launchnukes
12/05/2010, 12:33 PM
I'm in the light planning stages of my 300DD build. Tank measures 72"l x 36"d x 27" tall. I plan on having mostly sps with lps in shaded areas or near the sand. but like everyone, I want to stay as efficient as possible (the least amout of wattage and heat i can get away with) but i don't want to sacrifice growth or color.
I currently have an icecap 660 with 4 48" t5s. I was going to purchase 3x 250w MHs (radiums with full size lumenbrights and m80 ballasts) and use the t5s for atintics.
but the more i think about it heat, power consumption, bulb replacement. maybe all t5s would be better. however, it would only make sense if i could get away with 12 (two rows of 6) 48" t5 bulbs. if i needed 16 (2 rows of 8) it probabally wouldn't be worth it. i would be using icecap ballasts with ati bulbs and good reflectors and i will have the bulbs closer together over the sps islands and futher apart over the sand.
so my question is... can i get away with 12 48" t5s or will my sps be starving for light?
thanks.
I currently have an icecap 660 with 4 48" t5s. I was going to purchase 3x 250w MHs (radiums with full size lumenbrights and m80 ballasts) and use the t5s for atintics.
but the more i think about it heat, power consumption, bulb replacement. maybe all t5s would be better. however, it would only make sense if i could get away with 12 (two rows of 6) 48" t5 bulbs. if i needed 16 (2 rows of 8) it probabally wouldn't be worth it. i would be using icecap ballasts with ati bulbs and good reflectors and i will have the bulbs closer together over the sps islands and futher apart over the sand.
so my question is... can i get away with 12 48" t5s or will my sps be starving for light?
thanks.