Whats my best bet

[dcrrlb]

I currently have a 46 gallon reef setup. I use a PC with 2 96w bulbs along with 2 10,000k actinics. My setup looks nice, however would i notice more sucess with T5s. MH are just too pricey for me at this point maybe after i upgrade to a larger tank. My ? is, if T5s would be more beneficial how many lights would you recommend for better sucess. It a 46 gallon bow front 36" long, 1ft deep and 20" high. Afriend has a 6 strip of T5s for a 75gal tank, what would i need

 

[cmaxwell39]

What are you wanting to keep. If it is only softies and lps your pc lights will work just fine. You may notice a little better growth and coloration from T5. If you are wanting to be able to keep everything including sps and clams a good T5 fixture (individual reflectors with good bulbs) or a MH fixture is in order. A T5 fixture to look at with your tank may be the Nova Extreme Pro. Not the best fixture out there but would allow you to keep most corals properly placed. A really good T5 fixture will run about the same as a MH fixture though.

 

[fau8]

+1 on max, another thing to keep in mind is the T5s will put out more heat affecting your tank temp.

 

[rs1831]

Originally Posted by fau8
http:///forum/post/2823983
+1 on max, another thing to keep in mind is the T5s will put out more heat affecting your tank temp.
T5's shouldn't cause an increase in tank temp.
I would look into a 5 or 6 bulb fixture with individual reflectors. I have a Aquactics 5 bulb fixture on my 40 breeder and love it.