Lighting question

[ballardjr2000]

I am currently running 2 (4 blub 54w) so total of 8 bulb t-5 setup on my 90g mixed reef tank. I am wondering if i can get away with one of these

http://www.marinedepot.com/Marineland_Double_Bright_LED_Light_Fixture_Flexibl e_Mount_LED_Light_Fixtures-Instant_Ocean-AS32990-FILTFILDFX-vi.html

now i can't beat that price but i just dont see me getting the same about of light output etc. Should i go with 2 of them or will one be fine life stock in tank is

corcea clam, zoes, mushrooms, trumpet coral, finger leather, ricorda, clove poylps, and yellow polyps (freaking weeds) and a mixture of fish. of course my main concern is the lighting for the corals and clam

[StevenSeas]

imo these wont work for a few reasons.
1- it states that it is adjustable for between 36-48 inch tanks which makes me think its just a 36 inch fixture w/ extendable legs
2- when I talked with our rep about these he said the blue LEDs are just normal 5mm Leds (you can buy these for like 2 for a dollar.) and they are using 1 watt 6700k LEDs. I dont think with just 16 s tof these so what a row of 1 every 2 1/2 inches that you will get good enough par ratings all around.
3 - if they use lenses to up the par values then the coverage drops which means you would get spotlighting on your 18 inch wide tank
4 - if they dont use lenses then yes they put out 1200 lumens total but 1 4' HO T5 puts out 200-300 and with the reflectors that is angled down and a lot more directional than 120 degrees around.

I dont think these will work very well at all, would be nice if they did who wouldnt like to use 16 watts of lighting on their tank? but I am doubtful and kinda let down by marineland on this one

[kkiel02]

After reading the reviews I would hold onto the t5s if you are going to try and keep corals let alone a clam. Your other corals have pretty low lighting needs but I would worry about your clam and a couple of the corals. I would either jump on a better led fixture or just stick with the t5s.

[ramsey]

I briefly looked into those lights. I think they're geared more towards fresh water or FO/FOWLR tanks. Not near enough light for corals or a clam.

[ballardjr2000]

T-5's it is still until i can afford the other fixture i saw which was 325w total leds but was 1400 plus dollars lol

[BIGBIRD123]

I agree, they look like something used to entice people towards the LED craze without giving them the real benefits...JMO

[ErikH]

you cannot get away with that. :)

Maybe if you got three or four retrofit, small reflector, halides you could cram it all in a canopy, but that's a bit sketchy.

[alton]

The reviews are great for fish only and freshwater and they tell you this light is not for reef use. Marineland is working on a LED Reef light, but you can bet it will cost more than $150.

[ballardjr2000]

Thanks guys i will stick to my t-5's if only i can convice the wifey to get rid of the canopy i will go halides on it.

[bullstedman]

Could someone help me , i never thought about using different bulbs than what my fixture came with i feel like an idiot. I have a 75 with a happy clam some polops and mushroom,lots of soft corals i kill anything hard. I have 4 blue bulbs and 4 white t5. does anyone have any ideas ? maybe thats my problem with sps I like them and jelous of those who can keep them and dont kn ow how in the world youall can actualy can grow and frag them.

[ramsey]

Not sure about the lights but have you checked your calc/alk? Also, they require a lot of flow so that's something else to consider.

[FireWater]

Could someone help me , i never thought about using different bulbs than what my fixture came with i feel like an idiot. I have a 75 with a happy clam some polops and mushroom,lots of soft corals i kill anything hard. I have 4 blue bulbs and 4 white t5. does anyone have any ideas ? maybe thats my problem with sps I like them and jelous of those who can keep them and dont kn ow how in the world youall can actualy can grow and frag them.

Stedman, create another thread with some particulars about your tank - ie. water parameters, flow, kind of light fixture. More people will see the new thread for just your tank and we can try to help out more and offer advice.