Lights for a 75gal

[fareforce]

So, I have never used T5's before, but I think I might take the plung for my newest tank. The new tank is going to be a 75gal, and I am looking at Sunlight Tek Light T5 Hood - 48" x 6 bulb.

I am wanting to keep everything from zoos, softies, to some sps. I know lower light at the bottom, and sps at the top, but will that light be good enough, or do I need to go to a 8 bulb?

Also, what color, and order should the T5 bulbs be in? I currently have 14k bulbs in my MH's (no actinics), but I would like the colors to pop more in the new T5 tank but keep about the same look in blueness if that makes any sense.

[WinnipegDragon]

6 x 54w T5s will let you keep just about anything in that tank. The 75s are shallow and not very deep, so you'll be fine. I'm going SPS with 8 x 54w in a tank 6 inches wider and 8 inches deeper than yours.

[curtis hi-tech]

I have a buddy that has a 90g. with t5s on it he runs 4 actinic and 2 10k has great color and good growth keeps his sps up high about 3/4 up in the water and the rest is keep everywhere else.

[fareforce]

Is six to much? Should I do a 4 bulb instead? It is going to be more low, to med light stuff than anything. Maybe an acro or to up at the top

[emoore]

You could get the 6 bulb fixture but only use 4 bulbs. Then you have the option if/when you want an SPS dominated reef.

[fareforce]

Any other thoughts on colors, and which order they are in the fixture?

Also, the Sunlight Tek Light T5 Hood - 48" x 6 bulb has individual reflectors right? Is there a better light for around that price?

[qfrisco]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11990563#post11990563 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fareforce
Any other thoughts on colors, and which order they are in the fixture?

Also, the Sunlight Tek Light T5 Hood - 48" x 6 bulb has individual reflectors right? Is there a better light for around that price?

fareforce - the Tek is a great light! However, one of the things I've been reading about lately is how the Tek's, since they are convection cooled and do not have fans, see a drop in PAR output once they've warmed up.

You might also look at the Aquactinics TX5 - it is a 5-bulb unit, but still with individual reflectors. Moreover, the bulbs are setup in a concave arrangement, at least theoretically, aiming more of the light towards your tank and not out the front or back. The TX5 is also actively cooled, so you don't see any of the heating issues of the Tek. Finally, the TX5 already comes with an acrylic splash shield, which is an extra cost item for the Tek. The TX5 costs a little more than the Tek, but with all the add-ons for the Tek, they come up to roughly the same cost.

Just some options for you to think about. I own neither of the above, but just recently upgraded to T5HOs and researched both fixtures extensively. I ended up going with a retrofit kit from reefgeek.com (4x54w T5HO, overdriven to about 85w with an Ice Cap 660, and individual Ice Cap reflectors.)

Hope this helps!

[fareforce]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11999031#post11999031 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by qfrisco
fareforce - the Tek is a great light! However, one of the things I've been reading about lately is how the Tek's, since they are convection cooled and do not have fans, see a drop in PAR output once they've warmed up.

You might also look at the Aquactinics TX5 - it is a 5-bulb unit, but still with individual reflectors. Moreover, the bulbs are setup in a concave arrangement, at least theoretically, aiming more of the light towards your tank and not out the front or back. The TX5 is also actively cooled, so you don't see any of the heating issues of the Tek. Finally, the TX5 already comes with an acrylic splash shield, which is an extra cost item for the Tek. The TX5 costs a little more than the Tek, but with all the add-ons for the Tek, they come up to roughly the same cost.

Just some options for you to think about. I own neither of the above, but just recently upgraded to T5HOs and researched both fixtures extensively. I ended up going with a retrofit kit from reefgeek.com (4x54w T5HO, overdriven to about 85w with an Ice Cap 660, and individual Ice Cap reflectors.)

Hope this helps!

All of this is going into a custom built hood. I was actually planning on pulling apart the casing on the tek and have thermally active fans in the hood. I wouldn't mind doing a retrofit kit, but the tek retros are more the the whole fixture. =/

I am not to sure on doing a "make it yourself" retro as I am horible at matching lighting components up.. lol

[qfrisco]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11999481#post11999481 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fareforce


I am not to sure on doing a "make it yourself" retro as I am horible at matching lighting components up.. lol

Hehe - I hear ya - I had never done this kind of work before, but the retro-fit kits at reefgeek are complete. Well, except for the screws to attach the standoffs to your canopy. Plus, Greg Morgan at reefgeek really knows his stuff, and is VERY helpful.

Since you'll be putting your lights into a canopy, I'd highly recommend just e-mailing him with your questions. After I placed my order for the kit and lights, he even called me to make additional suggestions for the combination of lights so I got better pop out of my corals.

Good luck!

[fareforce]

Sounds good. I will shoot hem an email and see what they say.