T5 48" vs 60"

ColaAddict

ColaAddict

New member
I'm torn between 2 fixtures. Do you get more PAR with a 60" T5 8x80watt fixture vs a 48" T5 8x54 watt fixture? or will they emit the same PAR, say, if you use the same brand fixture and same brand T5's?
I don't know wether to keep my 48" tank as my reef tank or use my 72" tank as my reef tank with a 60" fixture.
 
Basically, I'm torn between a Tek light 60" fixture over a 72x24x24 tank VERSUS an ATI Powermodule 48" over a 48x24x20 tank.

I need help deciding which to make as my reef tank. It's going to be mostly SPS. I've never used T5's before. Will the active cooling of ATI really make a difference as to the lifespan of the bulbs, or will I still need to change bulbs around the 8month mark with either fixture?
 
You'd be able to grow sps under either light. The real decision isn't which light to pick but which tank you want as your reef. :)
As far as the life of the bulbs go, some people change every 6 months and some every 12 months. One way to know for sure is to test your par in the beginning and then test it at 6 months, then 8 months etc. until you see a noticable reduction. I don't think most people get this technical, though. I think most folks keep an eye on their growth and also on algae growth, which can increase as the lights get old.
 
BADGUS said:
The 60'' puts out more par,it also generates a ridiculous amount of heat.
Click to expand...

Tek lights don't put out more par then ati power module.

Go with the bigger tank you always want a bigger tank . Regular teks dont have fans I think the elite does. Any of those fixtures can keep sps in either tank.
 
It really depends what size tank you want for your reef.Both fixtures will be fine with SPS.Just remember going with a bigger tank also carries higher cost of running it.Not only bulbs,but most likely you will need bigger skimmer,lot more salt for WC,2 part CA and ALK, electricity cost,etc.. Personally I was going to upgrade my 48x24x24 tank,but decided against it because of all those factors.My favorite would be to run ATI 48in.fixture on 60x30x24 tank.
 
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