Finally gave in to MH

[Future]

Just ordered an Aqualight Pro combo unit 280W MH/PC to add on top of my T5's. Now being I'm unsure of the exact wattage of the T5's (I'll wager a guess at 96W) I just need some advice on the timer set-up. I have a digital outlet (namebrand, but the makers escaps me atm. (Too lazy to go look..lol))

Here is what I'm looking at...
4 timed outlets (2 on/2 off)
4 constant on outlets

1 plug for T5's
4 plugs for Combo unit (1 is lunar)

Partial Natural lighting for 2hours (through a window)

As you can probably see, I'm confusing myself just trying to ask a question about the set-up

I bought the combo off fosters&smith after almost buying an Oddyssea off e-bay. The T5's are ok, but I assumed it safer to not go Odd. after reading reviews of their MH ballasts. Anyway I have plenty of time to get things setup before it arrives, I just want to be prepared.

[Poseidon]

Why did you go halide if you have T5 now? You can run a tank with T5 all alone, and save some wattage on the power bill to boot.

What are you looking to accomplish?

[Future]

It's an oddysea T5, that should say a lot right there

I don't ming the lighting I have now, but it started giving me issues going on and off, as well as the toggle switch. For a lack of being able to explain it properly, it's almost as if it set it's own time schedule and takes 1-3 hours before it turns on. So I'm beating the end result now and just getting new lighting.

The reason I went for MH is just because I'd like more than just soft corals, and I'd like to place them lower as opposed to higher on the LR shelves. The wattage on the T5's really limited me as far as corals, and the growth rate I'm seeing now is 50/50. The T5 will probably end up as a temporary in between bulb changes.

[Poseidon]

Sorry, I don't mean to confuse the issue, but I want to clear something up. You are correct about the fixture you have now only being able to keep softies/lps, however, you are mistaken about the need to go to halides to be able to keep whatever you want, wherever you want it.

Here is a recent picture of my tank, it is lit solely by T5:


As a "greener" option, you could have gone with a high quality T5 fixture that offered individual reflectors.

OK- All that being said, you are going to do fine with a halide combo, they are the old standby so to speak, and they will certainly work just fine.

I went back to the original post, and tried to figure out the question though, and couldn't find one...

What bulbs are you planning on?

[Future]

I went with the MH as opposed to the T5 fixture because the MH was on sale. I'm trying my damndest to save money for a house purchase, so I basically seen an upgrade that wouldn't hurt my pocket at this point in time. I saved roughly $400 compared to the T5's I was going to buy, but eventually I'll end up with proper T5's once I'm in a house.

I was a bit tired last night, so allow me to clarify the question..lol
What should my lighting schedule be with the on/off times on the MH, the PC, and the lunars?

It'll have the following bulbs...(They come with it, so I figured I'd start there and learn the different bulbs as I go along)
2 - 10000°K HQI
2 - True Actinic 03 Blue pc

Then if wanted/recomended I can add in the T5 strip

I'm not worried about the linars as much, they're only 3x1w

[Ninong]

The usual configuration is to run the actinics 12 hrs/day and the metal halides 10 hrs/day. The actinics might come on at 9 a.m. and go off at 9 p.m. The halides might come on at 10 a.m. and go off at 8 p.m.

[Future]

sounds good. So far the T5 hasn't come on at all weekend so I've been forced into using an old standby glass strip till the new light arrives.

[Future]

Just got my new unit and just in time because the T5 just gave out 2 days ago. I actually moved the whole tank over 7 inches to get all the sunlight it possibly could.

All I can say is DAYUMN! Huge difference from the T5's and glass strips I had! Even the wife said a few choice words when she seen it lit up.

I was mistaken and it only has the 1 HQI, no biggie though it's still worth it... Before and after pic's to come in a few.

EDIT: Pic's in the photo lab

(Edit: I moved your pics into this thread. The Photo Lab thread is really just for discussion of photography tips, etc. It's also where some people like to post photo-essay threads to show off their excellent photography skills. In this case, you're posting pics to show what your tank looks like with the new lights that you are talking about in this thread. -- Ninong )

[Future]

Pic 1: Old Odyssea T5's
Pic's 2 & 3: New HQI/PC/Lunar combo


I'm liking the new unit better than the old junk I had. Now to hope my GSP survived the lack of lighting and the polyps start to flourish.

[bschuerman]

They both have their advantages. There are hardcore MH fans and T5 fans. I have not run MH so its hard to say. My friends biocube is running a 150 halide light and his tank looks incredible. There are so many other factors that can be involved though as well. I have seen some pretty incredible tanks running both types of lighting.

[reefer69]

Good choice. I have run halide, T5, PC and VHO and find that halides are the best choice in lighting. Best for growth, best for shimmer effect and best for tank appearance.

[reefer69]

Chad - you SELL EVC BULBS.......

Your opinion isnt objective and shouldnt be posted.

[reefer69]

Cool. Thanks for that link. I now know there are several better choices in halides compared to EVC.