Lighting for a 115gal

[DrMark]

In next couple of months going to setup a 115g SPS tank.
36" wide 29" deep
New cabinetry being built now.
Regarding lighting:
Choice one: http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/ATI/Powermodule_Fixtures/36_inch__10x39W_Powermodule_T5_High-Output_Fixture_by_ATI

I have 800watts of MH on my other tank and have no experience with T5's. Is a chiller avoidable with the above T5 setup? Betting I will need another chiller anyways (my 3rd one:cry_smile:)

Choice two:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~~action~view~idProduct~CU010 76~idCategory~FILTFIMHMTMDMLM5~category~Current_US A_36_inch_Outer_Orbit_2x250w_10K_HQI_MH_w__4x39w_T 5_HO___18_Lunar_Lights_36in~vendor~.html

Please let me know your thoughts. I want to create exceptional lighting conditions for this tank.
Thanks
Mark

[ErikH]

I know alot of the pros around here use MH and VHO. Very hot, so a chiller will be needed. There are pure T5 driven tanks though too, so it becomes personal preference almost. The T5 driven tanks can be found on sites like zeovit.com...

[subsailor]

I am not sure about lighting a 29" deep tank with t-5's though, that is a lot of depth to cover

[DrMark]

I am not sure about lighting a 29" deep tank with t-5's though, that is a lot of depth to cover

my thoughts too but I have no experience with T5s to be sure.
leaning to the 500 watts of MH.........
mark

[Fish4life]

Mark,

I had 400w of mh with vho sup. Went to 6x54w t5's. love it. i've heard wonderful things about those power modules. if your hood is enclosed you will more than likely need a chiller. I have one on my 75gal. My only concern was mentioned above, depth. My tank is only 18. Do you intend to house sps at depths greater than 20"? If so, might wanna consider option 2. I will say that my power bill went down 30 bucks when i changed to t5's. Everything else on the bill remained constent. If you do go t5's i would recommend getting ATI brand bulbs. Best bulbs on the market by far.

Goodluck!

Kurt

[joelb]

if your going to spend that kind of $$ you might as well get the best. 2 of these. (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem%7Eaction%7Eview%7EidProduct%7EGL1123%7 EidCategory%7EFILTFIMHPDDE%7Ecategory%7ESaltwater_ Aquarium_Supplies-Lighting-Fixtures-Metal_Halide-Pendants-Double_Ended_MH%7Evendor%7E.html)..no need for actinic supplementation, and you will be a happy camper......gardener.

[DrMark]

if your going to spend that kind of $$ you might as well get the best. 2 of these. (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem%7Eaction%7Eview%7EidProduct%7EGL1123%7 EidCategory%7EFILTFIMHPDDE%7Ecategory%7ESaltwater_ Aquarium_Supplies-Lighting-Fixtures-Metal_Halide-Pendants-Double_Ended_MH%7Evendor%7E.html)..no need for actinic supplementation, and you will be a happy camper......gardener.

Why wouldnt I need actinics with the Giesemanns, are they not a single bulb system? I am not sure.
mark

[joelb]

good question Dr. i asked felipe (a reefer here in san antonio of about 20 years) the same question when i saw that he had 1 nova II giesemann pendant over his 144 gallon half circle reef. he told me because it's giesemann! so i bought a giesemann and this is what i've experienced::)
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/joelb69/DSC01457.jpg

[Jamie]

Hi Mark,

You know I'm a T5 advocate...but with a 30" tank, I think I'd have to go with option #2. I love my all T5 set-up on my tank (24" deep)...I do keep the SPS in the top half and they are growing very well. I'm sure either fixture would work...I think you'd just be a little more restricted with SPS placement on option #1.

R, Jamie

[DrMark]

Hi Mark,

You know I'm a T5 advocate...but with a 30" tank, I think I'd have to go with option #2. I love my all T5 set-up on my tank (24" deep)...I do keep the SPS in the top half and they are growing very well. I'm sure either fixture would work...I think you'd just be a little more restricted with SPS placement on option #1.

R, Jamie

yep, looks like it will be MH.......again.
Never had the T5s besides what comes with the Red Sea Max 34g.
oh well, not this time............too deep a tank.
mark