8 bulb T5 or 3 Viparspectras?

[TCoach]

So for my 120 gallon tank(4x2x2), would you use an 8 bulb T5 ATI fixture ($200) or 3 Viparspectra 165s (already own).

I want to go towards SPS dominate and feel the T5’s will probably be a better fit, but what do you think.

Unfortunately, the budget does not allow for the expensive name brand lights.

Thanks,
-TCoach

 

[Reefahholic]

So for my 120 gallon tank(4x2x2), would you use an 8 bulb T5 ATI fixture ($200) or 3 Viparspectra 165s (already own).

I want to go towards SPS dominate and feel the T5’s will probably be a better fit, but what do you think.

Unfortunately, the budget does not allow for the expensive name brand lights.

Thanks,
-TCoach

100% T5’s all the way. Wish I still had mine to be honest.

 

[piranhaman00]

Huh? This is not really a comparison haha

 

[jerl77]

Nothing like t5
T5 all the way

 

[Bpb]

T5 definitely between those two options

 

[Midrats]

ATI is a name brand. $200.00 for a 4' 8 bulb is a no brainer!

 

[Widdlyscudds]

T5's for sure, and I highly recommend looking at the "indoor farming" community you can sometimes find really good deals on hoods and bulbs. the second someone slaps a "marine use" sticker on something the price quadruples.

 

[Koh23]

T5....

 

[xyzner]

Another vote for the T5s

 

[N-A-S-O]

T5 all day everyday.

 

[bobnicaragua]

T5, no contest! For SPS, 8 bulb ATI is about as good as it gets.

 

[A. grandis]

So for my 120 gallon tank(4x2x2), would you use an 8 bulb T5 ATI fixture ($200) or 3 Viparspectra 165s (already own).

I want to go towards SPS dominate and feel the T5’s will probably be a better fit, but what do you think.

Unfortunately, the budget does not allow for the expensive name brand lights.

Thanks,
-TCoach

8 bulb ATI T5 for sure!

 

[Semisonyx]

The 8 bulb T5 is killer, just realize it’s going to cost you $200/year in bulb replacements (since you mentioned budget). The Viparspectra grow coral very well. I used to run 3 on my 180g with 2 T5 bulbs, which was perfect for color and growth. My advice to you is 2 Vipars and retrofit 2 actinic+ T5 bulbs to fill in the lower violet/uv spectrum.

 

[A. grandis]

The 8 bulb T5 is killer, just realize it’s going to cost you $200/year in bulb replacements (since you mentioned budget). The Viparspectra grow coral very well. I used to run 3 on my 180g with 2 T5 bulbs, which was perfect for color and growth. My advice to you is 2 Vipars and retrofit 2 actinic+ T5 bulbs to fill in the lower violet/uv spectrum.

And again, if anyone of us don't have the time, effort or those $200.00 a year to change bulbs, shouldn't be reefing, cause that is absolutely nothing comparing to everything else in terms of costs and time to spend in this or any other hobby!

 

[oreo54]

1

And again, if anyone of us don't have the time, effort or those $200.00 a year to change bulbs, shouldn't be reefing, cause that is absolutely nothing comparing to everything else in terms of costs and time to spend in this or any other hobby!

A bit pretentious.
Shifting costs is a common feature.

For $200 one could get a 4th viparspectra and possibly 5th.

 

[Jekyl]

1

A bit pretentious.
Shifting costs is a common feature.

For $200 one could get a 4th viparspectra and possibly 5th.

IMO the black box lights aren't worth $10. Yes they grow coral, they also make the tank look bad. Again, just my opinion.

 

[FSP]

At only $200, you should get the ATI regardless if you plan on using it or not :)

 

[mdb_talon]

I will be in the minority here and vote for the viparspectra. Despite what some think you can factor cost into reef decision making and still be successful in the hobby. I prefer t5 in your scenario, but if cost is a factor(and it seems to be) then the Viparspectras you own will work just fine, cost you nothing, use less energy, and not need bulbs replaced yearly. Those bulb costs add up to a lot of money over the years.

 

[stoney7713]

I will be in the minority here and vote for the viparspectra. Despite what some think you can factor cost into reef decision making and still be successful in the hobby. I prefer t5 in your scenario, but if cost is a factor(and it seems to be) then the Viparspectras you own will work just fine, cost you nothing, use less energy, and not need bulbs replaced yearly. Those bulb costs add up to a lot of money over the years.

I too agree, use what you got and supplement it with a blue/uv led bars or something similar.

 

[Potatohead]

$200 for bulb changes is mildly annoying but I easily make that back selling frags because of increased growth