suggestions.

I'm going to have a 75 gal. reef tank but I'm torn on lighting. I saw a few others with tanks of my size with compact florescent but a lot of you recommend T5's since the fixtures are close in price i though I'd see if you guys knew some pros and cons to them. BTW the tank is about 48' long by 20' high.

 

thanks now i'm back to my original idea of VHO's. I think to much. lol

 

vhos or t5s would be the way to go! I am not a big fan of PC anymore

 

I think T5's have more lumens then VHO, so they would actually be better

 

I have a standard 75 also, I recently (1 yr ago actually) replaced my lighting system with a current nova-extreme. this system has 2 150w hqi double end bulbs 4x T-5 actinics 9 white and 9 blue led lights! All lights can be on seperate timers (they give you 2 in the box). Cost is on the high side at 759.99 at That fish place in lancaster,PA. I used an in-store coupon (received in mail) bought it on a "wacky wednesday" which let me save 25% on any one item!!! That is one great deal for the drive!!! Plus if you join their preferred customer program you receive this coupons every month(sometimes 25-15-10% or this months 25% off any one coral) I can picture that large open-brain in my tank already!!

 

if only lol.

 

Go with T-5s. There's nothing good a T-5 doesn't do better than a PC.

 

I like the mixture of t5s or VHOs and MH lighting. I start and end each day with VHOs and have a MHs come on later and turn off earlier than the T5s or vhos.

If you decide to keep some SPS at some point then you will regret only having VHOs. You can raise the SPS with T5s and or Mhs though.

 

I have a 75g that has the dimensions that your's does. I have PCs now. They do all right, but I am limited with what I can do and I am not fully satified with the output. I agonized over MH or T5 and finally chose the T5s. My array will be 8x54W Tek. They are a little spendy but they have individual reflectors and are a quality unit, much like the Nova Extreme Pro. Go for quality. Don't skimp on skimmers or lighting. JMO.

Peace.......John.