lighting thoughts about larger reef tank

[steve fedyk]

I thinking about building a reef tank about 48"x96" or 48"x120". No deeper than 30", with soft and stony coarls. I been thinking of 250HQi MH or 400w mougle base MH. I have read about PFO LEDS light but not sure about them at this point. I would like some input on some lighting ideas. thankx

[mark]

Have a smaller tank so can't give any first hand experience but might want to look at the lighting strategies of untamed (http://216.187.96.54/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=28436), the tanks on Large Reef Tank forum on RC (http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=252), or Oregonreef (http://www.oregonreef.com/sub_lighting.htm).

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Was just discussing this type of scenario with some reefing friends. If the "look" of the lighting system is not an issue and you want to grow high light sps, I would say that 400w moguls give the most light. 250w HQI double endeds are nice and sleek, but moguls (though an older technology), give a better spread and you can place one every two feet since each (in a proper pendant reflector) should cover a 2' by 2' surface area. I would also supplement the MH with VHO strips with good reflectors. Not crazy about PC actinics & many of us like the look & performance of VHO super actinics (perhaps mixed with some Daylight VHO bulbs too for enhanced growth). Whatever lighting setup you choose, be prepared for the "BIG" price tag it will come with. If you go with pendants, you're looking at 8 for a 96" by 48" surface area & maybe more for the 120" by 48". Hope you own your own oil company:twised:

Also, be prepared for a massive jump in your electricity bill.

Anthony

[mseepman]

Here is a link to a tank thread where the guy has the Solaris lights. I think you will find it an interesting read.

http://www.reefaquariumguide.com/forum/member-tanks/101203-chucks-150-gallon-reef-project.html

[untamed]

I went with 6 x 250W MH with T5 supplement, mainly due to the high cost of the LEDs.

....but I did so fully expecting that I will probably replace with LEDs at some point in time. Even while I was building, PFO announced 2 improved models.

[untamed]

I'm excited to hear about this, especially since you are so close to me! 120"L x 48"W....

[Black Phantom]

I was a firm believer of MH bulbs until I saw the tank of the month on Reef Central www.reefcentral.com He is running T5s on that amazing tank.
Makes you sort of wonder why we have been spending the big bucks :lol:

[mark]

Makes you sort of wonder why we have been spending the big bucks :lol:

It is a beautiful tank but not like a couple of dozen of T5s are pocket change.

[michika]

T5s are quite expensive, even more in initital set up cost then MHs. I would really love to try them out on a tank at some time in the future, but the cost is just above and beyond.

[steve fedyk]

I was thinking of t5 in between the MH. I like what Untamed has done with his lighting, the combo lights. If I go with the 120" tank, I would like to run 8x250HQI and 3 sets of 4 t5 or VHO between them. Not sure what to run for K number. Right now I have 10000K and 20000K VHO's with two 250w HQI 13000K and I like the way I looks right now. The two led night lights are great for night viewing.

[untamed]

I still working toward adding moonlights. It would have been nice to get them included in my fixtures....