T5's, Metal Halide's, Hybrids OR WHAT? How would you light this tank?

[BlackLabelCorals]

Hey everyone!

I'm starting a new build and I'm looking to get some opinion's on lighting choices. Lets start with the tank Dimensions. This will be an SPS dominate tank. Planned for colony coverage in the future.

TANK: 42"L X 21"W X 20"H
-Ghost Overflow

Now here are the top contenders of lighting options in looking to go with:

36" ATI Sunpower with Dual 36" reefbrite XHO all blues: Bulb combo will be 50/50 Coral+ & Blue+
I like the 14kish look. Don't like to much blues.

(Pictures of setup)

36" SE/MH Hybrid Pendant Fixture with Dual Reefbrite: Bulb combo would be either Dual 20K radium bulbs OR Reefbrite Twin Arc 14K/20K bulbs

Questions for the Halide setup:
-What ballasts should I run for this fixture? I was thinking 2 LuXcore 250w electronic adjustable ballasts.
-Should I run 400W's or would 250's be enough?
-Pros/Cons over getting the DE fixture VS the SE?

(Picture of setup)

What would you suggest running? Not interested in running LED's only at this time. Love the growth and color with T5's. It would be my first time running MH if I went that route.

Comment what you think I should run!

 

[luke33]

I think either or would work out great. My thoughts would be, if you go MH just use 250's as 400's will be overkill on that size of tank. I prefer mogul vs de as i believe they put off more light. For t5 I would go with an 8 bulb and run two led t5's in the dusk/dawn spot. This keeps your build cleaner vs using bolt on led's. But I think your going to be fine with any of those choices.

 

[oceanslide]

Awesome looking tank!! Who made it? I'd go with the ati plus reefbrites

 

[BlackLabelCorals]

Awesome looking tank!! Who made it? I'd go with the ati plus reefbrites

The builder was Visio for the tank. 1/2" 3 sided starphire glass.

Stand was built by a local builder.

I'm purchasing this setup tomorrow off a local Reefer who had it all made but decided against finishing. All brand new. I'm excited to get it going. Keep an eye out for a build thread here. [emoji846]

 

[BlackLabelCorals]

I think either or would work out great. My thoughts would be, if you go MH just use 250's as 400's will be overkill on that size of tank. I prefer mogul vs de as i believe they put off more light. For t5 I would go with an 8 bulb and run two led t5's in the dusk/dawn spot. This keeps your build cleaner vs using bolt on led's. But I think your going to be fine with any of those choices.

If it was you, which would you go with?

 

[MRodrigues1991]

I literally am in the same boat. I have a 36" dual mh/LED combo reefbrite and ATI T5s just deciding which one to use in my build which will be predominately SPS.

My tank is a 48x36x20. I am leaning towards T5 just haven't convinced myself yet to sell the Reefbrite

 

[luke33]

Well since I run a 8x80w ati t5 and have had nothing but luck with sticks, thats what i'd stick with. I would do 6 t5 and two aquariumspecialty led t5 tube's on dusk/dawn. There are so many spectrum options with an eight bulb fixture. Thats the only drawback I have vs MH.

 

[BlackLabelCorals]

Well since I run a 8x80w ati t5 and have had nothing but luck with sticks, thats what i'd stick with. I would do 6 t5 and two aquariumspecialty led t5 tube's on dusk/dawn. There are so many spectrum options with an eight bulb fixture. Thats the only drawback I have vs MH.

How intense are those bulbs vs Reefbrites?

 

[Zack K]

I would personally do a T5/LED hybrid. I like the color and controllability of LEDs and coverage and growth of T5 personaly. Seeing you throw around the MH option I would recommend a MH/T5 option. I know giesmann makes good combo lights.

 

[choss]

I'm setting up a similar dimensioned tank. My plan is to go with a Giesemann Spectra (24") and augment with LEDs on the sides to avoid shadowing.