Fixture Question

Well unfortunately I think I am going to upgrade my 4X54W T5 fixture to a MH lighting system. I really don't want add unnecessary heat and draw 3X the energy out of the wall but I'm really wanting to keep some nice SPS.

I will be upping the tank volume to 90 or 120 gallons to keep the same width footprint, and the same fixture once our lease is up and we move into a larger place. I'm thinking about taking the 716W Odyssea 48" fixture route. (4x54W T5's and 2x250W HQI DE). I know about their rep, but this will let me use my same 2 month old T5 bulbs and I'll immediatly throw in 2 14k phoenix bulbs (Good choice for nice colors but great growth?). The ballast's will be upgraded to IceCaps by end of June latest.

As per their site, the width of the fixture is 15" with the mounting legs. I spoke with a rep online, and they state the minimum width the legs will work is 12" so I have a slight chance of making the legs work on my 12.5-13" tank frame but with some overhang. I might opt to hang it so it won't accidently fall into tank. Either way, I'll have some overhang on each side of the tank and can no longer use my canopy :

I would like to definitely use the the T5's as actinic supp for a couple reasons. The first is coloration in corals, but mostly so I can simulate a dusk/dawn effect as well as keep the MH on time to a minimum but enjoy the tank for awhile after I get home from work. I'm thinking of only using the 2 T5 fixtures closest to the center of the fixture, in hopes that they'll sit over the water, whereas the outer two T5's will most likely sit over the edge of my tank or right on the rim.

Will I be able to just fire up the inner two T5 lights without having bulbs in the outers?

Would this solution work, or do you think I'll still just be wasting the T5 illumination still?

Will 6 or 7 hours of 500W MH's heat a 55 gallon tank too much.

Do 250W 14k Phoenix bulbs even need actinic supp?

Any other suggestions?

 

I am in almost your exact situation. I too have a 55 and want to upgrade to MH. I am looking at the Maristar 2x250 2x54w T5 HO. It is a great fixture, a little more expensive, but very high quality and the ballasts, Galaxy, are very good, they will save energy costs and are 99.9% effeicient. You can still use your T5 bulbs. I will be upgrading to a 90 in a few years and wanted to spend the money now and get a good fixture that I can use for a while. This fixture also is only about 13-14" wide, so it will fit over a 55. It comes witha hanging kit, so I plan to hang it. That should help with heat too. I have done a lot of research on this, so if you have any questions, feel free to pm me.

Plus, it has a year warranty on the fixture, and a 3 year full warranty on the ballasts, and a 2 year prorated warranty, making it 5 years on the ballasts.

 

Phoenix bulbs do not need supplementation. Thier 14,000k blulb is as blue as alot of other 20,00k bulbs with better par. Aquarium Lights Hellolights.com is the best prices with free shipping. The nicest looking bulb that I have seen is Phoenix. Aquamax is supposedly even bluer and brighter.

 

Thanks guys,

The maristar does look nice.. I just can't justify such an expensive fixture right now. I'm hoping I can piece together a comparable system for a bit less w/ new bulbs and ballasts and save some $.. Especially since I want to upgrade my skimmer as well :-/

Since the phoenix's don't need any supplementation, maybe I can get away with a lighting schedule like:

10:00 -11:59 t5 on
12:00: T5 off
12:00-18:59 MH ON
19:00 MH OFF
19:00 - 21:59 T5 ON
22:00 T5 Off
22:00 - 09:59 Moons on..

I dont know, something like that maybe..


Will 2x250W 14k Phoenix's boil my tank..? I hope I don't need a chiller. Does anyone with a similar setup know?

 

If you use the feet, there is a much greater chance that you will need a chiler. It also depends largely on the ambient temperature of the room and where the tank is located. I have an advantage because the tank is in my basement and I will hang the fixture. Just some things to think about.

Also, I was also thinking about doing a schedule with the T5s on then off then on again, just not sure how to do it yet.