Re: [GSAS-Member] AH Supply 4x96 Bright Kit Versus Aquticlife T5 High Output 72" Lighting System

[Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com>]

On Wed, 11 Nov 2009, Jeff wrote:

> aquarium had thick dark green algae); My question is this: Are the AH supply
> setups that much better than say the aquaticlife or marineland setups? AH
> makes some pretty bold claims on their website ie "2.5 times more light";

A good reflector can make a significant difference in the amount of light 
that eventually reaches your plants, as opposed to getting absorbed by the 
lid or sides.  And AH Supply's reflectors are very good.  Some other 
setups use a "square"-ish reflector that is not very efficient.

About the only thing that will beat an AH Supply setup is a linear T5HO 
with good reflector.

> Are metal halide lights really necessary or are they overkill? It is a
> community aquarium so I want my fish to look their best as well as the
> plants;

MH is just another type of lighting.  It has its own set of advantages and 
disadvantages.  It's all about how much lighting you have.  So the 
question might be more appropriate: Is 4 watts per gallon overkill?  How 
'bout 8? :)

   - Erik

-- 
Erik Olson                                                        Sent from my 
crusty old Linux box
erik at thekrib dot com
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