Reef Lighting Help

[chark]

New to reef. Upgrading from 40 gal to 75 gal. I currently us 4 t5's. If I use metal halide will I need to have a chiller to keep the temp down? Does it matter if I use 2 150 watt or 2 250 watt mh. Would new t5's be enough for the 75 gal?

[4R00P3R]

You should use two 150w halides or T5s. There is a possibility that if you use halides you might need a chiller, but it really depends what kind you get and how they are mounted. I use T5s on my 105g and haven't had any problems.

[chark]

If I use T5s how many would you suggest? I was thinking about icecap 660 ballast with 4 bulbs. I also have a T8 ballast I thought I would use for the actinic.

You should use two 150w halides or T5s. There is a possibility that if you use halides you might need a chiller, but it really depends what kind you get and how they are mounted. I use T5s on my 105g and haven't had any problems.

[GKarshens]

I have 3 - 250w MHs and 2 VHO actinics on my 125 and I keep it at 80 degrees using computer fans.

[Headless_donkey]

T5s on a 660 with the right reflectors would be great. The 660s overdrive the bulbs and bump up the output put. I would go eight T5s for whole tank light, but actinics only four would be good.

I have 8 T5s over my 67 gallon. It rocks and the temp is about 80 as well.

[Dena's Hubby]

I have 2 150W MH and 2 96W Actinic over a 100 Gallon tank. I have not had any temp problems and the corals seem to be doing well with the lighting. I do plan to update the 10K bulbs. It is just too yellow.

[Wryknow]

IMPE 4 x of the 54W T5s with an ICECAP 660 ballast will be plenty of light for a 75, even for SPS. I would pick lower K (and higher PAR) bulbs however. A mix of 6.5K daylight and 12K aquablue is what I run. If you're feeling ambitious then you could add in a pair of 4' actinic VHO bulbs for color and extra PAR but this will certainly crown your canopy. Don't forget to add some fans though! The OD T5s absolutely need fans to run at peak efficiency.