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Ann_A 
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Joined: August 18 2011
Location: Kaysville, UT
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 Topic: T5's &MH's vs. LEDs
Posted: December 13 2011 at 11:26am |
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I am in the planning stages of a large tank. The tank will be 3ft high, 6ft long, and 2ft wide. This tank will be dominated with SPS corals, though there will be plenty of LPS and softies too. Various fish and invertebrates will also be housed in the tank. Obviously I'm going for a nice mixed-reef system.
I am very interested in the Ecotech Radion LED fixtures. Anyone have any experience with these? I would be using 2, possibly 3, depending on the coverage area and aquascaping.
Otherwise, I would be using T5s and MHs. Main reasons for not wanting to use these is their large heat production. I also would like the longer bulb life, and slightly lower power usage provided by the LEDs.
Other recommendations would also be awesome! Thank you!
Edited by Ann_A - December 14 2011 at 10:43am
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phys
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Posted: December 13 2011 at 11:54pm |
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I took a look at the Radion fixture. I'm assuming your tank isnt 24ft wide? please correct me if i'm wrong. You'll more than likely need 3 or 4 of those fixtures. They do have a set of green leds which dont add too much PAR to the system and its a little light on the white. I'd do 2 at first and watch your coral growth and add one if it doesnt seem to be enough light.
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Ann_A
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Posted: December 14 2011 at 10:45am |
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Thanks for pointing that out. Yes, the tank will be 2ft wide. I may just start with three to begin with considering that I want a lot of the more light demanding corals.
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BillyC
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Posted: December 14 2011 at 11:17am |
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Three should be fine. They are made to cover a 2'x2' area. Are you sure you want a 3' deep tank? Maintenance become very difficult because the sand bed is so hard to reach. I have heard people complain about 30" deep tanks. Just a thought. :)
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phys
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Posted: December 14 2011 at 11:51am |
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you may find the extra depth may require you to have to get an extra. Im not sure the depth parameter to get the 2x2 coverage that billyc specified. If it were for a 24in depth, it'll cover more but the intensity will drop significantly.
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Connie
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Posted: December 14 2011 at 11:56am |
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My new ATI T5 lighting does not put off any heat. In fact I was able to remove the sump fan altogether and had to turn up my heaters. I was concerned with leds when I read the the placement of coral was difficult due to hot spots. With T-5s I can put things where ever I want....
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I have flying monkeys and I'm not afraid to use them.
180 gallon money pit that I love.....
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BillyC
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Posted: December 14 2011 at 11:57am |
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Yea make me wonder about the depth too. Ecotech claims that their radion is equivalent to a 250w MH so if you are set on doing 36" tall, you may want to consider a 400w MH. Just another reason to stick with 24" tall :) But if your heart still wants tall then by all means do it!
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