How would you light a 6ft tank?

[Magma]

Originally Posted by Myka

I hung my halides in a homemade canopy. There is also a Tek T5 retrofit kit mounted in there for actinics. Shown before painting (still haven't got around to that lol). I cut the front and added hinges so it opens up.
[IMG/]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k43/Myka82/Jan32011.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG/]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k43/Myka82/Jan320112.jpg[/IMG]

So how many MH bulbs do you have in that fixture and what wattage are the bulbs? 250?

Originally Posted by troni

the ai sol has been around since 2007.

well aware of that, also heard they are looking to launch a new unit this month called the Vegas, which is like a pro version of the SOL

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Magma

So how many MH bulbs do you have in that fixture and what wattage are the bulbs? 250?

My tank is 24" deep and is SPS dominant. They are 2-250 watt single end on electronic ballasts. For an LPS/softie tank I would suggest 150 watt for your 20" deep tank, but you would need three to span 6 feet. You would need to buy your lighting used in order to stay under $600. Most of my LPS do not like the 250 watt halides and have to be placed off to the sides and in the shade.

[Magma]

Originally Posted by Myka

My tank is 24" deep and is SPS dominant. They are 2-250 watt single end on electronic ballasts. For an LPS/softie tank I would suggest 150 watt for your 20" deep tank, but you would need three to span 6 feet. You would need to buy your lighting used in order to stay under $600. Most of my LPS do not like the 250 watt halides and have to be placed off to the sides and in the shade.

I was actually looking at getting something like this
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/AQUARIUM-META...#ht_842wt_1163

its 3 x 250w MH + 4x 54 watt T5 HO it rings in around 500$ now I know its not perfect but with upgraded bulbs and possibly new ballasts it should work great, I have a way to suspend them over the tank and can raise them or lower them to a height I need.

[Reef Supplies]

A light fixture on a 60" tank will be one of the most expensive accessories you will buy, choose wisely because even in used they are hard to sell in that size(should you ever want to sell).

I thought maybe you could go modular LED's like the ReefBrights but you are still looking at over $325 per 60" strip and you will need minimum 2. You next best bet would be T5's, maybe something like the 60 Inch 4x54 Watt AquaticLife, comes with bulbs. You'll be looking at about $550 + taxes and shipping (a 60" will be pricey on the shipping as well). We have these on backorder

Good luck with your purchase
Ray

[globaldesigns]

Hey there, as you know I have 2X 250W MH, with 2 5ft T5HO's

I would recommend doing what Myka has, using 2X 250W MH (3 if you really want lighting), and supplementing with some T5, then you can customize the actual lighting to your needs, and also get the benefits of the MH, like the shimmer.

I think key would be using good ballasts, and of course with good bulbs. Build your own fixture. I have seen many built, some ugly, but they do a great job of growing coral and lighting the tank nice. Just my 2 cents.

There are some good fixtures for sale all the time, you can also keep your eyes out for the deals.

[Magma]

Originally Posted by The Reefer

A light fixture on a 60" tank will be one of the most expensive accessories you will buy, choose wisely because even in used they are hard to sell in that size(should you ever want to sell).

I thought maybe you could go modular LED's like the ReefBrights but you are still looking at over $325 per 60" strip and you will need minimum 2. You next best bet would be T5's, maybe something like the 60 Inch 4x54 Watt AquaticLife, comes with bulbs. You'll be looking at about $550 + taxes and shipping (a 60" will be pricey on the shipping as well). We have these on backorder

Good luck with your purchase
Ray

thats all fine and dandy but my tank is 6ft not 60" which is 5ft I am looking for a 72" fixture.

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

Hey there, as you know I have 2X 250W MH, with 2 5ft T5HO's

I would recommend doing what Myka has, using 2X 250W MH (3 if you really want lighting), and supplementing with some T5, then you can customize the actual lighting to your needs, and also get the benefits of the MH, like the shimmer.

I think key would be using good ballasts, and of course with good bulbs. Build your own fixture. I have seen many built, some ugly, but they do a great job of growing coral and lighting the tank nice. Just my 2 cents.

There are some good fixtures for sale all the time, you can also keep your eyes out for the deals.

Yes after seeing your tank I want MH and probably 3 x 250W which is why im thinking maybe go with an ebay fixture and upgrade the bulbs to start then ballasts when I see fit.