Which light should I get?

[badger126]

I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive light, which means no metal halide. How many t-5s would I need on a 75 gallon to be able to keep just about any SPS/clams etc that I decided to try? I really like this light:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+21460&pcatid=21460

but it only has 4 T5s. I was under the impression that I'd need more. I love the moonlights and built in timers though. Was also looking at:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+12772&pcatid=12772

or

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+18700&pcatid=18700

but the nova lights aren't my favorite judging from the used one running PCs that I got with my saltwater setup. Any other suggestions? What should I be looking for?

 

[Dutch-1969]

First of all, what are the messurements of your tank?
How deep is your tank?

Han

 

[Skimmy]

for clams and sps a 6-8 bulb ATI or TEK fixture should be great.
augment with LED's maybe...

 

[fatboyt123]

for clams and sps a 6-8 bulb ATI or TEK fixture should be great.
augment with LED's maybe...

Those would be my choices. i would go with the 6 bulb. I have a tek 4bulb over my sister 55 and it works great for sps.

There is also aquactinics.

 

[badger126]

Why would you get the TEK over the Nova extreme? Each has 8 bulbs but the nova is cheaper, it has legs, and moonlights. From what I read, it sounds like both those brands are much more expensive. I guess I didn't say it, but price is a big factor

 

[fatboyt123]

Well you did say that but you get what you pay for. I am going to go out on a limb and say ATI and Aquactinics have much better indavidual reflector desing then the tek or nova. Which in turn means you wont need as many bulbs to run which in the long run will save you money

 

[fatboyt123]

A 6 bulb tek would be what you are looking for then.

 

[badger126]

Are there any t5s on drsfostersmith.com that you would recommend?

 

[fatboyt123]

I dont know any off the top of my head as I dont really look at DR.fs for equp. as I think they are alittle pricey.

 

[iroll253]

http://shop.aquatraders.com/Metal-Halide-System-s/10.htm

There are many different opinions on these systems. Remember you get what you pay for but i like my little 150W for my nano.

Most people will tell you not to go with them but i just thought i would put it out there.

 

[braddo]

Its a tough call if you are set on ordering from Dr. Fosters and Smith.

The Nova Extreme gets you 8 bulbs and moon lights, the Extreme Pro doesn't have moon lights and only has 6 bulbs but comes with better reflectors. I am not sure what the PAR trade off is between the two.

The other thing to watch out for is that there are rumors that Current-USA are discontinuing all their their lights so I don't know what that means for support availability down the road.

 

[gas4544]

Here is another option for you to consider:

http://cgi.ebay.com/6-Bulb-48-T5-HO...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item43994f56d8

I am not sure about the reflectors, but these guys are in Oregon and for the price, it looks like a nice fixture.

I am in the process of deciding on the lighting for my standard 75-gallon tank. I have MH and VHO equipment, bnut I am tempted to go with an Aquactinics T5 fixture.

Gary

 

[spllbnd2]

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/ATI/

ATi is the best bang for a non retro IMO. Followed by Sunlight supply TEK fixtures. Remember that Sunlight Supply is in Vancouver Washington too.

IMO I am always leary on the Ebay stuff and like someone mentioned already, "You get what you pay for." Kind of like the good ol' Craftsman vs Snap on... Snap on all the way for me. *lol* Of course I use my tools for my job too.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[iroll253]

Those look like great fixtures.

 

[Myteemouse]

I think the E-bay one has one big reflector instead of individuals

 

[spllbnd2]

I think the E-bay one has one big reflector instead of individuals

Yep. Just like those crappy Catalina Aquarium lights sold on Ebay too.

 

[spllbnd2]

I would also ask what brand of bulbs the fixture comes with as you'll probably find that it comes with crappy bulbs that you'll end up replacing sooner rather than later. 6 54W bulbs can set you back at least $100 or more.

Also ask what brand the light fixture itself is and where it is really made. I know it states "Designed in the USA" but that doesn't mean it was "Made in the USA".

 

[iroll253]

i didn't even notice that good catch.

 

[badger126]

I totally agree that you get what you pay for. Unfortunately I'm in college and spending $500 plus on a light just wont work for me So it's a good consensus that I need something with at least 6 t5s? What would I be able to grow under 4 t5s in a 75 gal?

 

[gas4544]

If you can pull it off, go with a six bulb fixture. The price difference justifies getting 50% more light and having more choices of combinations of bulbs you can go with. Also, six bulb fixtures typically have two switches - one for two bulbs and one for four bulbs.

Also, buying a six bulb fixture now means that you will not need to upgrade to a six bulb fixture later.

g