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View Full Version : Best T5 setup for 210 g tank?


awomias
01/30/2006, 05:21 PM
I am looking for the best/cost effective T5 complete system for a new 210 gal setup. So far all I have come up with is the Aqua Medic Oceanlight T5 setup which is 72 inch and can pack up to 16 T5 at 39W each. for about $539 from Customaquatic.com. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Entropy
01/30/2006, 05:33 PM
I only saw the 12 bulb version. I do not think that comes with bulbs, so figure another $200 in bulbs :(

What are the dimensions on the tank?

awomias
01/30/2006, 05:44 PM
My mistake ...12 bulb version is $539. Also it does not seem to have individual reflectors which I have been told makes a big difference. Am I better off getting TEK 48" T5 with individual reflectors? Will this be enough to cover a 72" wide tank? Tank is 72"Wx24"Dx29"H.

dvanacker
01/30/2006, 06:04 PM
Ya...but it still doesnt have single light reflectors....

Sunlight Supply makes the only readily available T5 fixture with individual light reflectors.....and SLR's are the reason people are having such great success with T5's

Go with TEK fixture or ICECAP retros or www.aqualuxlighting.com retros.

www.seedsetc.com is the best price on TEK and DD bulbs.....they sell seeds but go to the products section and you will see aquarium lights.

ChemE
01/30/2006, 08:05 PM
This link is lot easier. Their site is totally counter-intuitive to me.

http://www.smartcart.com/bobglenn/cgi/search.cgi?terms=AQUARIUM_LIGHTING_AND_ACCESSORIES::&category=AQUARIUM_LIGHTING_AND_ACCESSORIES

ChemE
01/30/2006, 08:08 PM
www.reefgeek.com has better prices on bulbs, perhaps seeds.com has better prices on fixtures.

awomias
01/30/2006, 08:38 PM
Should I go with 2 36" with 6 bulbs each or do you think 1 48" with 8 bulbs will be enough light for the 210 gal tank?

Entropy
01/30/2006, 11:59 PM
Are you against halides? On that deep of a tank I think you would be better off with a 3x250w metal halide setup and VHO actinic or T5 blue plus supplements.

ChemE
01/31/2006, 05:57 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6629512#post6629512 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Entropy
Are you against halides? On that deep of a tank I think you would be better off with a 3x250w metal halide setup and VHO actinic or T5 blue plus supplements.

From the www.seeds.com description of the 11,000K bulb

AQUABLUE +
Suitable for salt water and fresh water

This tube was specifically developed for growing SPS corals down to 800cm

Suitable for salt water, reef and fresh water fish only aquariums.

Iwan used nothing but T5's on a tank the same size with these results...
http://www.dragonhome.org/~lucas/T5.JPG

Note the clams on the sand. I'd say T5's on a tank this deep are no problem at all.

bigfalcon36
01/31/2006, 08:17 AM
that picture had to be photoshopped

ChemE
01/31/2006, 08:28 AM
Why do you say that?

bigfalcon36
01/31/2006, 08:36 AM
because a picture through glass doesnt display that kind of color without a little help. It's still sweet though...I just think it got a little help.

The one on Iwan's homepage is a picture that hasn't been doctored at all.

Fredy
02/01/2006, 12:26 PM
Good Question.

I have a 210 also that I would like to upgrade to T5's. I would like to stay away from MH due to heat. Unfortunately I cant do a DIY hood or hang them form the ceiling. I need a complete system. The Oceanlight T5 is the only 72" I can find.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

TIA

Fredy
02/01/2006, 11:58 PM
:mixed: