pc lighting/HOor HD, which one?

[RevClyburn]

Hey everyone,

working on setting up lighting on my 90 reef. Want plenty of Zoanthida and Mushrooms. What sort of lights should I put on the tank? Don't really want Metal Halides. So what would be best?

RevClyburn

[acer]

Hey everyone,

working on setting up lighting on my 90 reef. Want plenty of Zoanthida and Mushrooms. What sort of lights should I put on the tank? Don't really want Metal Halides. So what would be best?

RevClyburn

Having the same decisions to make on my new 75 reef. Based on the info I have gotten. PC lights sound great- but many I talked to go back to VHO lights. a 4 x 110 watt VHO bulb unit should provide you with good light for you needs. Also looking at the T5 units. But, To get to the wattage you need 6 to 8 bulbs x 54 watts, which will be expensive to change over when the time comes. If you find a good VHO unit (4X 110watt) with moisture proof caps, electronic ballasts,etc. let me know. Hope this helped.

[Poseidon]

remember watts are a measure of consumption NOT OUTPUT so you do not need to match the wattage's of T5 vs VHO. T5 is way brighter! VHO has better actinic. Ideally you would want something that puts out TONS of LUMENS and consumes little WATTS! think of the light output from LED's tons of light, tiny consumption! I think a nice 4 bulb T5 fixture is right up your alley! 2 white 2 blue...

[acer]

remember watts are a measure of consumption NOT OUTPUT so you do not need to match the wattage's of T5 vs VHO. T5 is way brighter! VHO has better actinic. Ideally you would want something that puts out TONS of LUMENS and consumes little WATTS! think of the light output from LED's tons of light, tiny consumption! I think a nice 4 bulb T5 fixture is right up your alley! 2 white 2 blue...

Yes, I think I have decided on T5 for my new reef tank. Maybe 6x54 watt bulbs so some corals will grow too. NOw comes the other tough part. Either biulding or buying stand with canopy (for retro T5). refugium/pumps/etc. Anyone Have any ideas or manufacturers to use or to stay away from it woudl be appreciated?