T5 Lighting ??

[brewercm]

I am thinking about going from my existing lighting to all T5 and wanted experienced T5 folks to give me a recommendation.

Currently running 3 x 250 watt DE 12K reflux with two 72" VHO actinic support.

Tank is 72 x 18.

I was thinking two sets of 36 inch bulbs side by side, or a set of 48 and 24, whichever I can get better deal on. What I wasn't sure of was if six on each side would be enough or should I look at eight. I know that the TEK are a good setup but what about the Current USA brand, any experience with those?

I'm also thinking of getting away from most SPS and leaning more towards LPS and softies along with fish.

Any advice?

[fjr_wertheimber]

I had a 72x18 tank before, and I ran the following setup:
Sunlight Supply 60" 6x80W Tek2 T5 Very High-Output Retrofit Kit with 2 Icecap 660 ballasts, 6 80W bulbs (overdriven by the 660s to 100W) (ATI Blue Plus, GE 6500K Daylight, ATI True Actinic, ATI Pro Color, ATI Aquablue, ATI Blue Plus), Tek2 SLR Reflectors, and waterproof endcaps. Nice setup, good color, I was really pleased with it. FWIW, you probably won't be able to fit more than 6 over your tank using individual reflectors.
Just my $.02, YMMV.

[ACE]

There are alot of threads on RC regarding T5's and different fixtures. Here is one, but if you search I think you will find more than enough info.
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[URL]http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1429542 (http://http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1281829&highlight=nova+extreme)

Alot of reading, hope it helps..

[brewercm]

fjr_wertheimber,
How was the coverage of the lights on the 72" tank using a 60" system?

[fjr_wertheimber]

Pretty sweet, actually. Realizing that actual usable space once you subtracted trim and glass size was about 70", there was only about 6" on either side that didn't have light directly over it, and light dropoff wasn't that bad, IMHO. Never did get a chance to get PAR readings, though, so I've just got my thoughts on it, rather than actual physical data.