need new light... need feedback.

I have a 75gal reef setup. I currently have a 48in 4-t5 fixture. I was looking for help on the best deals to upgrade the my lights.

My first thought was to buy a fixture with MH, and T5's.... but im not looking to spend $700+

Does anyone know of good products to save money..... THanks

 

Hi Jon,
Have you taken a look at our new OCReef CREE Linear Lights, they'll fit nicely on your 48" aquarium. They include (20) 3 Watt CREEs, including (10) XPE Blue CREEs, and (10) XPG White CREEs. If you purchased two units, your cost would be $439.98, and this would provide plenty enough light in terms of spread and PAR for all your saltwater aquarium inhabitants.

We also have our new X-Series 60 Watt CREE LED Aquarium Light.

 

Can I ask why you want to upgrade? The current light you have should support most things you would want to keep. Are you wanting clams and high light SPS?

 

well its about time for new bulbs and with the cost of 4 new bulbs.... i was thinking about upgrading.

I would like to have something that would encourage more growth... from what i know an upgrade should do that... my T5 keeps most things alive with slow growth.

 

what lights do you currently have on your tank

 

I also have a 4 bulb T5 unit on my tank. The bulbs need changed also. I'm going to put one set of bulbs in it to get me by until after christmas probably. Then I will be building a DIY dimmable LED fixture. Probably a kit from rapid led.

I'm not sure you should attribute slow growth strictly to your lighting. It could be alot of things. What corals do you have?

 

i have a little bit of everything mostly LPS, but i would like some more SPS.

 

Nothing your current light wouldnt support I'm sure. If you just be careful what SPS you pick and put it towards the top. You posted in the MH forum, and I'll probably catch heck for saying this, but I dont like MH lighting. It's horribly inefficient and produces way too much heat. I would say keep the light you have, or if you really wanna upgrade go LED all the way. The DIY kits are really the best bang for the buck. If you are interested, a post in the LED forum will get you going in the right direction. Just my 2 cents.

 

Corals under MH and corals under LED, has anyone really do the comparison testing?

 

LPS are generally slow growers so MH will not cause any real change. Bulb, reflector and ballast quality have a strong say in the growth of your corals. The height above your tank you have the T5HO also will have a big say in growth. I have raised my fixture to 11" above the water and have seen noticeably increased growth. A well balanced and steady chemistry in your tank is important also.