Change of lighting for prop tank. Opinions please.

[CAReefer]

I need to replace the bulbs over my Prop tank. 48x48x12. Currently running 2 250 watt DE Phoenix 14k's in the RO III reflectors. I don't get the desired spread with the reflectors and want to change. I have a dual SLS mag ballast and a 660 IceCap Flourescent ballast. I don't need absolute coverage but would like at least 3x3. I think the cost would be relatively the same, maybe a little more for the T5's but should pay for themselves in electricity/heat savings.Here are my thoughts.

Going with a dual SE reflector. Growzilla from Hydrofarms and running a 10k and a radium.

Going strictly T5's on the IceCap ballast. I could do a retro kit as the tank is in the garage with no canopy. How many 36" T5's will the 660 run and how many bulbs would I need. Is this overdriving the bulbs? What combination of bulbs for color and growth?

Thanks for any thoughts.
Marshal

[GTR]

I'm running 12" deep tanks as well. To be honest I get good growth and color from 3 VHO over these 12" wide tanks. I'm pulling MH off another tank soon and going with some T-5 just to try I think it'll be two Ice Cap 430 ballasts and four 4' T-5's staggered to cover 66". I've got the MH on these tanks about 20" off the surface, any lower and they all turn white.

SteveU

[moonpod]

use 4' T5s. Mount 'em to shelving and then mount the shelving somehow (I've done it before--cheap and easy). A 660 will run 4 bulbs period. Length doesn't matter (well ok it'll only run 3 of the 5' bulbs).

[GTR]

Chuck... Icecap only make reflectors for 4 foot bulbs. Are the one SLS makes as good... have you heard?

Also... is there any place that shows par ratings for T5 HO and T12 VHO

SteveU

[moonpod]

10% difference between the IC and the SLS--follows the logic that the IC is slightly wider than the SLS. The other thing is that the ICs are easier to keep clean. The SLS reflectors "stain".

I think SLS had a study done off the record by Dana Riddle. He compared T5HO with reflectors and T12 and PC with parabolics. T5HO was the best and had the best penetration. I do not know the relative values however.