Is this light ok?

[tonybologna000]

I have a 75 gallon tank (48"x18"x20"deep). Would a 8x54 watt T5 hood allow me to host a large variety of corals in this tank? Is a 6x54 T5 good enough to do this as well?

Also one more question: I've seen it written that T5 hoods that have individual reflectors for each bulb are superior. How much does this attribute affect the ultimate output of these lights?

Thanks!

[tonybologna000]

Does this seem like a good deal?

$299 - Description:

These units are brand new in box.

Units come with the bulbs of your choice which you will specify in payment not in email(10k or actinic 420nm).

The unit is 48 inches long and runs 8 54 watt T5 HO high output bulbs. You will receive 8 T5 HO bulbs with this unit

This unit is run by 5 year warranty electronic ballast, and runs ultra cool.

Unit has 2 high powered fans included to keep unit extra cool.

Unit Can be modified in length per request- we have a 60 inch 8 X 54 watt fixture and a 36 inch 8 X 39 watt fixture if you would like.

The finest German polished reflective material is used to increase reflectivity 99% to make units output even more powerful.

Moonlights can be added to item for an additional $39.99 per request - 6 - 1 watt LED Lights with separate chord and switch.

Feet can be added to this unit for an additional $15 that prop unit 4.5 inches above tank. If buyer would like feet added to unit please specify in payment.

Unit is 48 inches long and 11.5 inches wide and 3.75 inches thick.

Unit has 2 chords and 2 switches that can be added to timers to implement the dawn and dusk effect. We have this unit available with 3 switches for $35 more.

This unit is equipped with fans to make it even cooler. Shipping is $35 within the 48 contingent United States. We ship insured federal express and we make sure everything gets to you in pristine condition.

[edwing206]

If the light is the Nova Extreme T5 then don't get it.
Reflectors are what make the T5 efficient.

[tonybologna000]

Ok, I'll post images so maybe they can be identified. The site does not specify the brand name.

The 6 bulb T5:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1533186bulb.JPG


...and the 8 bulb T5:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1533188_bulb.JPG

Thanks for the help Edwing.

[pjf]

Here's what individual parabolic reflectors will do:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/93304parabolic_reflector.GIF

I'm with edwing206. Without individual parabolic reflectors, a lot of light is wasted. The light from the sides of a tube is absorbed by the neighboring tubes. The light from the top of a tube bounces off the flat reflector and is absorbed by the same tube or another tube.