Lighting recommendations for 75 gallon and zoanthids/LPS

[JFristoe]

Right now i'm running a Marineland 4X54 watt T5 unit and will be upgrading. I had considered a metal halide T5 combo but remember how warm the Sunpod I had on my 29 gallon was. I plan on keeping zoa's and LPS. Any recommendations? I'd hate to buy a setup I won't be happy with in the end.

[WaterKeeper]

I think you will be fine with the MH/T-5 combo. Yes, the MH get hot but on a smaller tank like yours the heat usually doesn't get too high unless you don't have air conditioning on hot days.

[SaltyDr]

Why the upgrade? Those lights should be fine for zoas and LPS.

[rcerulli]

most LPS are definately doable with T5, zoas can be done with PC so you are fine. Hard LPS, SPS, Clams, anemones etc pretty much need MH or the best t-5 setups

[JFristoe]

Would this be too much lighting?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~lighting_metal_halide_aqua_medic_ocean_light_t5_combo_series.html

EDIT - 48" version

[kau_cinta_ku]

that lighting will be just fine.

[redavdrol]

I have a 75 gallon tank with two 250 watt MH fixtures and I had to buy a 1/4 HP chiller to keep the temp down. Even with two exhaust fans in my canopy the temp still went sky high.

Mike

[kau_cinta_ku]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11092815#post11092815 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redavdrol
I have a 75 gallon tank with two 250 watt MH fixtures and I had to buy a 1/4 HP chiller to keep the temp down. Even with two exhaust fans in my canopy the temp still went sky high.

Mike

dang, I have 2 400 watt MH over my 75 gal. no chiller and just a 8" clip on fan over the sump that hardly ever turns on and my temp stays around 78-79 degrees.

[JFristoe]

Thanks for the responses folks!

[steri]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11077837#post11077837 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaltyDr
Why the upgrade? Those lights should be fine for zoas and LPS.

My thoughts exactly. T5's are high quality lights.

[JFristoe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11093222#post11093222 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by steri
My thoughts exactly. T5's are high quality lights.

It was my understanding that not all T5's were created equal.

[kau_cinta_ku]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11093284#post11093284 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JFristoe
It was my understanding that not all T5's were created equal.

correct. a T5 fixtuer will put out more light if they had individual reflectors then a T5 fixture with 1 reflector for all the bulbs. but I would say you would prob. be ok for zoas and some LPS with that light.

[JFristoe]

Would there be any benefit in growth rate by upgrading my lighting?

[sruiz]

depends on the coral, but yes most of the time it will make a diference. Possibly even look more healthy and colorful.