lighting dilemma

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by DSC reef, Jan 2, 2015.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    3,817
    Location:
    Cocoa, Florida
    I've been thinking about moving all my coral from my 75 gallon over to my 125 so I have one less tank to deal with. My dilemma is figuring out what light system to use out of my 3 fixtures. On my 75 I have the 48" current fixture with 2 - 150w halides and 4-54w T5 bulbs and it's worked great. I have another current fixture that's 72" 3 - 150w halides and 4-96w power compacts. I'm curious if the power compacts will compare to the T5 bulbs at all? I'm using the fluorescent as actinic only. I also have two large hamilton reflectors with 250 watt mogul base halides without actinic supplementation. What would be the best option? Should I just use the 48" fixture and place corals accordingly? Also, all the halides will be the same 20k radiums.
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,828
    Location:
    Port Charlotte, FL
    well that is 12 inches on both sides that will be out of direct light. I think that is 1 of those things where you are just going to have to hang the 48 to see how it looks. However I am leaning towards you 72"
     
  4. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    3,817
    Location:
    Cocoa, Florida
    Thanks chris. I was leaning towards the 72" fixture as well but I'm just not familiar with power compacts and how corals like them. I guess I'll have to find out. I'm just scared to shock the coral, I don't want to loose my colonies.
     
  5. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,828
    Location:
    Port Charlotte, FL
    ya bro I am scared for you. May have to consider running a little less time for a bit and if possible raise the light slightly. The PC should be fine. You could always consider modifying the 72" light if you want the t5 back.
     
    DSC reef likes this.
  6. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,828
    Location:
    Port Charlotte, FL
    PS 2015 Reefapalooza April 11 and 12th.. Seems so far away
     
    DSC reef likes this.
  7. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    3,817
    Location:
    Cocoa, Florida
    I would love to retro fit the T5 into the fixture. I have to look into that. We meeting up again for more photos bud?
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,828
    Location:
    Port Charlotte, FL
    Ya..Maybe get something to eat and have a beer. I will probably look into spending the night up there also.

    PC connectors are usually decent size so should afford plenty of room to convert to T5 I would think
     
  10. Ballgame

    Ballgame Millepora

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2013
    Messages:
    946
    Location:
    Philadelphia, PA
    You aren't sure what to do?? I have nothing to add here
     
  11. Ballgame

    Ballgame Millepora

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2013
    Messages:
    946
    Location:
    Philadelphia, PA
    Reinstall windows? That's all I got
     
  12. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    3,817
    Location:
    Cocoa, Florida
    Good thing about this hobby is you always get to keep learning ball game. I bet your loving those new lights
     
    Ballgame likes this.