T5 question

[Kigs!]

For a tank dimension of 29.5 x 22.5 x 19.5(h)'', how many bulbs would you guys recommend, 6 or 8? It will be a mixed reef consisting of LPS, zoas, clams, sps etc. Any help would be apprecieated, I'm having hard time choosing between an Infiniti 250W MH w/ 4 T5s fixture or the ATI 6 bulbs fixture.

 

[Azurel]

Personally I would go with the MH and T-5 fixture....Best of both worlds.

 

[Hypertek99]

I would go with the MH and T5's also

 

[killingseed2000]

me too! hehe 1 400 w and 6 t5's would rock. j/k the 6 t'5 would be nice if you didnt want the mh

 

[Kigs!]

could you guys clarify why? I'm somewhat of a newbie when it comes to T5s. I would miss the shimmer effect, but I've seen great colors wether it be crayon color or not, and there does not seem to be much difference in growth rate. Also not to mention some help on my electrical bill...

Anyway, my original question for the T5 users out there, 6 or 8?

 

[twon8]

i think 8 will be too wide, they are a little over 3" apiece

 

[Kigs!]

I've gotten so used to MH that I guess I'm still somewhat skeptical of T5s and their true potential. I keep feeling like I should go with as many as possible...lol. I'll be going with 6 bulbs then, thanks Anthony

 

[twon8]

i think the different reflectors vary a bit in width, but im certain 6 will be enough. ive heard very good things about the ati fixtures, this one would be very good. http://www.reefgeek.com/manufacture...module_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_by_ATI

 

[Kigs!]

lol that's the exact fixture I was looking at. I simply love the design and the fact that it has individual reflectors. I haven't heard too much about their cooling capabilities however. I know that with Tek and Aquatinics, many had to utilize an external fan to cool it down, I wonder if it will be the same with the ATI?

 

[Hopkins]

I am going to light my 150 with 6 - 60" ATI T5s.

72x24x20

3 bulbs on each Icecap 660. Bulbs will be staggered so it covers the whole tank. I don't plan on having SPS, but I will be able to keep them if I wanted. 60" bulbs are 80w, but the 660 overdrives it to around 105w.