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Roosterfx 
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Joined: January 02 2010
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 Topic: Metal Halide vs T5HO
Posted: January 13 2011 at 9:57pm |
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So i'm in the process of upgrading my 55g to a 120g and only have experience with power compacts. I'm wanting to know the pros and cons of each. I have two concerns/requirements when it comes to my decision, 1st: I don't want any limitations on what can be added to my tank (SPS and clams mostly) 2nd: My fixture will definitely be inside a canopy and i'm concerned about the heat. And one more question.... what would everybody's suggestions be on the ideal fixture to go with.
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Luckedout
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Posted: January 13 2011 at 11:23pm |
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oooooooh boy....
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-Ben
90g Mixed reef
www.body-balancechiropractic.com
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Reefboy4life
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Posted: January 13 2011 at 11:33pm |
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As long as the back is open on the canopy, and you use a couple 6 inch fans you should be fine as far as heat goes, i have 2 175 watt metal halides in my canopy and use 2 6 inch fan and it runs fairly cool.
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90 gallon mixed reef
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bur01014
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Posted: January 14 2011 at 12:09am |
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I wouldn't hesitate to say an All T5 ATI Powermodule setup....you would need to spec it out to make sure it would fit in your canopy, or just do retros.....however, the T5 vs. Halide battle will never end, overall they are both great, my suggestion would be to go look at tanks with both and see what you like best. I personally, run a 6 bulb T5 with a supplement cree led strip for shimmer= look of a halide, temps cool.
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SGH360
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Posted: January 14 2011 at 12:45am |
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If you got cash to burn, go for the T5 ATI module instead of MH.
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Ahanix
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Posted: January 14 2011 at 12:52am |
I have a 36" 6 Bulb Tek Elite fixture over my 40 breeder and it's almost overkill on my current tank. I'm thinking it will be perfect once I get my 65 installed 
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shakin06
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Posted: January 14 2011 at 1:47am |
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I have had many versions of MH and a hand full of T5. I like them both but will cast my vote for a T5 fixture. There are low end to top of the line fixtures available. Just depends on the kind of money you want to spend. I use an 8 bulb Tek elite and love it. I too think you should visit some tanks and get a feel for what you would like to purchase for your 120. Mine is available if you would like to see an 8 bulb setup.
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72 Bow ASM G2 Oceanic1 mag 9.5
TEK 8 bulb T5HO
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Ryan Thompson
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Posted: January 14 2011 at 10:38am |
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I will throw in my suggestion just really quick. Assuming your tank is a standard 120 (4x2x2) you will need an 8 bulb fixture to cover the tank.
You have a couple options:
1) 8x54w ATI Sunpower or Powermodule
2) 8x39w ATI Sunpower or Powermodule
The Sunpower will save you at least $200 per fixture and you will get almost identical performance. Since you have a canopy I vote for the 36" fixture over a 48" fixture.
Trust me, it is PLENTY of light. IF you can put the fixture about 8 inches above the water, you get good spread and can't even tell you are running a shorter fixture. I loved my 24" fixture over my 36" tank. I had to keep all LPS in caves or on the edges. Anything directly under the light would bleach. They are that powerful.
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jmorrell
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Posted: January 14 2011 at 11:53am |
Both will be plenty of light, but t5's will cost more. If your on a tight budget I say go with metal halides.
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P.Kapp
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Posted: January 14 2011 at 12:54pm |
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I really like my 60" ATI Sunpower. Its 8" above my 72" tank and some SPS frags I placed on my sandbed to acclimate to the light have been growing like crazy. I really like the color options of T5's too. But its all personal preferance
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Preston Kapp
210 Gal Reef
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