[Reefkeeper64]

Hi,
I am after some advice, I currently have a Twin 150w Metal Halide with 4x14w T5 Actinics built in to the unit on my 48"x18"x18" tank. Having read the topic on actinic lighting I have added an extra 2x54w Actinic T5 Tubes to try an improve the actinic balance on the tank, I have tried to keep SPS frags and corals in the past without any success, so having read Dave I's Tank build thread who has been getting great results with just T5's, I was considering changing my lighting to a unit with 8x39w T5 tubes and getting rid of the Metal Halides altogether, I cannot upgrade to 2x250w purely on the ground of running costs.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Adrian
Reefkeeper64

[Dave.I]

Hi Adrian.

As far as i know the 39watt tubes dont match 54watt for output,on an inch to inch basis.Dont ask me why but this is what ive read.My system in 4ft by 20"tall by 18" front to back.Personaly i would go for a 54watt six tube unit as a 39watts unit wont light the sides of the tank and wouldnt look very good imo.I dont know what unit you are looking at getting but i realy can recommend the ati power module.The sun power also looks good.I recon they are worth every penny.
I used to run twin 150watt halides too and never did much good with sps.Now with T5's its a differnt story.My unit hangs about four inches above the surface of the water and ive had no heat issues so far.With the halides it was a nightmare keeping the tank cool!
Good luck and keep us updated

Dave

[Reefkeeper64]

Dave.I, on Jun 26 2009, 04:31 PM, said:

Hi Adrian.

As far as i know the 39watt tubes dont match 54watt for output,on an inch to inch basis.Dont ask me why but this is what ive read.My system in 4ft by 20"tall by 18" front to back.Personaly i would go for a 54watt six tube unit as a 39watts unit wont light the sides of the tank and wouldnt look very good imo.I dont know what unit you are looking at getting but i realy can recommend the ati power module.The sun power also looks good.I recon they are worth every penny.
I used to run twin 150watt halides too and never did much good with sps.Now with T5's its a differnt story.My unit hangs about four inches above the surface of the water and ive had no heat issues so far.With the halides it was a nightmare keeping the tank cool!
Good luck and keep us updated

Dave

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the advice, where did you get your ATI unit & Tubes from?
Regards
Adrian
Reefkeeper64

[Dave.I]

I got my unit and tubes from blue zoo aquatics.Be prepaired to wait for it a couple of weeks.I know Mark at taunton aquarium center can get hold of them too and he may have one available now.Give him a call on 01823 350 169

Dave

[Dave.I]

Oh,ask what Shaun thinks about his sun power.He was running twin 250 halides and switched to a sunpower and bleached a load of corals.They kick out some seriouse light trust me!

[Reefkeeper64]

Dave.I, on Jun 26 2009, 05:36 PM, said:

I got my unit and tubes from blue zoo aquatics.Be prepaired to wait for it a couple of weeks.I know Mark at taunton aquarium center can get hold of them too and he may have one available now.Give him a call on 01823 350 169

Dave

Thanks Dave for the info, I'l give him a ring tomorrow.
Cheers
Adrian