MH vs T5

Moonlightreef · Apr 12, 2014

Hi everyone
Im think to change my 250MH to T5s bulbs .My tank size is 48Lx13Wx21H .
Looking to get 6 bulb T5 fixture .
Can you guys help me to choose the right bulb for coloration and growth . Its a LPS and SPS mix tank . And some pictures of how it would look with those color mix on the tank will be awesome .
Thank you everyone

Moonlightreef · Apr 13, 2014

anyone ?

Javsku · Apr 13, 2014

I run a 6 bulb Tek fixture over my standard 90 gallon. I have a mixed reef with predominantly sps.

My bulb configuration front to back is

ATI blue plus
ATI blue plus
Koralin Zucht new generation coral light 14k
ATI purple plus
ATI blue plus
ATI blue plus

I am happy with this look. I will have to attach a recent video latter.

Reefing Madness · Apr 13, 2014

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...reef-lighting-t5-lighting-options-corals.html
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-discussion/140006-t-5-bulbs-better-replace.html

jeremy · Apr 13, 2014

4 blue plus 1 purple plus 1 coral plus is a good combo for a 6 bulb. If you like a whiter tank 4 blue 1 purple 1 aqua blue special.

jackson6745 · Apr 13, 2014

Normally I would suggest halide along with a linear source like T5's, but looking at your dimensions it makes more sense to go t5 only. At only 13" wide a 4 bulb T5 is all you would need (I suggest ATI). You will be able to grow whatever you want and have great colors if you balance your nutrient level properly.

Javsku · Apr 13, 2014

Here is a vid I found of my set up I shot last year, I'll have to upload a newer one.

Javy's Reef Tank 3-25-13 - YouTube

Moonlightreef · Apr 13, 2014

Javsku said:
Here is a vid I found of my set up I shot last year, I'll have to upload a newer one.

Javy's Reef Tank 3-25-13 - YouTube

amazing thank you so much

Moonlightreef · Apr 13, 2014

jackson6745 said:
Normally I would suggest halide along with a linear source like T5's, but looking at your dimensions it makes more sense to go t5 only. At only 13" wide a 4 bulb T5 is all you would need (I suggest ATI). You will be able to grow whatever you want and have great colors if you balance your nutrient level properly.

so if i get 4x54w T5 bulb that should be enough for sps ? what about the fixture . Home depot has 4x54w t5 fixture with good looking reflectors , will that work if i get it ?

Pete polyp · Apr 14, 2014

Moonlightreef said:
so if i get 4x54w T5 bulb that should be enough for sps ? what about the fixture . Home depot has 4x54w t5 fixture with good looking reflectors , will that work if i get it ?

You could keep sps in the upper portion of your tank. I'm pretty sure t5 won't penetrate to the bottom of your tank enough to keep them happy. Ime the purple+ is kind of a junky bulb and I prefer using a coral+ or actinic in its place. I have 2 tanks with 6 bulb fixtures and the difference between the two is one has a purple +, one actinic. 3 blue +, 1 (purple + in one, 1actinic in the other), 1 coral +, 1 12k. The one with the actinic is much more of a blue color (around 15k) the purple plus kinda washes the blue out and appears more white (around 12k). I'm using cheap Ebay fixtures and have had a good experience. The 24" was $129 with 6 stock bulbs included (3 blue, 3 12k) the same model 36" was $149

Moonlightreef · Apr 14, 2014

Javsku said:
I run a 6 bulb Tek fixture over my standard 90 gallon. I have a mixed reef with predominantly sps.

My bulb configuration front to back is

ATI blue plus
ATI blue plus
Koralin Zucht new generation coral light 14k
ATI purple plus
ATI blue plus
ATI blue plus

I am happy with this look. I will have to attach a recent video latter.

If i go with 4x54w bulb instead of 6 bulb witch colors do i need from your
colors and still keep colors and growth good with mixed tank .

Pete polyp · Apr 14, 2014

1 coral+ with 3 blue+ worked pretty good.

jackson6745 · Apr 14, 2014

Moonlightreef said:
so if i get 4x54w T5 bulb that should be enough for sps ? what about the fixture . Home depot has 4x54w t5 fixture with good looking reflectors , will that work if i get it ?

Yes, but I wouldn't waste money on anything from home depot. Get yourself a used ATI sun power 4 or 6 bulbs fixture. They are selling pretty cheap these days.

I like 2 blue+, 1 KZ purple, and one GE65k for a 4 bulb scheme.

Javsku · Apr 14, 2014

Moonlightreef said:
If i go with 4x54w bulb instead of 6 bulb witch colors do i need from your
colors and still keep colors and growth good with mixed tank .

Same configuration just take out two blue plus's, just my preference. I would also suggest not going with a Home Depot fixture.