Need your opinions! Can't decide on ligting!!

Alright so I was going to get the new ATI Powermodule 48" 8x54 watt T5's.
But after putting my wavepoint 48" 4x54w t5's on my 90 gallon, I was very unimpressed at how lit up the tank was! I even took my 4x24w t5 wavepoint and put it next to it.
I am running 2x250watt 14k phoenix bulbs right now.
Do better fixtures run brighter, more intense? Does ATI look a lot brighter, like a halide?

Also, if I stick with 250's, I debating between either a 13k Megachrome, or a 20k Ushio/XM type bulb.

What're your thoughts??

 

well you did drop down 200 watts lol.

t5's don't put out that much more light then halides.

 

lol. The light you put on the tank is half the output of the light you were looking into. (8x 54w vs. 4x54w)

 

tallreefguy

is temperature the reason you are considering changing from the 2 x 250 watt MH lamps
over to a 8 x 54 watt T5 fixture?

because IMO - with 2 x 250 watt MH lamps over a 4ft tank, (depending on depth ) then as far as light demanding corals are concerned you already have great lighting

better quality lamps do generate more light output for sure
but if I had 2 x 250 watt halides, I dont think I would want to swap out for an 8 x T5 fixture ( although based on start up costs and potential temp issues, I did decide to go with T5 rather than MH)

Steve

 

The T5 ATI will put out more than double the Wavepoint fixture especially if you are using top of the line bulbs.

 

Haha yes, yes I know I put the wattage in half. But that's what I got to play with. However, I did put that 96 watt on the right side so thats gotta count for something! But I was wondering if 8 bulbs does look a LOT more intense than 4 bulbs, and if the 8 bulb will be as bright as a 250 watt 14k phoenix.

Heat issues is a mid to low level issue right now. It's been climbing into the 90's so we'll see how that goes. But I am running fans in my canopy and at the water. Keeps it lower than 83.

Another issue is power bill. I'm getting yelled at for the power bill (running 3 tanks, 100g, 90g, 29g) So I figured get the 8 in case I wanted to add more bulbs. (Was going to run 6-7) Halides are pulling 560 watts right now.

But I recently put the 24" wavepoint on my 29g-ish bowfront tank with
ATI aquacolor
ATI Blue+
ATI Procolor
ATI Blue+
Back
and I am in love with the color and how it makes my Xenia and rose anemone really POP!
I just wanted that nice color just intensified to look similiar to 2x250w halide.

 

Do you work or do both of you? If it's just you tell her your the one bringing home the money. Jk don't say that. She might get mad at you.

 

Yes, Id like to keep my fish tanks! She works too.

 

could always spend a few(more like atlot) bucks and get an LED fixture that will cut the power usabe by half

 

I thought about that too - It seems the only LED fixture that I've seen that is worth anything is the aqua illumination lighting (300 watts). I would have to play with it to see what colors I can get out of it. Still not sold on LED's though.