Need opinions

[dwdenny]

Ok Here is what I thinking so don't shoot me just yet. I know I have talked to many of you before and I really appreciate everyone for doing so. So here it goes on a 29 gallon tank softies only no upgrading this tank at all.

Lighting option #1. EVC 175w MH 14k bulb. No actinic supplementation

Lighting Option #2. SunPaq 2X65w Dual Daylight(6500k/10,000K) dual actinic(420nm/450nm)

I have looked at T5 but the cost of start up is a higher then what I have been budgeted out by the boss(wife)LOL.

I don't mind the cost of paying for the extra PC bulbs for the color that they produce.

Just need some help with choosing which set up.

[gjuarez]

I would go with number 1. That is a good choice.

[JimD]

#1, In my opinion, anytime you have the option to go metal halide, you should, never know, might wanna toss an sps or two in there someday.

[NaCl_H2O]

For a 29g softies tank I would go with #2 PC lighting. They fit in a MUCH smaller space, cheaper to replace, generate MUCH less heat, and the mixture you have will be very aesthetically pleasing.

That is if you really think you can resist: SPS, Anemones, Clams, etc.

[GaryP]

What NaCl_H2O said.

[alton]

I have had no problems in the past keeping softies with one 65w pc 50/50. Stars, mushrooms, and colt. The green Wesophyllia in my gallary spent a year in my 29 with this lighting. I have always used the Eclipse 3 as a filter and light combo with the pc upgrade from custom sealife or coral life. Coral Life has a bluer color. Remember the Power Quad 96w pc fits in there also, with a little help on the reflector and a 2 1/2" fan from radio shack for cooling.

[dwdenny]

Well as far as if I can resist yeah I think I can I think I can I think I can! LOL yes this will ba a softies only tank. I have in my mind a plan for an in wall when my wife and I build our house sometime in the near future.

[JimD]

If it were me, Id slap a 400 watt DE or two over that sucker! But thats just me. lol :-)

[dwdenny]

oh yeah then I could boil my eggs for chicken salad sandwiches dual purpose I like I like.

[Dozer]

Another vote for option 1, but it depends on your taste. I'm one of these people that has fallen in love with the "shimmer" effect, and I also love how my halide pendants hang from my cabinet 8 inches off the water, instead of having the PC hoods sitting on top of the tank. It's much more open and easier to get in now, and flat out cleaner. So, I guess it depends on what you're after.

One more thing, I went with 20,000K DE bulbs with no actinic support instead of 14K (because it's my display and I'm not looking for growth particularly) and I LOVE them so far!

I would suggest at least talking to Greg (360Reef) before you decide, he knows a ton about lights and has seen lots of setups, and sells a bunch of stuff too. (I should charge him commission for this hype, lol)

[dwdenny]

I have email Greg to see what he think about the options. I am leaning toward the PC for the fact that they would more then likely give me the best color out of the softies then a single 175w 14k MH bulb would not sure though. I will see what Greg has to say if he has a chance to get to the email. I appreciate every ones help.

[Henry]

I would go for option number with a cooling fan.

[Tim Marvin]

Also, have you checked with Greg on here for the T-5's? He may be able to get them for you for less than the other two set-ups mentioned...?

[dwdenny]

That is who I am working with right now. I emailed him last night and he asked me to get himt he dimensions of the tank which is 30"X12.5"X18" he had mentioned that he would go with T5 lighting but I have read on RC that some are having problems with the low light corals not liking the T5 intensity. Not sure how much of that is due to water quality they never discuss that when they think there is a lighting problem.

[Tim Marvin]

Hmm, I don't know. I like the T-5's I'm running and there are mushrooms right underneath them.

[Polkster13]

Hmm. I am running T-5 on my main tank which is a 135 gallon tank. Had a PC on it and my Cat's Paw had turned brown. Put the T-5's on and my Cat's Paw has turned pink again (that is the color it was when I bought it. Also, my 2 BTA are showing nice bulbs on their tips. They never did that when I had PC's on the tank.

[Dozer]

IMO I think T-5's would be great with that tank, if that's an option. For some reason I thought you'd said you didn't want T-5's, but if you will consider them, I think they would perfect for that tank based on the size and what you're planning on keeping in there.

[Polkster13]

I was just pointing out that I had switched from PC's to T-5 lighting (mainly for the energy conservation) but I was plesantly suprized that the T-5 were brighter and my corals and anomones also loved the change.

This in response to the comment that PC lights were brighter than T-5's.

I also have NO, VHO and MH setups on different systems as well, so I can compare all of them side-by-side.

[dwdenny]

Well I am working with Greg right now waiting on prices and dimensions of the CoralVue T5 which is the one I think he has. The only problem that I found with T5's are the initial investment is higher but then when you wieght in the bulb life and electrical savings they are way better. Just going to have to convience the bosslady that the extra spent money on lighting is ok. Easier said then done. I guess I am going to have to let her go to the spa or something oh well it is worth it.

[gjuarez]

Doug, I would go with the T5. I forgot that you only wanted softies. I have run T5 on a 10g nano and they did much better than pcs. You might be able to keep lps if you later decide. As for sps, i have heard of people doing really well with them but they have excellent water parameters and reactor and all the works. I am pretty sure someone out here has been successful keeping sps with T5 although it is not reccomended. T5 is good if you later want to upgrade.

[dwdenny]

After talking every one I am going to use a EVC 175w MH with 14k bulb over this tank. I have even got it approved by the bosslady and I will be purchasing it next month. WOOHOO. Now when I was on my way back from Alice she siad that she wants to look at the 36 AGA Bowfront littlew bigger but now if the tank is longer still crap back at square one will look. I really do appreciate every one for you all help. At least with MH I will be able to keep some SPS in the future you know.