T5 versus MH

[Reefbum]

Hi all bros here.Intend to go into sps but still undecided on which lighting to go for.So I would like to know is for MH, how long must turn on and whats the elect bill compared with T5s.And for T5s how many do I actually need.Thanks.

[strat]

Firstly, how big is your tank and what is the depth of your?

[diabolus]

if your tank has a depth of more than 2ft, then MH will be the better option. T5 is only possible if you can have all the SPS on the top level of the tank.

IMO, MH is still the best lighting option for SPS.

[tineng]

i think if you have 150w of T5, you will consume a 150w of electric bill....same as a 150w of MH....remember, 1 kg of cotton is as heavy as 1 kg of stone????

However, not sure about the load of chiller....dunno how to calculate it...

[dr evil]

keeping sps will not just be about ur lightings.....u need to factor ur water quality etc.

the best option for keeping sps is by using 250watts or 400watts.....to get the best growth n color, 400watts is the way to go. but of course, the electricity bill is also a killer.

if u surf in RC, those extreme sps freaks will have atleast 1000watts in their tank.

also not to forget, u need a mature and stable tank to keep sps.

[diabolus]

keeping sps will not just be about ur lightings.....u need to factor ur water quality etc.

the best option for keeping sps is by using 250watts or 400watts.....to get the best growth n color, 400watts is the way to go. but of course, the electricity bill is also a killer.

if u surf in RC, those extreme sps freaks will have atleast 1000watts in their tank.

also not to forget, u need a mature and stable tank to keep sps.

wats 1000w when someone here is using 1600w...

and some kid is planning 900w for his LPS tank...

[Reefbum]

keeping sps will not just be about ur lightings.....u need to factor ur water quality etc.

the best option for keeping sps is by using 250watts or 400watts.....to get the best growth n color, 400watts is the way to go. but of course, the electricity bill is also a killer.

if u surf in RC, those extreme sps freaks will have atleast 1000watts in their tank.

also not to forget, u need a mature and stable tank to keep sps.

Thks DE.My tank is more than a year and my parameters are gd except NO3 which hoovers around 10ppm.Don't think this will be a problem.

As for lightings, juz want to have a picture of the bill if I chose MH.

[riot]

Reefbum

If you intend to go SPS then MH is really the way to go. Opt for a single 250w bulb (DE or SE your choice). Shouldnt be too expensive, and replacing a single bulb is fairly easy on the pocket. Heat will be an issue of course, but thats the price for SPS. I think for t5s its really quite difficult, unless you are really skilled at husbandry. Your main issue should now be how often the chiller runs, is your chiller able to cope with the heat load, etc.

[Dispar_Anthias]

wats 1000w when someone here is using 1600w...

and some kid is planning 900w for his LPS tank...

1600watt is 4 bulbs(each 400watt) add together... Those sps RC freak is per bulb 1000watt and they use quite a few of those 1000watter

[Reefbum]

Thks sps gurus for your valuable wisdom.Bro riot, is one single 250w MH bulb suffice?Do I need to have normal T5s together juz in case the bulb blows?And how long can sps last without MH lighting before replacing the bulb?Sorry to ask so many questions.

[jd_n]

Thks sps gurus for your valuable wisdom.Bro riot, is one single 250w MH bulb suffice?Do I need to have normal T5s together juz in case the bulb blows?And how long can sps last without MH lighting before replacing the bulb?Sorry to ask so many questions.

Lookin at ur setup, i would reckon tat u upgrade some of ur equipment first before attemptin sps. Priority would be skimmer, wave maker and possibly chiller (if unable to cope with the new heat frm MH). Nxt, will be the CR which will help u in maintainin a constant Ca and dkh.

Personally, i felt more LR would be essential coz 20kg kinda of too little.

Followin tat...some of ur LS hav to go too =>Carpet anemone, Purple tip anemone and Anemone crab.

To answer ur queries....y nt go for 2x150W since ur depth is only 18inch coz if u hav oreadi deployed a DSB of 4-6inch....tat would leave u with a depth of 12-14inch and for this depth, 150W MH would be good enough. But of coz if u wanna go ahd with 250W, by all means.

In the scenario tat ur MH bulb blows....get it change asap. IMHO, its not healthy to deprive ur sps of light for more than 3 days and above else they will starts losin their colors.

[Reefbum]

Lookin at ur setup, i would reckon tat u upgrade some of ur equipment first before attemptin sps. Priority would be skimmer, wave maker and possibly chiller (if unable to cope with the new heat frm MH). Nxt, will be the CR which will help u in maintainin a constant Ca and dkh.

Personally, i felt more LR would be essential coz 20kg kinda of too little.

Followin tat...some of ur LS hav to go too =>Carpet anemone, Purple tip anemone and Anemone crab.

To answer ur queries....y nt go for 2x150W since ur depth is only 18inch coz if u hav oreadi deployed a DSB of 4-6inch....tat would leave u with a depth of 12-14inch and for this depth, 150W MH would be good enough. But of coz if u wanna go ahd with 250W, by all means.

In the scenario tat ur MH bulb blows....get it change asap. IMHO, its not healthy to deprive ur sps of light for more than 3 days and above else they will starts losin their colors.

I am pleased with your frankness with my setup.Looks like I got a long way before I can go into sps.Now I have a clearer mind about whats needed for those beauties.Thanks all for your guidance.

[minsmarine]

Just to share my setup for your consideration.

My tank is 3x1.5x1.5

6xT5 = 4 x 20K + 2 x 10K

My brownie r coloring. Even for TriColor Acro which is difficult to maintain. So theories is Light is not only the parameter to keep SPS , but there are so many other parameters that need to check out.

My parameters are

PH 8.4

NO2 0

NO3 0

PO4 0.25 ( With lot of green algae like a real small ocean haa haa )

CA 450

Mg 1380

Kh 9.9

Temp 24.0 - 24.5

Well, Chiller , Active Carbon FR, PO4 Absorber FR, CR on the way ( everyday dosage of CA and Mg ) and ofcourse Macro JS300 lousy skimmer overdriven by HF20.

One more thing, my sump water volume is bigger than my display tank

Would love to advise you to visit to those keeping SPS and take some of their idea ( NOT ALL , THERE IS NO SUCH PERFECT PERSON ) and compile your......

Hope to see your success..

[Reefbum]

Bro mins, I noticed your kh is 9.9.Izzit on purpose so that the sps grow better?

[chewlaoheng]

for sps to color, better to use 10K, 14K or 20K?

currently I have 10K 150W DE, 1x10K and 1x20K T5 for my 3ft....

[minsmarine]

Bro mins, I noticed your kh is 9.9.Izzit on purpose so that the sps grow better?

I think so , but there is no prove. However it's recommanded. If your Mg is high than most likely that your Kh will be high too.