Type of lighting; T5 or Halide/Actinic?

[jeffcas]

Given the choice of lighting, and wanting the greatest diversity of what the chosen lighting will be able to grow in a 120 gallon tank (48/; x 24" x 24"), which lighting would I be better off going with?

Nova Extreme T5's 8x54 W (bulb combination suggestions appreciated)

or;

Outer Orbit 150 W with four actinics

Thanks to all with advice.

Jeff

 

[Rick C]

I'd say that the 8 x 54w t5 would be better than the 150w mh. 150w isn't really a lot for a 120g tank. I think the optimal lighting choice would be 2 x 250w or 2 x 400w mh. Thats totally just my opinion though. See what other members with larger tanks have to say. Good luck.

 

[afboundguy]

T5's usually aren't powerfull enough to penetrate more than 18" of water. You could get away with the T5's but you'd have to keep SPS/clams up high in the rocks.

IMO I'd go with a couple of 250's with some T5 actinic supplement... But with that option you might have to get a chiller...

Also I would stray away from the Nova Extreme or any other fixture that doesn't have individual reflectors. The benefits of T5 are negated if you don't have individual reflectors...

 

[JayM]

I run 2x250 and 2 actinics on my 72....

but 8 36" T-5's on my 92.

Needless to say, the MH tank sees better growth.

As said above, avoid T-5 fixtures without individual reflectors

 

[jojo1n2]

outer orbit all the way. Its got the built in ballast. I agree with sp1813, you'll probably need at least 2 250's. I have the 2 150's over a 65g sps tank.