T5 Lighting Comparison for 150 gallon SPS tank

[commodorejoel]

Hey guys,

I'm upgrading tanks, and I've realized that MH is pretty pricey on my electricity so want to go with T5's this time. Anyways the tank is 5'x2'x2' and I'm thinking 8 T5's under my canopy (retrofit) would do the job, but don't wanna go out and buy the wrong stuff.

Are there any opinions on the WavePoint Brand? Just about every store has them and they go for cheap...is this a sign?
http://www.wave-point.com/Lighting_folder/RetrofitKitMain.html

Are Ice Cap's worth the extra money? The 30% less power with 30% more light output selling point sounds good? Or is it a bad idea since parts are getting more difficult to get?

Sunlight Supply TEK...
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_2_Retrofit_Kits/48_inch__8x54W_Tek_2_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply


I appreciate all the comments from your experiences, it seems like the options in this hobby are endless, but you learn the good products from experience.
cheers.

 

[aznpg]

can't really go wrong with tek 2 kit when oc aquatic was in business they only used tek retro kit for their tanks and yes ice caps are worth it. for a sps tank i'd definitely go with a 8 bulb setup. are you planning on running a 4ft t5 or 5ft t5?

 

[commodorejoel]

Thanks for ur reply, Is the extra 6" on each side worth the extra 208 watts?

 

[aznpg]

personally get the most light u can get for ur tank especially for a sps tank

 

[MikeReef]

Depend on your budget, if you're going to go with T5 then you might as well go for the best and that's ATI Powermodule. Trust me, you won't regret on the ATI PM.

 

[xxtechxx]

if you are on a budget a tek light wont be a bad choice as well.

 

[wickedfish]

I really liked my 6 bulb power module but in your case a 8 bulb would be better. Talk to Solitud127 (Mike) better yet see his tank in pictures or in person if hes game. His tank is around the size you are wanting to do. I think his light is perfect and he has never said he wants to change it. His growth and colors are amazing in 90% of his stuff 100% and I'm borderline stroking ego and more than i care to write about.

If you can save some more coin. I would! Buy the ATI PM you will have a fixture that holds good value. My 6 bulb I had, only lost a few dollars when sold to Cody which didnt hurt cause hes a nice reef brother and an excellent contributor on this site.

Good luck on your choice. Someone said, "if you buy well you buy once."

 

[OGFrenchHorn]

I had a Tek fixture above my 159G (5x2x2) and it worked perfectly. All my sps got lots of growth!

 

[solitude127]

I run 54w bulbs over my 60" wide tank and get plenty of coverage. I just keep low light critters (LPS) off to the side. If you're going retro, I'd go with a LET lighting Retro. The reflectors some of the best in the business. Something like this
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_LET_Lighting
Also, try to get some cooling in your canopy. You want to try and cool the endcaps that hold the bulb in. This will give you longer bulb life as well

 

[commodorejoel]

Thank you all to the replies, I am impressed with the knowledge in this forum. I do think the Powermodule is a cool unit, butit is a little pricey, too many more things I can buy (Neptune Controller?) with the extra cash. Solitude127, I do like the price of the LET lights, the price difference between the 48" and 60" sure make the 60" sound tempting! Any chance I can see a pic of ur tank?

 

[solitude127]

Check out SCRK.org
http://scrk.org/?category_name=totm