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bimmer01
03/18/2009, 12:11 PM
I just set up a 40gal breeder and I currently have 2 seperate 2x T5 light fixtures. So that's 4x T5 bulbs total on a canopy. I'm planning to grow SPS, LPS and zoas.

Here are my options:

1. Upgrade to a 6x T5 light fixture?

2. Buy a MH retrokit and utilitze my 4x T5 lights altogether in my canopy?

3. Leave it the way it is.
RotaryGeek
03/18/2009, 01:10 PM
Do your t5's have individual reflectors? If they do, you are pretty good already. Might have a problem growing sps at thebottom of the tank, so you could add a single 250w MH and be able to grow most everything.
bimmer01
03/18/2009, 01:24 PM
No, my current T5s does NOT have reflectors.
qfrisco
03/19/2009, 07:38 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14638598#post14638598 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bimmer01
No, my current T5s does NOT have reflectors.

Hmmm, in that case, you'll definitely need to do something to upgrade your lights. Your current lights are basically worse than PCs right now, since they don't have reflectors.

Of the options you list, #1 should be adequate even for SPS, as long as the T5s have individual reflectors on them.

However, you might be able to just get some Icecap SLR reflectors from reefgeek.com and clip them onto your T5s. Are your current T5s a retrofit? Is there room for reflectors? The retrofit reflectors simply clip on to the bulbs.
MrsHavoc
03/19/2009, 08:23 AM
I have a 150 gl and would like to change lights. I am looking into the Tek 8. I have softies/zoo's. Would this be enough for sps?
Hubby is against MH.
an411
03/19/2009, 08:27 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14638118#post14638118 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bimmer01
I just set up a 40gal breeder and I currently have 2 seperate 2x T5 light fixtures. So that's 4x T5 bulbs total on a canopy. I'm planning to grow SPS, LPS and zoas.

Here are my options:

1. Upgrade to a 6x T5 light fixture?

2. Buy a MH retrokit and utilitze my 4x T5 lights altogether in my canopy?

3. Leave it the way it is.

I would probably go with a 150 MH 10k bulb and use the T5 with actnics bulbs for a more blue color. I think that would be great for sps
firefighter6681
03/19/2009, 10:00 AM
I would go with MH my self I have not liked the amount of growth from the T5's. I would do what an411 stated use them as actnics.