If you could start all over..

That is the same fixture as Evergrow, Reef Breeders, etc. I have no idea on the quality of their product/LEDs though. They did an ok job with getting a full spectrum light, but I do think there may be too many whites (you want to be closer to 2:1 blue to white). Since pricing is almost the same, I would say to just go with the Reef Breeders for the extra $10. You could also ask them about doing a group buy and then you would get them the same or cheaper. I do think you will need two though for your 75. I have 3 over my 6' 125.

 

I was just on my local Reefers forum. There's a eight bulb T5 fixture for sale for $100 at LFS. Needs bulbs though. Is that a good deal? If I 'm going to be in the same price range after buying eight bulbs though I'd rather go the LED route?

Marshall, yes I planned on getting two of those fixtures. I'll take your advise and go with Reef Breeders if I go that route.

 

I've never had a T5 fixture, but it looks like $10-20/bulb. So it will likely cost less to get the T5 and new bulbs initially, but then more expensive after your first bulb replacement.

 

You talking about these?
reefbreeders

 

Yes sir!

 

Cool, Think I may go that route.

 

If I could start over, which I'm doing right now myself... This is what I'd do, and plan on doing.

Go slow.
Get the necessary equipment and resources you'll need prior to dropping a drop of water in.
-quality Rodi unit (or access to it, I know you do I see where you reside, lol)
-an auto top off unit. I recommend buying this now!
-any media reactors/media you'll need (gfo carbon) skimmer could fall under here as well along with power heads and return pumps.
-enough rock and sand on hand to scape a final product (not absolutely crucial, but it's nice)
-refractometer, test kits, etc.

Get a nice healthy bacteria colonization thru out the system. To achieve this stuff as much rock as aesthetically pleasing as humanly possible in the dt, and put some in the sump. I know right after the cycle people tend to buy a fish or 4, but just hold back and let the nuisance algae stage fade and go. I plan on having no fish for a couple months, add pods during then, and get a nice pair of clowns and be fine for another 6 months on fish. corals,however, i plan on adding a little more frequently.
I have a small refugium I plan on having more life in before my display tank for at least 6 months. I'll keep the lights on it 18 hours+ a day.

Going slow allows for more room for hiccups down the road,IMO, becuz your system will have been stable and healthy long before your interference (adding more fish, cuc, coral, food, etc.)
And in that time, you'll know how often to test, feed, and clean(wc), your aquarium .with each addition you add, adjust accordingly, in minute amounts.

Jm2c

 

Snook where do you get your water?

 

I was talked into buying a used T5 8bulb fixture with moonlights for $90. This was at a LFS I never been to and I'm buying the fixture off my local reef forum, so It was an unbiased opinion on his part. The guy at my LFS is going to sell me ATI bulbs for a dollar over his cost which he told me will be $12 a bulb. I'm going with 4 True actinic, 2 blue 460 actinic, 1 purple plus, and 1 aqua blue special as recommended. I'm also working on an ATO as well.

Dennis & Snook go check out John at Live Tanks off Sarno Rd. Honest guy. First time I had ever been there, he could have ripped me on an acrylic sump and LED's, but he didn't. Big selection of corals & fish IMO for this area.

 

Been there, nice place.