T5's on a 75g standard

[Anonymous]

Looking to redo my dad's lighting. We bought him 2-250W IceCap ballasts, but he also needs a new hood. Of course, this opens up the possibilities to different lighting arrangements and that brought up T5s. What would be the suggested T5 setup for a 75g tank where he wants to keep a mix of most things, including some SPS? Or should I stick with the 250's? Thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

I have 8x54w t5 and 2 250 watt HQI MH on my 90. I think it is a great amount of light and I get the color and the growth spectrums that I want. I think if you went with say, 6xt5 and the 250s you would be very happy with the results.

 

[Len]

For a 75g, you will want at least 8 54W T5s, but a dozen is a safer bet if you want SPS. T5s get costly to replace and aren't as bright as those 250W MH, so I would consider using the halides still (with T5 supplements)

 

[Anonymous]

For a 75g, you will want at least 8 54W T5s, but a dozen is a safer bet if you want SPS. T5s get costly to replace and aren't as bright as those 250W MH, so I would consider using the halides still (with T5 supplements)

Yeah if I have to do 8, then it is not worth it. I found a deal on a hood, but I'm worried it is too short to fit in the MHs. What is the min height you need for a hood with MHs?

 

[Len]

I've actually seen people cram halides into 6" hoods, but I really wouldn't recommend it. 10-12" is what I'd consider minimum.

 

[Anonymous]

If you are going straight T5's then yes you need more, but if you are using the 250s in conjunction, I think 6 is fine. Like I said, on my 90 which is the same footprint as your 75(most likely a standard?) I have 8 T5's and 2 250s. But this is my first experience with T5s and although I like the added light, I am still partial to MH looks. Len do you have T5's on your tank? I don't recall your light set up.

 

[_Adrian_]

I have 8x54w t5 and 2 250 watt HQI MH on my 90. I think it is a great amount of light and I get the color and the growth spectrums that I want. I think if you went with say, 6xt5 and the 250s you would be very happy with the results.

thats a lot of light !!!
i figured that the 2 x 250W MH and 2 x HO T5 actinics should do.

 

[Anonymous]

I myself have a 180 with 1 400w, 2 250w and 2 160w VHO. Hopefully next week my new fixture will finally be ready and I am goin with 14 39w t5's. I am not worried I won't have enough light at. As a matter of fact I am worried I will stun my current inhabitants with the light so I have to make preparations to acclimate them carefully.

I'll take before and after photos for sure. If I were you and I were going with straight t5's over the tank I wouldn't worry all that much.

 

[barjam]

I haven't had any issues keeping SPS under 4x54 T5 in my 75.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005- ... /index.php

This guy does 8 on a 110 and is almost 100% SPS.

Does anyone make a 12 bulb kit with individual reflectors (required for t5s). If you DIY'ed the hood you are looking at two inch reflectors (smallest I could find) and would be limited to 10 bulbs.