IC660 T-5 or 150Watt HQIs ?

[fritz]

Not trying to start a flamewar but I"m going to upgrade my lights and I'm undecided on four T-5s driven by my IC660 or a dual 150Watt HQI setup. I hear so many verying opinions on this that I'm a bit lost. Does anyone have experience with these that can offer some input. I know some MR'ers run HQI and some run T-5s. I don't know if the myths on HQI or T-5s for that matter are exaggerations.

Please post what your experience has been like with each. I have a 55 (75 soon) and I keep low maintenance SPS (Montiporas) and zoos.

 

[masterswimmer]

I run the SLS TEK T5 6 x 54w fixture on my 75. I like it. It takes awhile to play with various bulb combinations to 'dial in' your preferences, but at least there are a number of bulbs out there that you CAN play with.

The biggest leap forward is supposedly happening soon too. URI is coming out with a VHO Actinic that is touted to be comparable to their standard (T12) URI VHO Actinic. This will be monumental IMO, because the ATI Actinics are waaaaaayyyy below acceptable. I use them because that's all there is available at this time. I was actually getting ready to retro a single T12 HO ballast/endcap combo onto my tank for actinic supplementation that's worthwhile. So as you can see, I'm excited about the prospect of getting these new URI T5 actinics.

I also have the Coralife tank mount 150w HQI MH fixture. I'm running it with a 20k bulb right now, but I have a 14k bulb waiting in the wings. I just want this bulb to go through its useful life. I've got another couple of months with it.

Bottom line at this time, I love my T5's and I barely like my 150w MH's (cheap MH IMO).

Russ

 

[pecan2phat]

Dual 150 HQIs will be dim compared to what you can do with four 54w T5s.

 

[spykes]

the URI thing is been going on for over a year? im tired of waiting for those basdard

 

[fritz]

Thanks for the feedback that's great input. How's the light penetration on T5s? Right now all my SPS are right at the surface and I'd like a more natural look, with them both at the top and mid range of the tank. I'd like to put my zoos down on the bottom would T5s be able to penetrate deep enough to pull that off?

I keep hearing that fluorescent tubes dissipate so quickly in water but I read somewhere that T5s were designed to penetrate deep (can't see how that's true). Do you find that they are able to penetrate deeper than VHOs?

Oh Spykes, how's the color been under T5s? Once you get the color combination right have you noticed good growth and color of your corals?

 

[prattreef]

Either option would work fine. Since you already have the IC 660 you might as well go the T-5 route. I would recommend the IC single lamp reflectors for maximun output. FWIW, regular VHO's would work too for the animals you are keeping. I've seen and kept far more demanding SPS in similar sized aquariums with VHO only. Still, T-5's are a bit better penetration wise, but Russ is right regarding the actinic situation.

If you haven't figured it out, I tend to think people over light their systems unecessarily.

Isn't lighting fun

 

[masterswimmer]

fritz, I keep a T. Crocea on my sandbed, and sps scattered from top to bottom. I actually was getting bleached out colors with my T5 fixture 2" above the tank. I raised the fixture to about 10" above the tank and the colors have started to come back much more.

I agree with you, it doesn't make sense that a linear source of light (T5's) would have nearly as good penetration as a spot source of light (MH's). However, as Randy said, and I agree, it seems people overlight their tanks. Then to add insult to injury, they have a photoperiod much too long.

In addition to raising my lights, I shortened my photoperiod by two hours (daylight bulbs only). I left my actinics on the longer photoperiod. Now my actinics are on for two hours longer than my daylights, both at sunrise and sunset (4 extra hours a day). This along with raising the lights has finally given me some colors that I'm enjoying.

Russ

 

[ShaunW]

I have both on my tanks, T5 and MH. I like both.

Based on your tanks description, i.e. zoos and monti in a 55 gallon, I would go with the T5. The reason is less energy use and heat than MH. If your ever going to go with high light loving SPS then I would suggest the MH (but maybe 250watt instead of 150watt) with supplemental lighting (T5 or VHO).