upgrade from 48'' 4x65w pc to 6 48'' aquaticlife T5?

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by caliwavsurfer, Feb 19, 2010.

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  1. caliwavsurfer

    caliwavsurfer Astrea Snail

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    I currently have a 48" 4x 65 watt current usa fixture on my 90 gallon reef tank. Is a 6 bulb t5 setup by aquaticlife really much better or is it only a minuscule difference? I would like to have all kinds of corals except for the super hard corals. I am not really willing to spend more than 500. Supposedly there is also a 48 inch 8 bulb fixture...havent found it yet though...overkill?
    AquaticLife T5 HO 6-Lamp Light Fixture w/ Lunar LEDs
     
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  3. fish-aholic 94

    fish-aholic 94 Gigas Clam

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  4. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

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    why not get metal halides?
     
  5. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

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    I think you will find a significant increase in light. This will help with LPS but I would think the 8 bulb or MH would be needed for Clams, Anemones or SPS corals

    J
     
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  6. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    6 or 8 bulb t5 with individual reflectors will be a nice step up from your pc lighting.. you can have anything u want with those. how deep is your tank?
     
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  7. caliwavsurfer

    caliwavsurfer Astrea Snail

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    yeah metal halides are out of the question...too much heat = chiller. Also, the electric bill......my tank is 2 feet deep. Also, the current usa fixture does not have individual reflectors..the aquaticlife does. The 8 bulb probably wont fit over my tank. its an awkward wave front so part of it is 2 feet the other part is a foot and a half. I have a picture of it up
     
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  9. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    The 6 bulb will work fine just put the higher light needing critters up higher in the tank. Buy top of the line bulbs to replace the ones that ship with the unit.
     
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