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/Marinelan...FILDFX-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.