T5 or metal halide

[coralreefer]

i want to upgrade my lighting yet again. i want the best light for sps coral growth. which would you guys suggest?
a MH setup within $250 i need some suggestions
OR
a DIY T5HO 8 bulb w/ individual reflectors
thanks in advance

 

[nycbob]

they r both good. its such a personal preference. mh, u hv the shimmering effect plus perhaps deeper reach if u hv a deep tank. where as t5, the light is more uniform and hv no heating issue.

 

[coralreefer]

my tank is about 19" deep. should i go with the DIY T5HO or the Halides?

 

[nycbob]

is this gonna be inside a canopy? i like t5 better if its only 19-20 inches in depth. make sure to get individual reflectors for them tho.

 

[coralreefer]

yea, its gonna be in a canopy. i think about 6-8 inches tall. could you give me some help on how to build the canopy. i posted another thread asking how to build a canopy, but nobody answered

 

[nycbob]

google "how to build aquarium canopy" and u should get plenty of help.

 

[scsinet]

I have some pics of a canopy I built on my reef tank thread. I don't exactly list plans or instructions, but maybe the pics can start you in the right direction.
Apart from that, visit an LFS or two and check out the canopies on the tank's there. You'll figure out 3 things: A) it ain't that hard to do, B) you can easily build a better one than the crappy commerically made stuff, and C) you'll walk away knowing exactly what to do.
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/298755/scsinets-180g-reef-build

 

[chilwil84]

and how to make it better on your next upgrade

 

[fish2]

you gould get a viper clamp and then some cheap power compact actinics

 

[coralreefer]

my only question is how do you secure the canopy to the tank? if i dont will it slide off? that would be a major dissaster

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by coralreefer
http:///forum/post/2523022
my only question is how do you secure the canopy to the tank? if i dont will it slide off? that would be a major dissaster

I used cleats inside of canopy.Your canopy should actually slide down over the top.

 

[coralreefer]

thanks veni.
could anyone give some links to a place where they sell cheap T5 DIY parts

 

[wangotango]

Originally Posted by coralreefer
http:///forum/post/2523979
thanks veni.
could anyone give some links to a place where they sell cheap T5 DIY parts

No, it's against the rules. Do a google search for either TEK or Icecap T5 retrofits.
-Justin

 

[coralreefer]

thanks