One for the T5 gurus.

[djtodd]

I'm looking at moving from 2x 14k 250W SE MH's to a T5 set up. Mostly because the electricity bills are killing me, and the heat issues aren't pretty either.

I'm thinking of moving to a 6 bulb 48" set up. Preferrably one of the Tek jobs from diyreef.com

Considering that my tank inhabitants are mostly softies, with a bit of montipora, would 6 bulbs do the trick?

Naturally, the bulb choices are still confusing. I'm looking at the Geismann bulbs on the same site, and I see Pure Actinic, Aquablue+, Actinic+, and Midday 6000k. I assume that 2 midday, 2 actinic+ and 2 Aquablue+ would be a good choice?

Thanks in advance!

[saltintheeyes]

I'm no T5 guru, but they are what I run. I've got 6x54W staggered in pairs over my 135g. These are TEK retrokits that I got from WTR. My tank is the same depth as your 90g I think (24" right?). The bulbs I run are 3 Aquablue Plus, 2 Actinic+, and 1 Pure actinic. The overall colour is crisp white with a hint of blue. The tank is quite bright, even around the edges where there is no bulb directly overhead.

From what I've read and heard first hand from other T5 users, the 6 bulb with individual reflectors set-up should be plenty of light for softies (too much light for some, but if yours are used to 250wMH, probably not an issue I'm thinking) and most so-called LPS. Going with 2 midday bulbs I think would give you some extra PAR over my set-up.

I set my lighting system up for mostly LPS and softies, so I say go for it!
You'll love the range of light that the T5 bulbs will give you.

[Pique]

Just to throw in my 2c, I've had T5HO's and Mh HQI and I've had heat issues with both setups. In fact I had more heat problems with the T5 setup than I do now with a Mh HQI pendant. Just don't want people to get the idea that just switching to a T5HO setup will solve their heat issues.

[djtodd]

I don't think that moving to T5 will *solve* my heat issues, in fact heat really isn't much of an issue. But moving from 578W to 324W should certainly help.

[Big BeReefer]

I don't think that moving to T5 will *solve* my heat issues, in fact heat really isn't much of an issue. But moving from 578W to 324W should certainly help.
If you're concerned about the wattage difference perhaps you should consider overdriving the 6 - T5's with IceCap 660 Ballasts. I've heard of someone running this set up on a 90 gal before and having good overall lighting as a result i.e. able to keep SPS and clams. Also, I think the real key to having positive results with T5's is to have individual reflectors. I know alot of people rave about these, you might wanna check this out . . .
http://www.reefperfection.com/item1280.htm

Once you've switched lighting setups, be sure to post back with your results. I'm interested in knowing whether your happy with the change from MH to T5.

[jtremblay]

I like T5s, but I don't think they're the ultimate solution to all of life's (and reefing's) problems.

But ... in my kids' 20, I have 4 overdriven T5s, with surprisingly good growth on acroporas ... and a blue maxima clam that has also shown a lot of growth (about a new "ridge" of shell every 6 weeks). I also like how, when it's time to put in new bulbs, I can swap out an old bulb every few days and not have to worry about bleaching my corals with overly intense light.

Jason