T5 light question

[ignath]

I have a 150 some fish and some coral. Most advanced corals are bubble and frogspawn. The rest are mushrooms and polyps. I am currently using CoralLife cf lights. I have been told by many that T5's are the midpoint between cf's and hqi's. I am interested in a Aquatic Life T5 HO light. 8 bulbs and lunars. A major question is about the wattage output, it is only 312 watts. Has anyone used this light? And what about augmenting the light with the PowerBrite diodes that I have read about? They are cool and relatively cheap. I defer to the experts, what do you guys and gals think? Thanks for you help!!!!

 

[wangotango]

312w on a 150gal (which are pretty deep) isn't going to be a lot of light.
If you're looking for a full-assembled fixture, check out the 72" Aquactinics Constellation. Costs a bit more and doesn't have moonlights, but the quality is far better.
If you have a canopy, then two six-bulb 36" Icecap retrofits would be the next best option. It would still be easy to add moonlights either way.
-Justin

 

[bizzmoneyb]

yes, T5's are somewhat in between MH's and PC's.
im not familiar with the unit.. does it have individual reflectors? this makes a big difference. if so, id say you'd probably be good with stuff in the upper half of the tank or so. im guessing your tank is pretty deep.

 

[makoshrk2]

I have an 8 bulb retro with individual reflectors for a 120G and I'm growing acro's and stags. In fact I just picked up my Bird of Paradise yesterday. Sweet. I suppose I could boost the wattage by putting Ice cap ballasts in there. Maybe when these workhorse ballasts die.