lighting oppinion

[so-smrt]

i am looking into new lighting... have a standard 75g w/ spa and lps maybe a clam too. looking @ 4 T5 ho retofit or what i would like to do is 2 T5 and 3 powerbright modules. will that be enough light?

[dustint21]

What will the bulbs be on the T5's? I dont know much about the powerbrights. I do know that if you plan to keep SPS you will need atleast 6 bulbs to keep SPS top to bottom! You may get away with 4 bulbs, but the SPS will need to be towards the top of the tank. Good luck!

[jc]

If you are going with t5's I would get the icecap 660 ballast. They will overdrive 4 bulbs close to 80w each. Also, try to get the best reflectors you can. That should be more than enough light for sps at all levels. Another benefit of using the icecap ballast is that you will only be using one power outlet.

[dustint21]

I dont see one plug being a benefit because then you dont have the option to just run your actinics by themselves. Also You may get away with having SPS top to bottom with 4 bulbs but atleast 3 of the for are going to need to be day light bulbs. JMO!

[jc]

Why do you need to run actinics by themselves?

[dustint21]

I enjoy looking at my corals under just actinic light. I believe most people do. I also turn my actinics on 1 hour before my MH's and they shut off 1 hour after my MH's. This gives my tank a sunrise/sunset affect.

[Grindhouse Tattoos]

when it comes to sps you cant go wrong with metal halide.2 x250 would be ideal

[so-smrt]

ok but what about going w/ 2t5 and 3 powerbright LED modules?