Light reccomendations for 75gallon

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by mattchew, Jan 31, 2008.

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  1. mattchew

    mattchew Bristle Worm

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    So i am looking at this:

    48'' Metal Halide T5 HO Aquarium Light Brand New - eBay (item 330207853049 end time Feb-01-08 19:13:16 PST)

    and this :

    48 inch 8x54W Sunlight Supply Tek Light High Output Fluorescent Lighting Fixture (48in Units )

    and this:

    48" TX5 5-Lamp T5 Fixture by Aquactinics* - AquaCave

    The first one- ebay item w/ halides... do you think this will cause the temp of my tank to stay too high? It is situated 5" above tank... but I heard the halides will make my tank run too hot that i will have to have a chiller...

    also... i am open to any other setups or links you guys have, i need info

    I just purchased a 75 long, and stand, w/ overflow kit.
     
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  3. mattchew

    mattchew Bristle Worm

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  4. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    I myself would go with MH's because you will have no limitations on what corals you can grow. If you have a fan blow across the top of the tank while the lights are one then you will have no problem with heat. You can also run a fan in the sump to help.
     
  5. Birchell

    Birchell Gigas Clam

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    I loveeeee my t-5's. They kept my sps corlas in full color and the growth was pretty good. They put out less heat, and use less energy than MH, so its alittle cheaper. I have the tek 6 bulb over my 100g, and its alot of light. You can put the 6 bulb over ur 75 and have alot of light, the 8 buld would work if u want nothing but sps, but its kinda overkill if u want a mix reef. JMO, good luck with whatever u get, keep us updated!!

    Michael
     
  6. mattchew

    mattchew Bristle Worm

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    see this is my thought process.... i dont want to spend the cash on the halide /t5 lighting.....if the halides are going to heat my water up to the point i need a chiller $$.. and i dont want to install a fan, because its going to be in my living room like 5 ft from me and more noise.

    im thinking t5's... with 18k and 460 actinics
     
  7. superclouds

    superclouds Flamingo Tongue

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  9. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    You dont need a chiller, just a fan blowing across the surface of the water(between the water line and the lights) and If needed, one fan hitting the sump or wetdry or refugium. You'll be surprised how well a fan or two will do.
     
  10. mattchew

    mattchew Bristle Worm

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    a fan? more added noise to my living room lol...

    im begining to think 8 t5's is the way to go
     
  11. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    Use computer fans, they are quiet. You will have coral limitations with the T5's so it's your call.
    Antec -- Cooling

    Comparison Chart
     
  12. mattchew

    mattchew Bristle Worm

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    that sad part is i am in network administrator .. and have no idea how to wire those up so i can use them to cool the top of my tank off..... how are you guys running those?