T5 vs Metal Halide vs PC

[ds450x]

Im looking to put new lights in my canopy that I just build for my 75 gallon tank. I looking for the cheapest route that would work for basic corals. The lights can be 48" long and 15 1/2" wide. Which would work the best and be the cheapest? And could someone send me some possible links of some cheap ones that would work good. Thanks

 

[ds450x]

I think im going with a t5 retrofit kit. Would 4x54 be enough for my 75 gallon tank or do I need 6?

 

[salt210]

go 6 to be safe

 

[saltn00b]

fit as many as you can, make sure they are individually reflected or T-5 is not worth it.

 

[ds450x]

they are individually reflected. It comes with 3 10K bulbs, 2 actinic bulbs, 4 1watt blue led's with a 5 year warranty for only $255 shipped.

 

[netimreefer]

not bad, what brand?

 

[ds450x]

Not sure but half of what a fish store would sell them for. What kind of corals could I keep with 6x54 t5's? Anything I want?

 

[toosalty]

You should be able to keep whatever you want with that set up. Just don't go cheap with the bulbs.

 

[reefraff]

You aren't going to get a good T5 system for 225.00/ If you want to be able to keep anything a Sunlight Supply Tek light 6x54 watt T5 is about the minimum and even with that you need to keep the high light critters on the rocks a little.

 

[ds450x]

Whats the difference in the fixture? The only thing that would be different is the bulb and I can just buy better bulbs. The fixture has individual reflectors.
And my friend keeps corals with a pc in a 90 and people say they suck so its not all about the cost.

 

[bizzmoneyb]

Originally Posted by ds450x
http:///forum/post/2766616
Whats the difference in the fixture? The only thing that would be different is the bulb and I can just buy better bulbs. The fixture has individual reflectors.
And my friend keeps corals with a pc in a 90 and people say they suck so its not all about the cost.

cheaper units use cheaper crappier parts. parts that break or catch fire quickly. im lookin for a decent T-5 unit myself and decided on the Nova Extreme Pro 48". You can find them for around $330.
And yea you can keep corals under PC's. Its just a matter of what type of corals and what depth you can keep them. The better the light the better health and growth of the coral.

 

[ds450x]

These lights will work for me right now. I was going to build my own metal halides for under $300 but I didnt feel like taking the time and im too busy to do that.