too much light for softies??????

[corruption]

I'm not denying this -- and I'm not saying he'd have to go for a chiller.. my point is its not really a non-issue -- you just got lucky with the right set of variables that let you bypass it

I agree, the light is definitely a different beast on mine vs his -- but not knowing his sump configuration, the reduced volume of water or overflow points (extra O2 exchange) could make the heat build up just as much.... or perhaps he's' running a Mag18 as a return pump. That would add a LOT more heat than most the components in my configuration... I was more pointing out that there is no one factor that determines that need

-Justin

[Salty]

Werd

[Squiers007]

I just wanted to bring this up again since noone commented on it in my previous post. In my opinion if you are only planning on keeping soft corals then there is no need to waste the electricity and introduce the possibility of heat issues by using metal halides. You could easily get away with using T5's, or PC's for that matter, which would save you $$$ in electricity costs. Just my 2 cents.

[corruption]

The problem with that statement -- is its not just about power savings for everyone. Aesthetics go a long ways for most peoples purchase/planning -- and as much as I love T5's, they just don't have that same punch that halides do... The glimmer lines are really a huge selling point for most people.

The other option, of course, is LED's -- you get the glimmer effects, and a widely adjustable color range... but DIY isn't for everyone

-Justin

[Squiers007]

I see your point, but for me the shimmer effect is not worth paying the extra electricity costs, not to mention the cost of replacing bulbs every 8-9months. But, to each his own.

[corruption]

Well, if I had my way, I'd have some crazy LED's over all my tanks... as it stands now, I've got one tank with T5, one with halide/t5/led, and 2 with pure LED... its just too expensive to do over a big tank for my tastes right now -- I already bought my IceCap beast

I'm 100% convinced that LED is the next big thing though -- beautiful colors, the glimmer, and less power use than T5... the holy trinity

-Justin