Which one to choose?

[montipora]

Im about to build a 75g with LPS and a few SPS and im trying to figure what lights to go with. 4 bulbs or 6 bulb ATI, Icecaps, or Tek or the NEP there is so many to pick from and I have never really used T5's but love the choice for colors so I wanna try. Can someone please give some advice as to what you use or what you have know from each brands. Also will 4x54w be enough to keep the SPS happy or is it pushing it? Also is 6x54 to much for LPS (chalice, acans, ect..)

Thanks for the help, Pete

 

[thomasdo87]

if you have the money get a 6-bulb ATI imo.

 

[CHALICEKEEPER]

I have 8x54 t5ho in my 75gal and everthing is fine. I have lots of chalices and sps :) hope that helps you

 

[fishytyme]

not an expert but i was advise to go with ati (over my aquactinic) for better par output. and i do not think the tek light have ind. fans but im sure someone here can confirm that.

 

[thomasdo87]

tek does not have fans but the newer models coming out have 2 fans and a splash shield. I have a tek and its still better than most without fans but nowhere near the ATI

 

[Harry_Y]

I have an 8 tube Tek fixture and a six tube NEP

The Tek throws a lot more light due to better reflectors.

 

[montipora]

I have 8x54 t5ho in my 75gal and everthing is fine. I have lots of chalices and sps :) hope that helps you

What bulbs do you run? Also did you do a retro fit with work horse or another brand?

 

[luke33]

The ati is better, but the tek will work just fine. Definately go with the 6x54 as you'll be able to keep anything in there. If you have the cash the ati is pretty sweet.

 

[montipora]

Ok I think im going with the icecap normal retro kit, 6x54 with the triad ballast, SLR and 4 powerbrite 460nm for shimmer. I think it will really look good and make the corals pop! Now I need to figure out how high to make my canopy any thought?