Grow out system lighting - help me choose.

SO i've decided to take the plunge and try and support my hobby with a small(ish) grow out system. I'm trying to figure out what lighting is the best for GROWTH ... I don't care about electric consumption or heat. The system will be in my basement and consist of a 150 gallon rubbermaid stock tank for a sump/live rock container. The Frag tank(s) has yet to be determined but will probably be a a 36" x 24 x 10" tank or a free 40 Breeder I picked up... I currently have 2 tanks lit with LEDs and I like the look but I'm not concerned with looks only with GROWTH. Thanks for your input.

 

To be honest and I know a lot of others out there are going with LEDs and think that LEDs are the new it thing. But my personal experience is different. I used to run just t5s and growth was ok. Then I found a t5/ metal halide fixture. 5-54w t5 and 2- 150w metal halides. I run ATI t5 bulbs and Phoenix metal halides and I tell you, I have never been more happy with the growth. My sps, Lps and softies have just exploded.
This is just my personal experience and others will have different.
Good luck with the decision.

 

Thanks for the input. I'm not totally sold on the LED's either. I will say the Radion I have BLOWS away the Chinese fixture (just blue and white LED's) but I'm not about to drop another 550 on a light for a frag tank. I was going to pick up a used 150w Halide a local guy is selling for 50 bucks and try that for now. I have some time so I'm not pressed. Just trying to get some ideas. Basement stays a cool 65 degrees all year round so IF it puts off some heat no big deal.

 

6500K bulbs are supposed to be the best for growth but will not have good color. 20000K bulbs are best for color but will not have good growth. A mix to get the best of both worlds.

 

Phoenix 14000k bulbs seem to be the favorite when I do my research. I may try one of them and see how it goes.

 

I have 2- 150w on my 125 and their great. I'd recommend them.

 

Thanks a bunch!

 

Running the Phoenix 14000k myself and love them.

 

I run Phoenix too. Like it a lot.

If you're not concerned with heat, bulbs and electricity, then you can't beat metal halide.

 

+1.
I run 2 computer fans on my light stand that blow across the top of the tank and don't have heat issues anymore. But heat and elec. are + with these. Like said though, can't beat them.