split lighting for 125

[browniebuck]

I saw the following light on the bay and was wondering if 2 of them would be suffice for my 125 and what, if any, corals I would be able to get (down the road...not 100% interested right now, but I don't want to get lights now and have to upgrade later).
Model : 30" SALTWATER
460nm T5HO: 1X 24W
10,000K T5HO: 1X 24W
Total Watts: 48W
I know that 48W seems very low (I currently have PC lighting), but I don't know anything about t5 other than that they are thought to be better than power compact. I was planning on centering them over the 2 sides of the tank (center brace breaking the tank into 2 sides).
First off...would this make sense to do? Secondly...would I be able to get any corals and/or anemones with these lights?
Thanks for any input...lighting isn't my strong suit to say the least!

 

[wangotango]

You're going to want a lot more than that if you plan on keeping coral. Is it a standard 72" 125gal?

 

[browniebuck]

yeah...I guess I don't really NEED new lights, but I am currently using my old 48" PC from my 55 gallon (it is currently fish and inverts only).
What would you suggest for lighting for a 125 (I am not wanting to get ridiculous in terms of price...not a lot of spare $$$ laying around).

 

[king_neptune]

Its not going to happen, sorry. Maybe, and I mean MAYBE you can get some zoos to survive under your PC florescent's.But Ive never heard of it.
But your not going to get corals to live under 50watts of PC lighting in a 125g tank.
As for upgrading and only having a pair of T5's, you honestly wont get much. You can do it, but you wont really flourish.And Ive seen some pretty descent systems under T5's in your tank size, but that would be under 6-8 Bulbs.
I honestly would recommend going to Craigslist and looking for some good deals if your on a budget. I wouldn't jump on the first thing I see. Deals come and go, and after a couple weeks you should be able to find what you need.
Like mine ^_^
Im selling a PFO Professional series 3x250watt MH system with Dual VHO's 72" and 4xElectronic ballasts for $400. Its a complete 72" system that I have used for my 125g system. A real deal for someone who wants to get into corals on a budget.
It was a $2400 system, and since Ive upgraded to LED's I don't need it anymore. Its just an example, deals are out there, you just gotta be lucky and find them.

 

[king_neptune]

Those $300 LED's come in today. Ill let you all know how they do, and my initial impressions. If they work, Ill get two more arrays.

 

[browniebuck]

My PC are 260 watt...but they are only 48" instead of 72"...I am just using them until I get more adequate lighting (it actually looks pretty neat this way). I don't have any corals, I was just wondering what it would take for me to get corals down the road. I saw the 30" t5's and thought I would see if they would be any good. I probably shouldn't get my hopes set on corals...I have a flag fin angel and a half black angel in the tank already...and my wife loves them!

 

[spanko]

Yup, keeping coral with those two will be a problem.

 

[king_neptune]

The LEDS arrived. Not that impressed.
They are more intense than MH, yes.
But the ambient light is next to nothing. They shoot a beam directly downward, so if you are looking to light up a larger tank, you'd need several units. I already knew that...but I was thinking Id need 3, not even close.
For my 72" tank, 3 wouldn't even cut it. I would not be happy with any less than 4, and the more I think about it. I would probably want 6. Basic they are only good to cover a 12x18" foot print. My 72" brick is 20" wide, so I could fit 6 along its length. Thats $1,800. For that price, Ill DIY something I want that will be better quality anyways.
So you'd have to stack them side by side all the way across the tank. Then they would be good. I am going to hang onto them, and use them on a Nano. I think they would do fine for a Nano.
But for a larger system, you would be better off DIY because at least then you can add lenses. Plus you'd get 3w lights instead of 1w.
Having 119x1w does put out a bright beam, but the whole unit kills itself with such a small footprint.
And remember, these are INITIAL impressions based on looking at them over my tank for about 5 min. Ill still keep testing to see what my long term views are.