clams I would go 250w
I have no heat issues on my 210 and its sitting on the legs that come with the fixture now (8 inches from water line), It comes with a hanging kit just have not had a chance to hang them yet.
Dont run MH with glass tops, it intensifies the heat (kinda like a magnifying glass) I have egg crate on my tank and works great, you can get the stuff cheap at home depot, just ask for a light defuser usually by the ceiling tiles.
You will like the fixture but i would run 250w if you want stuff like clams, sps, anemone, etc. Basically w/ 250w you will be able to keep whatever you want.
 
azfishgal

azfishgal

Active Member
Originally Posted by drew2005
I noticed you said your husband is building a canopy. Just a heads up on these Current units. You can't use them under a canopy. They give off a decent amount of heat from the top vents. I would look for a nice retrofit for under your canopy. And get a couple computer fans to pull the heat out.
He's building a tall canopy, so no top or back to it, accept the pieces of wood that the lights will hang from. Will that still be ok, or no?
 
drew2005

drew2005

Active Member
Originally Posted by azfishgal
He's building a tall canopy, so no top or back to it, accept the pieces of wood that the lights will hang from. Will that still be ok, or no?
If it's not going to be a completely enclosed canopy, then i don't see it being a problem for you. There should be plenty of ventilation.
 
saltn00b

saltn00b

Active Member
if you want 72" of T-5 take a look into the Aquactinic constellation. my upgrade thread has pics (last page). its cheaper than 60" and it's pretty much the best brand for T-5.
 
dskrezyna

dskrezyna

Member
Originally Posted by saltn00b
if you want 72" of T-5 take a look into the Aquactinic constellation. my upgrade thread has pics (last page). its cheaper than 60" and it's pretty much the best brand for T-5.
Can you link to your post?
 
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