another one of those lighting question threads.

[tosiek]

Ok, so i will be doing a tank upgrade within the next month. Tank dimensions are going to be 20x20 with a 24/25 inch height. All the hoods out there worth buying are 24" which worries me b/c thats 2 inches on each side i am losing (1 once you count in the hood and light connection). So thats one problem i am trying to figure out. The second is what is the main gain i will be getting with having the MH 250 with the T5 lighting on the hood compared to just a 250w MH lamp over the tank? I'm looking to hold just about anything. Also do i need to jump to the 250w or can i stick with 150w? Thinking of having a 2-3 inch sand bed on the bottom.

Trying to make a descision on either having a 150/250w pendant over the tank or go with a 24" 250W MH +T5 if its even worth it.

 

[prattreef]

Tony,

Do you like the way the main system looks at Pratt? If so, just go with a 250W. DE luminarc relfector with Phoenix 14K lamp. If it is too blue for you, then you will need to go 10K with supplementation. If you are not going to keep a lot of Acros, you can probably get away with 150W in the same configuration.

Randy

 

[tosiek]

i'm really just curious if having the additional T5 lighting ontop of the 250w Mh is going to give me much as far as illumination and bringing more colors out of my coral. Its a big difference in price, just curious if its worth it. Looking for advice as always =0)

 

[House of Laughter]

T,

coral colors depend alot more on water quality than lighting - BUT, I understand what you're saying about that little extra punch in color -

I also run the 14k de bulbs with HQI ballasts and have no supplementation - if you like the way it looks (similar to RD's) you should do with one mini luminarc with a 14k bulb, you'll get the best of both worlds in color and growth - if you want the dawn-dusk affect, you're going to need to do something with supplementation.

HTH

House

 

[tosiek]

So all the T5's are gonna do is give me an option to put on a light for the mornign and night before and after my MH cycle? I won't get any more florescent color off from the t5's? Or minimal ontop of the MH's. Guess i'll saved myself 200$ or more.

If that true i am going for the MH.

 

[House of Laughter]

To, you'll get a little more on the floresce, but not $200 worth IMO.

House