Wanna build a MH & T5 fixture. Any sites with plans??

[wienerdog]

I wanna build a fixture for my 90g. My parameters are perfect. I lack sufficient lighting for any LPS or SPS. I have a 6 bulb T5 fixture right now. Would like to know if there are any sites with directions or plans. Or do you guys have any personal insight.

 

[downbeach]

I wanna build a fixture for my 90g. My parameters are perfect. I lack sufficient lighting for any LPS or SPS. I have a 6 bulb T5 fixture right now. Would like to know if there are any sites with directions or plans. Or do you guys have any personal insight.

LED's

 

[wienerdog]

OK...is there a thread or specific site?

 

[downbeach]

OK...is there a thread or specific site?

There has been a lot of chatter about LED's lately, so there are a few threads, and a lot of conversations and opinions. Here's a few:

http://www.njreefers.org/showthread...ED-Fixture-151-8.99-Shipping&highlight=pissed
http://www.njreefers.org/showthread.php?74469-I-want-to-upgrade-to-LED-have-a-few-s&highlight=pissed
http://www.njreefers.org/showthread.php?74810-Which-led-fixture-do-I-go-with....&highlight=pissed
http://www.njreefers.org/showthread.php?74668-Lighting-a-SPS-heavy-75G&highlight=pissed

Or if you are really a DIYer, you could start here, and do some googling.
http://reefledlights.com/how-to-diy-led/

But keep in mind you can buy a real no nonsense, no frills fixture for less than $200.00

 

[JRWOHLER]

I would like to point out that I have SPS, LPS and Clams all under T5. Assume you have a 6x54 watt system that should be plenty.

 

[mnat]

I agree with JR, I have always had success with t5s and think they are great. My 45 cube has had a 5 bulb fixture over it with SPS and nems and have never had a problem, you just have to be more conscious with where you put the corals.

 

[wienerdog]

So 6x54 w's on a 90g is sufficient for SPS? If so, I'll give it a shot. I'll place them high. Maybe I'll start with some LPS first.

 

[JRWOHLER]

Yes, I would suggest one thing to make your life better. Have good bulbs. I sound like a broken record but it makes a ton of difference.
You probably want to pick at least 4 of the following ATI Blue Plus, UVL Aquasun, and GE 6500K daylight for the simple reason is they are the three best bulbs for PAR. Nice thing is ATI is really blue. Then the other two you can pick from purple, actinic or another ATI bulb.

I have my SPS towards the top, my RBTA is in the middle, my LPS everywhere from middle down to the sand, and my two clams are on the sandbed. I have a derasa and maxima. Have the derasa for 3 years the maxima for 2, the derasa is now about 8 inches and weighs a ton. Maxima is smaller. Softies are just about everywhere. So that is as mixed a reef as you can get, my biggest problem is size of my SPS colonies at this point, well that and a bit of PITA hair algae. So don't worry you are set, your lighting is sufficient depending on bulbs you might want to upgrade what you have, otherwise good to go with maybe some consideration on placement.

 

[wienerdog]

Yes, I would suggest one thing to make your life better. Have good bulbs. I sound like a broken record but it makes a ton of difference.
You probably want to pick at least 4 of the following ATI Blue Plus, UVL Aquasun, and GE 6500K daylight for the simple reason is they are the three best bulbs for PAR. Nice thing is ATI is really blue. Then the other two you can pick from purple, actinic or another ATI bulb.

I have my SPS towards the top, my RBTA is in the middle, my LPS everywhere from middle down to the sand, and my two clams are on the sandbed. I have a derasa and maxima. Have the derasa for 3 years the maxima for 2, the derasa is now about 8 inches and weighs a ton. Maxima is smaller. Softies are just about everywhere. So that is as mixed a reef as you can get, my biggest problem is size of my SPS colonies at this point, well that and a bit of PITA hair algae. So don't worry you are set, your lighting is sufficient depending on bulbs you might want to upgrade what you have, otherwise good to go with maybe some consideration on placement.

Thanks! Just wrote down your suggested bulbs and am headin out to get them first.

 

[JRWOHLER]

Glad to help. Bulb choice all depends on what you like as far looks...but those are good bulbs you cannot go wrong.